4 Essential Tips to Follow When Bringing a Puppy Home

<a></a>4 Essential Tips to Follow When Bringing a Puppy Home

There is nothing more exciting than bringing a puppy home. The joy and companionship the pup brings are unmatched and you’ll fall in love with it in no time.

As a new pup owner, you must understand that you need to dedicate a lot of time and commitment to the puppy. Otherwise, it will feel neglected and develop bad habits, which is something you want to avoid. Let’s look at how you can ensure your puppy has a healthy environment and easily adapts to its new home with these 4 essentials tips when bringing home a new puppy.

Getting a puppy, puppy daycare

1. Taking it home

The ride home will make the puppy anxious and nervous. Use this time to bond with your puppy. If you can, have someone else drive and keep the pup in your lap, try to make it as comfortable as possible. There may be times when anxiety kicks in and the pup starts to bark, but calm it down by petting it. Be patient and remain calm throughout the ride home, so you don’t add to the anxiety of your new pup.

2. Have your house ready

Bringing a puppy home requires you puppy-proof your home beforehand. This will protect your belongings and keep the pup from getting hurt.

Start by stowing away all items that can easily be chewed. You need to tuck away electric wires, underneath and behind furniture, so the pup has no way of accessing them. Your home is like an open playground for them and they will touch and chew anything they come across. Make sure you put away all valuable things that could potentially harm the puppy if it came into contact with it.

The second part of preparing a home when bringing a puppy home is having the right supplies. You need to prepare as if you were bringing a baby home. The puppy has specific needs, therefore, you need the following items:

  • A dog bed: This will ensure the puppy sleeps comfortably. You can place the bed in your room to start and then as it grows, move it out into a bigger space.
  • Dog food: Get food appropriate for the age that is approved by the American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), so you know it provides optimal nutrition.
  • Bowls: Feeding and drinking bowls are a must, you can find them in ceramic and stainless steel.
  • Toys: Chew and play toys will keep your pup busy. Make sure the toys are big enough so the pup doesn’t end up swallowing them.
  • Collar and leash: The puppy must get used to both early on.
  • Grooming items: Brush, comb, and dog shampoo
  • Cleaning supplies: Gloves, disinfectant, and disposable paper.

Taking all safety measures and buying the essential items listed above will have your home prepped for the new addition.

3. Get ready to dedicate extra time to the puppy

Young puppies require a lot of attention and it can be difficult to grant them that with how busy we get. Therefore, you need to sit and plan out your day so you can dedicate proper time to the pup. Proper time means giving it all your attention, so put away your phone. This will help you bond with it and also make the transition for the puppy to its new home.

Not providing adequate attention when bringing a puppy home will only make it act out. The lack of attention makes the puppy more prone to develop bad habits, growing anxiety, and adopting a destructive nature. Your time, love, and affection will limit such behaviors.

4. Line up a vet

Don’t wait until after bringing a puppy home to line up with a vet, do your research beforehand. Look for options locally and don’t just settle for the closest one. Search reviews online and ask them about the shot schedule, parasite control, and deworming to determine the services they offer and their expertise. Settle on the one you are most comfortable with.

pee pads, bringing home a new puppy

Bringing A Puppy Home

Don’t let the excitement of bringing a puppy home deter your commitment to ensuring that you and your home are ready for the new addition. Buying the right supplies, dedicating time, and having a vet lined up are essential to optimal puppy care. So, whether you just brought a puppy home or plan on getting one, make sure to follow our tips to make the transition to your home a smooth process for your new pup.

Puppy Independence: 3 Steps to Make Your Puppy More Independent

Puppy Independence: 3 Steps to Make Your Puppy More Independent

Do you have a puppy that constantly follows you around the home? Does it get anxious every time you leave your home? Puppies are dependent beings, and when it comes to puppy independence, it is something that takes time. So, before you bring a puppy home, you must understand that it will require attention initially.

Individuals that work full-time may need to take some time off after bringing a puppy home. A puppy, like a baby, will not be independent at first. You must work on developing puppy independence and that requires training the puppy to be alone. We recommend you take around two weeks off if you can. During that period, here are some things you can do to promote puppy independence.

