Things to Think About When Raising a Puppy

Puppies are energetic little bundles of joy that are often fascinated by their surroundings. Life with a puppy is similar to life with a human child in that you'll need a lot of patience to keep your puppy out of mischief, teach him proper conduct, and teach him about the world in a safe manner.

The good news is that pups are known for sleeping a lot; however, they don't always sleep through the night, and your puppy may wake the house up whining and barking to indicate his dissatisfaction with being left alone. Puppies are also compelled to chew a lot as their adult teeth emerge so that you might find the doggy equivalent of a teething ring in your living room rug, couch, beloved pair of shoes, or even your hand.

It's crucial to remember that the art of raising a puppy is a temporary responsibility if you grow irritated with your new pet. By the time he reaches his first birthday, he'll have outgrown most of his puppy characteristics and settled into adulthood.

If you have acquired a puppy or are about to go pick up your new bundle of joy, you must be prepared for the new responsibility that comes with a new life. This entails devoting time from your busy schedule to his requirements. So, if you're thinking of getting a puppy, do so when you have time off work or can work from home to be with him. You'll be able to let him out to do his business on a more regular basis as a result of this., as well as monitor any behaviors he may try to engage in while you're away.

Prepare your financial situation.

The cost of unforeseen veterinarian appointments for injury or illness is one area that many new pet owners overlook. Having a budget set aside for this is a good idea, and purchasing health insurance for your dog will help you prepare for and pay for any care that your new best friend may require.

Investigate Dog Breeds

Before contacting breeders or visiting rescues, think about your family, lifestyle, and what type of dog would be the most excellent fit for you. We've compiled a list of the finest dog breeds for apartment residents if you live in one. If you have children, you might wish to choose a well-suited breed for family life. Do you or someone in your family seem to be getting older? Many wonderful breeds are well-suited to life with an older adult.

If you have allergies, it does not rule out the possibility of owning a dog. Some allergy patients prefer breeds with hair rather than fur. While a completely hypoallergenic dog may not exist, a truly hypoallergenic dog, a non-shedding dog may be a good choice for your family, depending on the specific reason for the allergic reaction.

If your family is very active and enjoys being outside, you should consider an active breed. On the other hand, consider adopting a senior dog instead of a puppy if you want to watch Netflix and relax on the couch. Living with an old dog has a lot of unexpected benefits.

Are you looking for a specific breed? You may quickly learn about some of the most popular breeds' personalities, advantages, and disadvantages. The American Kennel Club or the breed-specific clubs connected there can provide information on breed standards, character, and health.

Is it better to be a pure-bred or a rescue dog?

It's a very personal decision whether you're devoted to #adoptdontshop, or you're seeking a specific breed and want to buy a puppy from a breeder. If you're prepared to be patient and persistent, you can locate practically any breed you're looking for through a rescue. If you intend to show, compete, or work with your dog in any manner, you may want to buy from a breeder so you can learn more about your dog's background and pedigree.

Whatever you choose, be sure you do your homework. Not all breeders or rescue organizations are trustworthy. Despite the efforts of many animal activists and humane law enforcement authorities to close them down, puppy mills still exist across the country. Finding your perfect dog at a shelter or rescue is a fantastic option for various reasons.

Making Your Home Puppy-Proof

Because it's impossible to keep an eye on your energetic, curious puppy at all times, it's crucial to prepare your home before letting him go. Secure electrical cords and keep potentially hazardous plants or substances out of reaches, such as cleaning materials and insecticides. Crawling through your house to acquire a puppy's perspective on his surroundings is a bright idea. Remove any items he might be tempted to chew or ingest and seal any vents, pet doors, or other openings that could lead to him becoming lost or stranded. This will not only keep him safe, but it will also calm your nerves about your new puppy getting lost.

As soon as you get your puppy home, you'll need to start house training him. Prepare the crate if you wish to crate train him. Line it with blankets or a dog bed to make it more comfortable, but make sure it's big enough for him to stand up, turn around, and lie down. Allow him to gradually become familiar with the crate by leaving the door open and allowing him to explore it on his own. You can entice him in by putting a toy or a few bites of food in front of him. If he is comfortable going into the crate, it will make training easier for both of you.

Prepare a tiny place, such as a powder room or a corner of a kitchen or laundry room, where he can be contained and kept away from other dogs and small children if you don't want to use a crate, Include a dog bed, his food and water dishes, and a toy or two, as well as some puppy training pads, to catch any accidents. This will be his home base, a safe place where he can gradually be exposed to the other members of your family, and where he may go if he gets overwhelmed or needs a break.

You'll Need the Following Supplies.