Crate training my puppy, Puppy independence

Step 1: Create a space for your puppy in your home for alone time

Like humans, puppies need a space to call their own. Somewhere they can go, relax, and do as they please. You should allocate such a space within your home for your pup. You don’t necessarily need to allocate a whole room, it can be a cordoned-off corner within a room.

The space will also ensure that the puppy is not following you around all day long. The time a puppy spends in its space will generally be on its own, building your pup’s independence. But it will take some time for the pup to understand that the space is his or hers. It will also require you to make an effort and take it to the area until it develops an understanding that the space is his or her’s.

Step 2: Spend time away from the puppy but in intervals

A new pup will likely always want to be around you. It needs love and attention. Most new dog owners provide their pup with all the attention it wants, which makes it difficult for the puppy to become independent.

You need to find the right mix of attention and independence. When you spend some time with the pup, spend an equal time away from it. This may seem hard, and it will be at first because the pup will likely not want to leave your side. But, within a few days, it will get easier as the puppy starts to develop its independence.

For those that have trouble leaving their puppy alone during the day, crate training at night is another option. This means you have the dog sleep in a crate at night on its own. Don’t think of this as imprisoning your dog, think of this as creating a boundary so it understands that it can be okay on its own. Just make sure you buy a crate that is big and comfortable enough for your pup.

Step 3: Buy toys to keep it entertained during alone time

A puppy will have no problem being on its own if you have the right toys to keep it entertained. Toys will keep it busy and there will be no need for them to follow you around for entertainment. Something as simple as a durable chew toy or a ball works. You also have the option of getting an interactive toy or something that moves. The puppy will chase the toy around the house while having a lot of fun. 

With time the puppy will automatically play with the toy during alone time. So, you may go out and do as you please without worrying about the pup being anxious and waiting for you to come home. 

Puppy Care, Puppy Independence

Enjoy Your Puppy Independence

There is no one sure way toward puppy independence. However, the three steps mentioned above are tried and tested. Many puppies have become more independent when their owners adopted these methods. 

The road to puppy independence is not the same for every dog. Some tend to be more stubborn and dependent than others. But as an owner, you need to give it time and stick to the routine. With time your puppy will learn to be independent. 

5 Essential Tips On How To Stop Your Puppy’s Biting Habit

5 Essential Tips On How To Stop Your Puppy’s Biting Habit

One of the most common questions new puppy owners have is, how to stop puppy biting. Puppies are playful and for most of them biting starts when they have nothing better to do. 

Biting is a way that most dogs interact with the world. It helps them discover what is around them. Unlike humans, they can’t pick up items with their paws. So, they use their mouths instead. Puppy biting is normal and all dogs do it. 

You don’t need to be a dog whisperer when it comes to how to stop puppy biting. There are simple tips all dog owners can use and we have them for you.

Getting A Puppy, Puppy Biting

Tip 1: Train It

It is common for puppies to start biting when they are bored. As soon as you notice the puppy biting something, take the opportunity to train it. By training we mean work on its behavior and give the pup commands such as sit, stay, lay down, and so on. You will need some treats to offer the puppy as a form of incentive when they act correctly on a command.

Training is great for mental stimulation, keeping your pup busy and preventing it from biting things. Training should be the first step when it comes to how to stop puppy biting. 

Tip 2: Keep It Active 

Dogs of all ages love to go out and exercise. Keeping a puppy active and busy through exercise helps eliminate all types of bad behavior, including biting. By taking it out for a jog, playing fetch, or tug, you provide mental and physical stimulation. Ultimately, making the puppy happy.

The amount of exercise per day depends on the breed and age of the puppy. We recommend you take it out twice a day for about 10-20 minutes for the first 12 months. Don’t overdo it though because excess exercise may result in joint problems later on. 

Tip 3: Introduce Tug Of War

Tug of war is a simple yet effective game when you want to stop puppy biting. It essentially teaches your dog what it can and can’t bite on. You can take any thick rope for the puppy to bite and pull while you tug at the other end. 

If you can’t find a rope, you can make use of a chew toy. If in the process of the game the puppy starts to bite you or something else, give it a firm “no” command. This will help them understand what they can bite and what they can’t, which is important when it comes to how to stop puppy biting. 

Tip 4: Stop Playing When They Bite

There will be times when the puppy bites you during playtime. If this ever happens let them know that the behavior is not acceptable and stop playing with them altogether. Consider this as positive punishment, since it aids in changing unwanted, bad behavior in the puppy. 

Tip 5: Give It A Timeout

Similar to giving your puppy a treat for good behavior, you can give it a timeout for bad. You don’t have to shout or scold it, just leave it in a room for 5 to 10 minutes when it starts so bite. This will help it understand that biting is bad behavior. 

You have to be consistent with timeouts. The moment the puppy bites, you need to take action. Inconsistency will send a mixed message and your puppy will likely not learn to stop biting. 

When Do Puppies Stop Biting?

Puppies usually bite between the age of 3 to 6 months. It can be longer if you don’t take the right measures to curb the behavior. At times puppy owners do all they can to stop them from biting but to no avail. Remember that behaviors vary from breed to breed and also depend on the environment. So, keep at it, and your dog will stop biting. 

Puppy Toys, Stop Puppy Biting

Conclusion On How To Stop Puppy Biting

As puppies grow, they all go through a “biting” phase. So, you don’t need to be alarmed when you notice your puppy doing it. You do need to take action to stop the behavior before it is too late. The tips we’ve mentioned on how to stop puppy biting should help you do that. Just remember to be patient throughout the process. Your puppy won’t change in a day, it will take a lot of time and effort from your end. 

Puppy Tips for the First Week: 4 Tips For When You Bring a Puppy Home

Puppy Tips for the First Week: 4 Tips For When You Bring a Puppy Home

The joy and excitement of bringing a puppy home are like no other, but are you aware of the puppy tips for the first week to ensure proper care? There is more to just bringing a puppy home. You need to make sure that you and your home are ready for the new addition. 

Our puppy tips for the first week should help you prep yourself. So, let’s dive right into them. 

How to potty train your puppy, puppy first week

Tip 1: Make your home puppy-proof

The first puppy tips for the first week covers the basics of preparing your home for the new addition. You can start with the following:

  • Puppies will chew anything and everything. So, you can start with storing any items that you don’t want them to chew. You will need to hide all electrical cables behind furniture or cover them. Puppies love to chew at wires, so you don’t want to leave any out in the open. 
  • If there are certain rooms you want to block access to so the puppy doesn’t pee or poop in them, you need to do that before you bring it home. You can get plastic fences or just lock the door to the room.
  • Cleaning supplies and other harmful chemicals should be stored in high cabinets. 
  • Make sure all your medication is properly stored, and never leave them out in the open. 
  • Put a lock on all your doors and windows and ensure they are closed properly. 
  • Don’t leave the trash can out in the open, puppies will try to rummage through it. Not only will that leave a mess, but it can lead to health problems for the pup. 
  • If you have any poisonous plants, move them outside. 

Tip 2: Buy supplies for the puppy

The second puppy tips for the first week covers supplies your puppy would need. These items should make the transition to your home a lot easier for the puppy. Your new puppy checklist of items should include the following:

  • A dog bed, you may even want two. The second one is a backup when you need to wash the first one. 
  • Bowls for food and water, we recommend you go with ceramic or stainless steel options.
  • Toys, you want toys that are big enough that the puppy can’t swallow. Get chewable stuffed toys, balls, and any other toy you like to keep the puppy entertained. 
  • Food, the product should be approved by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Which means it is complete and balanced for your puppy’s nutrition. 
  • Collar and leash, so you can take it out.
  • Brush and comb, for grooming purposes. 
  • Crate, to help with potty training
  • Cleaning supplies, disinfectants, gloves, and disposable paper. 

Tip 3: Find a vet near you

The next puppy tips for the first week is identifying a vet you trust near you. You don’t want to take your puppy to just anyone. You want a clinic that is aware of your pup’s needs and schedules shots, parasite control, and deworming. Therefore, look online for vets near you and contact them. Ask about the services they provide, if they have an emergency clinic and their costs. Pick the one you feel most comfortable with. Also, before making a decision, be sure to check their reviews online. 