• To keep your puppy happy and healthy, you'll need to stock up on a variety of items.
• Typical kitchen bowls are not safe for hyperactive puppies' food and drink.
• Healthy dog treats and high-quality puppy food
• Water that is both fresh and pure
• An ID-enabled collar
• For walking him, you'll need a leash and potentially a dog harness (this comes in handy when leash training your pup)
• a dog carrier or a crate
• A canine bed
• a comb or brush for your dog
• Shampoo that is suitable for puppies
• Nail clippers
• Toothbrush for dogs and toothpaste that is safe for dogs
• Toys that are safe for puppies
• Bags for poo (you can also recycle used grocery bags or sandwich bags)
• When you travel, store his essentials in a travel bag.
• (Unless you're the first puppy parent to never have an accident in the house; kudos if that's the case!) Pet-safe home cleaner

Nutrition for Puppies

Puppies and adult dogs have varying food and energy requirements. Look for a high-quality puppy food that has been mainly prepared to help your dog grow and thrive. The right amount of food to eat is determined by characteristics such as age, size, and breed. Consult your veterinarian about how much and how often to feed your puppy.

For some tiny breeds, free-feeding newborn puppies are the best way to guarantee they get enough nutrients. Between the ages of nine and twelve months, toy and tiny breed dogs acquire physical maturity faster than larger breeds and can be moved to adult dog food and adult-sized portions.

Larger breeds can take up to two years to reach physical maturity, and during that period, they should be fed a puppy formula. They should also be fed many meals each day in controlled portions to avoid issues such as stomach bloating and protein or calcium buildup, which can contribute to hip dysplasia. For a larger breed dog, a structured feeding regimen would look like this:

• When you're six to twelve weeks old, you should eat four times a day.
• Three meals each day for children aged three to six months.
• From six months forward, two meals per day are recommended.

Socialization and Training

It's crucial to be patient with your pup and use positive reinforcement to generate pleasurable associations with proper behavior during house training and setting the standards of appropriate conduct. It's usually preferable to ignore undesired behavior or give your dog a simple but firm "no." Never strike or yell at your dog; this will confuse him and make him afraid and uncomfortable when he exhibits bad behavior; attempt to redirect him to something more positive. If he's chewing on something, he shouldn't, for example, turn him to one of his toys. Consider enrolling him in an obedience lesson as soon as he is old enough. This will not only educate him on how to behave, but it will also aid in socialization and equip you with the knowledge necessary to train him properly.

Socialization is an effective and integral part of the complete puppy raising guide. To mature into a well-adjusted dog, he has to be introduced to as many new people, places, experiences, and circumstances as possible. While you should wait until your puppy has had all of his vaccines before putting him out in public or allowing him to interact with other animals, you may begin socializing him right away by just playing with him and exposing him to new people, sights, noises, smells, and textures.

The Health of Your Puppy

Scheduling a wellness appointment with a veterinarian is one of the first things you should do after obtaining your new puppy. Ask around if you don't already have a veterinarian. Your relatives, friends, and coworkers will almost certainly be able to offer you numerous references.

At his first session, your veterinarian will examine your puppy for any health issues or parasites and will most likely recommend a parasite management regimen for fleas, ticks, and heartworms. She'll also set up a vaccine regimen for him and tell you when to neuter him, which can help lower the chance of health and behavioral issues as he gets older.

Your veterinarian can also address any questions or concerns regarding care for your dog, such as what kind of food to feed him and how much. Your veterinarian or veterinary assistant can also advise you on puppy care, such as tooth brushing and nail clipping, and even demonstrate how to do it properly.

You can try to schedule his 6-month vet visit while you're there. This veterinarian will use this appointment to check on your puppy's growth and progress to ensure that everything is in good health. They can even start giving you advice on preparing for the adolescent stage, which can be difficult for pet parents as their puppies reach sexual maturity. This is also an excellent time to discuss what to expect as your puppy matures into an adult.

Puppy Games

Puppies require attention and activity in addition to training and overall health. The good news is that walking around the block, jogging around the neighborhood, or going to the dog park isn't always necessary. Playing with your dog is frequently enough exercise to keep him healthy while strengthening your bond. Games like fetch, tug-of-war and hide-and-seek can all be done at home to help him release any pent-up energy he may have accumulated from being home alone all day. You can also take him for a stroll or let him run about in your backyard, set aside 15-30 minutes each day to play with him.

Grooming

Grooming is required for all dogs, even those requiring a trim every few weeks. It will be much easier for you if you begin brushing your puppy while still young. Trimmings, brushing his coat teeth, trimming his nails, and bathing him is all part of grooming. You can certainly pay a professional groomer for a haircut or go to the doctor for nail trimming, but you'll want to train your dog to remain still while you groom him. Introduce him to the sensation of a brush in his fur; this is especially important for canines with a lot of shedding or who are prone to matting. Bathing your puppy can be a task in and of itself, so bring lots of towels (and clothes you don't mind getting wet in) and ease him into the shampoo and water. This technique will become easier as he becomes more comfortable. Finally, while cleaning your dog's teeth may seem unusual to some pet owners, it can help protect your dog's mouth. Here are some suggestions for getting your puppy used to having his teeth brushed by you.