Tip 4: The ultimate puppy tip for the first week: Be patient

Like babies, puppies take time to develop. This means you will need to take time to train it and be patient during the process. Many new owners tend to get frustrated when puppies don’t understand their commands or when they find out they are not potty trained. You will need to spend the first few weeks with the pup potty and command training. 

Don’t overdo it though. Training takes time and you don’t want to tire the pup out by constantly giving it commands or forcing it to do something it doesn’t want. All that will do is frustrate it. 

puppy tips for the first week, new puppy checklist

Final thought

You and your home are both new for a puppy. You want to make it feel as comfortable as possible, so it adapts to both easily. More often than not, that will take time. You can make the process easier by puppy-proofing your home and buying the supplies we have mentioned. Our puppy tips for the first week should have your puppy making your home its own in no time. 

Why Mental and Physical Stimulation is Important for a Pup That Goes to Puppy Daycare

Why Mental and Physical Stimulation is Important for a Pup That Goes to Puppy Daycare

The phenomenon of puppy daycare has caught on. You find tons of daycares in cities around the U.S. The purpose of such facilities is to allow dog owners to go to work and do other daily activities knowing that their puppy is in good hands. 

While daycares may provide surveillance and care for your dog while you are away, they may also have negative effects on them, such as:

  • Being around too many dogs can stress a puppy out. Socializing with other dogs is good, however, for a puppy that isn’t typically around other dogs all the time, the presence of so many is stressful. 
  • Puppies require maternal sensitivity and attention as they develop. Most puppy daycares provide neither. The facilities are overcrowded which limits one-on-one time spent with caregivers, resulting in developing insecurity within the puppy. 
  • Dogs brought up in daycare tend to have behavioral issues such as impulsiveness and aggression. 

Puppies require quality time rather than quantity. Now, there are amazing daycares out there that ensure comfort and quality time for your puppies. But you have to do thorough research before you find them. 

So, if you are wary of your puppy developing behavioral problems at daycare, you can help their development with brain games for puppies. There are games specifically designed to play with your puppy that ensure you spend quality time with them, helping them with mental and physical development. 

Adopting a puppy, puppy supplies

Games to play with puppies that go to puppy daycare

You should play the following games with your puppy to encourage their development. 

Find the treat

This particular game helps your dog scavenge through your home giving them a chance to get acquainted with it while also getting a treat in the process. To play you need to:

  1. Grab treats in front of your puppy and have him/her stay in position. 
  2. Drop a few treats in front of the puppy and hide the rest around the home. 
  3. Encourage your puppy to eat the treat and go with them to find the others you’ve hidden. 

As your puppy progresses in the game, you can hide the treats in more challenging places. The game helps develop their mental and physical skills. 

Food dispensing toy

Food dispensing toys are all the rave. Dogs love them and owners have a way for their puppy to stay active while they are away. These toys provide mental stimulation to dogs as they have to scavenge their way to a treat and the best part is you don’t need to be around them. It gives them a chance to develop instincts and have a yummy treat at the same time. 

Puzzles

There are puzzles designed specifically for dogs. They come in different difficulties, shapes, and sizes and are a popular brain game for puppies. They mentally stimulate your puppy and keep them entertained for some time. You don’t necessarily have to be with them as they work the puzzles. So, you can leave it out and let them enjoy it while you are gone. 

Parkour

Puppies need both mental and physical stimulation for development. Parkour gives them a chance to develop both their mind and body. You can incorporate it into your daily walks, be it out in the park or neighborhood. Look for small obstacles for your puppy to jump over or run around. As he or she grows, you can look for more challenging obstacles, this way they don’t get bored of going through the same routine every day. 

Hide and seek

There will be days when you won’t be able to take your dog out. Hide and seek is perfect for such days. It takes a bit of training for your puppy to understand the game, so be patient with them. Have them sit and stay in one place and have another family member go hide. Then, encourage the puppy to go find them. 

If it is just you and your puppy then you can play hide and seek with a toy. Hide the toy and have your puppy find it. Make sure you pick different hiding spots each time. 

Getting a puppy, puppy daycare

Final thought

Keeping your puppy active and mentally stimulated is important for their growth. You need to dedicate time every day to play brain games with your puppy. It will keep them entertained and happy while encouraging their development. For puppies that go to puppy daycare brain games can help counter behavioral issues learned from the facility. Which ensures they only pick up good habits from puppy daycare. 

Are You Bringing Home a New Puppy? Here is What You Need to Know

Are You Bringing Home a New Puppy? Here is What You Need to Know

People are typically overcome with excitement when bringing home a new puppy. For most, it is as exciting as bringing home a baby. But, in all that excitement, many fail to prepare themselves. Which makes their decision to bring home a new puppy a bad one. 

A puppy is a huge responsibility. You need to make sure you have the right toys, food, and environment for it to enjoy and grow. We have tips on how to prepare yourself to make the transition for you and your new pup an easy one. 

Bringing home a new puppy, How to stop puppy biting

The Things You Need When Bringing Home A New Puppy

Before you go to pick up the pup, you need some essential puppy supplies in your home. These items will help the pup adjust from the moment you bring them home. 

Food

Food is the first thing to consider when bringing home a new puppy. Dogs can be picky eaters. Check with the breeder or shelter, you are getting the pup from, to see what they’ve been feeding it. Buy it to feed the pup at home. Eating the same food will help it adjust quicker. Also, changing the food may result in digestive issues.

When buying food for puppies make sure it includes probiotics and meat-based proteins. These provide the nutrients it needs for growth. 

Bed Or Crate

Puppies need their own space to relax. A bed or crate where your puppy can relax and sleep is important. It’s like having their room in your home. 

You want a bed or crate that is tailored to your pup’s size. Something too big or small would make the pup uncomfortable. Make sure it is well-cushioned and comfortable. The material should be strong enough that it doesn’t tear and is waterproof. Overall, look for something cozy because it will be the pup’s go-to place to relax. 

Toys

Puppies are very playful. Rather than having it constantly run around your home, you can buy toys that stimulate and entertain its playfulness. 

There are different types of toys on the market, we recommend you get a few of the following before bringing home a new puppy:

  • Something interactive, there are plenty of toys that interact with the pup. Make sure to buy a few.
  • Chewy, plush toys are always a favorite of puppies. 
  • Balls, you can teach your dog fetch from an early age.
  • String toys, puppies love to chase toys on strings as much as cats. 

Training Your New Puppy

When bringing home a new puppy, you will need to dedicate time to train it. Otherwise, it will leave your home in a mess. The training process includes:

  • Introducing it to its bed or crate and putting it there to sleep every night. After the first few days, the pup will go to space on its own. 
  • Food training, dogs may get possessive of their food. So much so, that they wouldn’t want anyone around it. Train your dog by handing it food, to begin with, and then placing it in its bowl.
  • Potty training is probably the most difficult habit. But, with time and consistency, your pup will learn. Take it out for a walk every morning, when it leaves its bed or crate, and the night before bedtime. In the beginning, there may be accidents in between the time you take it out, but that is normal. 
  • Socialize your puppy, take it for walks and to the park often. This way they come in contact with other people and dogs. Make sure they are on a leash, so you can ensure they don’t run off or get too jumpy with strangers. 
What to do when your bring home your puppy, bringing home a new puppy

Final Thoughts

We all want the experience of bringing home a new puppy to be a joyous one. You can achieve that by preparing yourself and home for the new addition. Your home should be a space where they get the love and care they need to learn and grow. 

So, our tips and list of things should help you prepare yourself and your home. Make sure you purchase the items we’ve mentioned before you bring your puppy home. It will make their transition from the shelter or existing home smooth. The pup will settle in your home in no time as long as it receives the love and care it needs. 

5 Essential Things You Need to Raise a Happy and Healthy Golden Retriever

5 Essential Things You Need to Raise a Happy and Healthy Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers have quickly become one of the most beloved dog breeds globally. The breed has been around for about 150 years, fairly new compared to others. During that time, it has won the hearts of families with its obedient, outgoing, and caring nature. 