Puppy Insurance 

Many pet parents choose to insure their dogs' health. There are numerous providers and plans from which to pick. Your plan's pricing and coverage may vary greatly depending on your pup's breed and health. Most insurance policies only cover emergencies, leaving you responsible for routine treatment such as wellness examinations, flea, tick, heartworm prevention, and vaccines. Another thing to keep in mind when determining what your plan will and will not cover is that no plan covers pre-existing conditions. Any injury or treatment that needs to be connected to these conditions will not be covered if you rescue a dog with a history of tumors or an ACL rupture.

Finances are the last thing you want to think about in an emergency or when your pet isn't doing well. Having a comprehensive insurance plan will ease stress and financial strain. Some plans also include dental work for dogs, which can be costly since doggy dental operations, such as routine cleaning, must be performed under anesthetic. Before you buy, please do some research and understand more about the various sorts of plans and what they cover and don't cover!

 How to Socialize and Train

If you have children, you understand how vital it is to teach them how to use their manners and how things function. The same can be said for your new pet. Your puppy will need to figure out where they eat, sleeps, and go to the toilet. They will also need to learn proper behavior while interacting with people, other dogs, and possibly other animals such as cats.

Behavior disorders resulting from fear and a lack of confidence in navigating new experiences can also be avoided with good, regular positive training, and socialization.

To help your puppy become a well-behaved dog, you'll need a strategy and to put in some effort. From teaching the basics like sit and stay to solving undesirable behaviors like demand barking and chewing, you'll need a plan and to put in some effort.

If you've decided that particular pieces of furniture will be dog-free, establishing that boundary early and sticking to it will help you succeed.

Remember that puppies have short attention spans, so training sessions should only last around 5 minutes at first, and you should do a few each day.

Teach your dog how to use a crate and walk on a leash.

These are two of the most crucial things to start with. You want your puppy to feel secure in his crate so that he may relax while you run errands, go to work, or even cook dinner. If your puppy is terrified, stressed, or upset, it may bark, cry, or try to dig its way out of the crate. Digging or chewing can be dangerous, and all-day barking can be annoying! Begin with brief sessions in the crate, rewarding excellent behavior with pets, cuddles, and yummy treats.

While it may be tempting to give your dog a soft toy or bone while they're in their crate, don't since stuffed toys and bones can cause choking or obstruction if ingested. While you're gone, offer your dog a Kong (or something similar) filled with peanut butter or cream cheese to chew on.

Another vital skill for your puppy to learn straight away is how to walk on a leash. This is crucial for your protection. You don't want your puppy to learn that dragging you up to another dog is acceptable, as this can lead to difficulties later, especially if the other dog isn't fond of puppies in his face! Skills like walking alongside you, not pulling, and even sitting on street corners will come in handy for city pups. You'll also want to practice recall abilities so that if your dog ever gets off-leash or attempts to run away, you'll be able to quickly and safely bring them back. If you're not sure how to educate your dog to walk correctly, get a professional!

Expose your Puppy

Meeting other dogs and learning to play are only two aspects of socialization. You'll want to expose your dog to as many different people as possible. This includes youngsters (never leave your puppy alone with a child), the elderly, people with unusual hairstyles, people wearing scarves or jackets, and even those using crutches or wheelchairs if you know any! Your puppy will benefit significantly from learning how to greet all people properly. You can train your puppy to sit politely for pets if you wish, but it's entirely up to you. This might not be the best option for a tiny dog because it makes it more difficult to bend down and pet them.

When socializing, it's crucial to advocate for your puppy; if you show signs of being fearful, You should offer them a rest if they are fatigued or uncomfortable. If someone offers to pet your dog and they aren't interested or have had enough, you can say no.

It would help if you also socialized the puppy with surfaces and items, in addition to people. One example is learning to walk on different types of flooring, such as hardwood or carpet, or even up and down stairs or a ramp. You should also expose your puppy to dirt, grass, pavements, and other locations such as the veterinarian, groomer, sitter's home, or even their "grandparents."

Toys, bicycles, skateboards, autos, and various forms of collars, leashes, and harnesses can all be used for object socialization.

The more people, places, and activities you can introduce your puppy to, the more confident they will become when confronted with new situations. Keep in mind that you should only bring your pet to areas where they are welcome. The majority of retail shops, movie theaters, and restaurants exclusively allow service dogs. Many urban shops allow pets, so ask before bringing your puppy in if you're unsure. Many pet-friendly establishments and bank branches keep snacks on hand; we're sure your puppy will figure it out quickly!

The art of raising a puppy is not an easy undertaking, but it is a rewarding adventure as you form a profound link with your dog that will last his entire life. With a little more effort and care, you can turn your rambunctious poodle into a fun-loving gentleman who will make all of the action put into his development worthwhile.