We all want a dog that loves to play and protects our home. Golden Retrievers do that and much more. The breed is known to be lovers at heart. They easily assimilate into the family and bond with all the members. As long as you raise them with love and care. 

Bringing a dog home for the first time is both exciting and nerve-racking. So, before you take that step, we have a puppy supply list for you. The list consists of five essential things you will need to raise a happy and healthy puppy. 

PetFusion Ultimate Dog Bed, Orthopedic Memory Foam, Multiple Sizes/Colors, Medium Firmness Pillow, Waterproof Liner, YKK Zippers, Breathable 35% Cotton Cover, Cert. Skin Contact Safe, Golden Retriever

Food

A dog is only as healthy as the food you give it. You will find many different brands in the market that make numerous claims. But, you can ignore most of it. However, you need to keep the following in mind when picking up dog food:

  1. Should have meat-based protein
  2. Includes probiotics, very important puppies
  3. Avoid food with BHT, BHA, any by-products, wheat, corn, or soy
  4. Meet the Association of American Feed Control (AAFO) requirements

There are plenty of options that fulfill the above requirements. So, it is a matter of taste and your dog’s preference after that. It’s easier with puppies though, since you can develop their taste for a specific brand or flavor. If you are adopting a dog, make sure you stick to the brand the previous owner or shelter used. 

Toys

Golden Retrievers are lively, outgoing, and LOVE to play. You will need to dedicate time every day to either take them out for a walk or to play.

For playtime, you will want a tennis ball, a chew toy, a frisbee, and stuffed toys. Dogs play with almost anything you give them, so you can never go wrong with any toy you buy for them. Make sure you take time out and play with them whenever you can. 

A dog bed

Like humans, dogs too need their own space to relax. Golden Retrievers are active throughout the day, so it’s only fair you get them a comfortable bed to sleep in. Getting all the great puppy supplies is important to the health and raising of your dog.

The two things you need to consider when buying a dog bed are the size and material. While you may have a Golden Retriever puppy at the moment, it can grow up to two feet tall. So, buy a bed accordingly. As far as material goes, look for something that is both comfortable and durable. Ideally, the covers should be made of natural materials and removable. So it is easy for you to wash. 

Leashes

You will likely need more than one leash for your dog. A lot of dog owners use a leash depending on the outing. A short leash with a slip lead is all you will need. However, if you plan on going for a walk and will be out for a while, a longer leash with a snap lead is more suitable. 

You can find leashes in all sizes and materials. Buy a few and see what works best for you. We are certain that you will put all the leashes you get into good use because Golden Retrievers love to go out. 

Grooming supplies

Dogs can get quite dirty. The last thing you want is for it to lose its beauty to dirt and grime. Ideally, you should look to bathe your dog once a month, more if it goes out a lot. For bathing you need the following dog grooming supplies to get started:

  • Shampoo, an all-natural option that is made specifically for dogs
  • Comb and brushes
  • Blow dryer

Your dog may not be a fan of bathing, but it is important in ensuring they remain clean and healthy. 

new puppy advice, Golden Retriever

Final thoughts

There are a lot of responsibilities that come with bringing a puppy home. They rely on you to raise and care for them. As the owner, you need to take measures to ensure you are prepared for the task. Our puppy supply list helps you do that as a responsible owner. So, you can give your Golden Retriever a loving home and a healthy lifestyle. 

Training a New Puppy: Keeping Things Orderly at Your Home

Training a New Puppy: Keeping Things Orderly at Your Home

Adding a furry friend to your household is an exciting event but you should get yourself ready in training a new puppy. The goal is to instill good habits into your pet. This should also be a good foundation in establishing a loving relationship with your pup. A complete puppy training at home can take about four to six months. That is why you have to be consistent and patient in training your small, four-legged friend. Start your puppy’s training today by getting tips from this article.

Puppy Supply List, Puppy Training

Essentials for Training a New Puppy

We all know how puppies can be so adorable. However, the challenge is in getting it trained. Training a new puppy is not that easy. Puppies bark constantly, may take a piss near your sofa, and a lot more challenges come with them. Training is important, not just to make things in your house orderly but also to set you up for a great relationship with your pup. Here are some of the basic things you should include when you train them:

Using a Crate

The trick to help puppies settle in their new homes is through crate training. Crates give puppies their own space. Without crates, puppies may get bored, roam around your house, and end up ripping off or biting things they should not. Just like humans, puppies like their own spaces clean. That is why crate training also teaches puppies how to control their bladder and bowel muscles. This makes them learn to anticipate bathroom breaks and bedtime. A simple way of crate training is to give them treats whenever they go into their crates or directly feed them from their crates.

Potty Training

One of the most important steps in puppy training at home is teaching them about bathroom rules. The recommended age to start potty training is 12 to 16 weeks old. Teaching them early on their age prevents a lot of behavior problems in the long run. As soon as you get your pup, start them on potty training right away. Set them up in a routine where they can familiarize themselves with bathroom breaks. It can be when you wake up, after meals, when it wakes up from its nap, after playtime, before you leave home, and before bed.

You can also teach them to bark, ring a bell, or simply stand by the door whenever they need to go. Set a secluded area in your backyard or elsewhere at your home where your pup can do its business. Make sure to also find a distraction-free spot when you and your puppy are out. Don’t forget to give treats to your puppy every time they eliminate in appropriate areas.

Walking on a Leash

Expect that puppies will have a hard time walking easily on a leash. But this is important in training a new puppy as you will have to take it out eventually. Without leash training, your pup may strain against their leash and may result in aggressive behavior. You, on the other hand, may also struggle in controlling your puppy and end up frustrated.

For your peace of mind, you can start your puppy on a leash training as early as four to six weeks old. Slowly introduce the leash to your puppy by letting them sniff the leash itself and offering treats afterward. Put the harness on briefly and let them walk around the house dragging it. Once it is comfortable with the leash, try walking together indoors first and then eventually in other environments.

Socializing Skills

A critical step in a puppy’s development is teaching them how to socialize. Well-socialized dogs are friendlier and do not exhibit aggression. They are also easier to handle so it’s better to start building socializing skills while they are still puppies. There are a variety of strategies you can use to safely socialize your pup. You can invite people over at home or bring it along when you visit a friend. Meet up with friends who also own friendly dogs so your puppy can socialize with them.

Puppy grooming tools, Training a new puppy

Begin Your Puppy Training Journey

House training puppies is never easy. However, this is a rewarding task as it makes your pup independent, at the same time, friendly and obedient. As a pet parent, training a new puppy is your responsibility that is beneficial not only for the dog’s welfare but also for the peace and safety of everything in your household.

What You Need to Know When Adopting And Bringing A Puppy Home

What You Need to Know When Adopting And Bringing A Puppy Home

Bringing a puppy home can be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make. They say that dogs are a man’s best friend, so, getting one is having a companion for life. The trend for adopting puppies as pets increases day by day. In fact, a report says that adoption rates at animal shelters have grown up to 40% in 2020 as people coped with the pandemic situation.

Yes, getting a puppy gives a wonderful feeling. However, taking care of it is not an easy task. This article will show you some of the basic things you need to learn when adopting a puppy for the first time.

Adopting a puppy, puppy supplies

Factors to Remember When Bringing a Puppy Home

Pet-Proof Your Home

Make sure that your home serves as a suitable place to live in for your puppy. They should not have any access to toxic foods. Keep hanging cords or vertical blinds tidied away to avoid any accidents. Cover your furniture so your puppy will not be enticed to jump on it. Prepare basic puppy supplies such as a collar, bowl, and leash. Set up a dog crate, add in blankets, and have some food and water nearby so your puppy will recognize this area as its safe and cozy place. A few simple toys can give it excitement, too.

Prioritize Health and Medical Care

One of the most important aspects of bringing a puppy home is looking after its health. That is why it’s vital to look for the right veterinarian who can guide you through your puppy’s health and medical care needs. A good veterinarian takes care of your pet when it gets ill and can even provide vaccination to minimize the risks of acquiring diseases. Compared to adult dogs, puppies require different types of diet for their growing bodies. Your veterinarian can also help you set up a diet plan for your puppy to avoid any growth defects.

Give Constant Training

Puppies find it difficult to adjust to a new shelter setting. Before bringing a puppy home, you need to remember to be extra patient with it. Establishing a bathroom routine is one of the challenges you will encounter with your puppy. Regularly train your puppy to pee or poop outside after waking up from a nap, playing, or eating for familiarization. You also need to practice positive reinforcement to train the puppy into behaving. One way of teaching it to behave is to give treats whenever it follows your commands. You can also carry out small punishments as part of its learning stage.

Slowly Introduce Your Puppy to People at Home

A new person in your home wouldn’t know your routine right away. This also applies to your new puppy. Change can be overwhelming for puppies so take the time in letting them be comfortable at home. Let the puppy approach you to lessen potentially aggressive behavior. Keep your home calm and quiet to promote a good feeling for your puppy.

Socialize Your Puppy

Social habits should be implemented early on for puppies so they will not have any abnormal behavior when seeing other animals or people as they grow. The key is to take your puppy out for a walk daily so that it will be comfortable in your environment. Expose it to men, women, children, and even other dogs. As always, give it some treats whenever it encounters successful interactions.

Observe Safety

Keep an eye out on your puppy regarding any abnormal behavior or illness and consult your veterinarian immediately. Do not disregard signs and symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, or having low energy. Report these to your veterinarian so they can give proper advice, medication, and treatment. Keep away household items that are dangerous for puppies. Cover electric wires and get rid of toxic substances before bringing a puppy home to prevent it from getting harmed.

Bringing home a puppy, adopting a puppy

Ready to Welcome the Newest Addition to Your Family?

Just like individuals, puppies also need love and affection. Your new puppy will quickly adjust if it feels cherished in its new environment. Aside from the care, you also need to take the above-mentioned components seriously. Getting a puppy is a serious task as you will be taking care of a living thing. Remember to give it special care so that it will grow up happy and healthy.

Is A Dog Crate Important For Training Your Puppy At Home

Is A Dog Crate Important For Training Your Puppy At Home
Crate Training

We all want our puppies to feel protected, secure and content, dog crate training helps them achieve just that! The popular dog crate becomes a dog’s den, a safe place to rest and be in for each dog. It should be the place where dogs will go to feel relaxed. All breeds of dogs and of all ages, can benefit from having been successfully crate trained.

What Is The Best Age For Your Puppy To Begin Dog Crate Training?

It is recommend that the best training for your puppy is to start crate training as soon as you get the puppy. And if you’re getting your puppy from an expert breeder, they will hopefully be crate training the puppy before you get them.

The Crate training process

Crate training typically takes several days for your dog to get used to. But that depends on various factors. Including its previous experience, as well as the puppy’s age. There are two crucial things to remember with crate training, the dog crate must always be connected with something enjoyable (eg never used for punishment). And training must be done in small increments to begin with. Take it slowly.

Step 1: Introduce Your Puppy To The Crate

The first step you should take is actually to introduce your puppy to the crate. It is a great idea to put your puppy’s crate in some part of your home where you and your family spend lots of your time. You can also put a towel or a comfortable blanket in it. Start by throwing a few treats in the crate, to encourage the puppy going in there by their own choice. Each time your dog is in the crate, reward her by giving her more treats. Slowly start doing this and closing the door for a few seconds, building up the time with the crate door closed.

Step 2: Start Feeding Your Puppy In Its Crate

After you have finished with the introducing of your puppy to its crate, start feeding the dog its meals in the crate. This will make the dog crate more appealing and help dogs to feel safe. It also has the added benefit of being able to prevent resource guarding behaviour.

Step 3: Begin Training Your Dog To Stay In Its Dog Crate For A Longer Period Of Time

This step should only be done per the month of age your puppy is. Only leave your puppy unattended in the crate for the hours your puppy is in age. For example, two months equals two hours, until the age of 6 months, being six hours. It is not recommended you leave a puppy in their crate all day and all night. If you leave a puppy in the crate overnight, make sure to get up to them a few times, as puppies can’t hold their bladders for very long.

In this step, you may call your puppy and give it a command to enter the crate. After that, give them a treat and close the crate’s door. Just repeat this several times and your puppy will gradually get used to staying in the crate for longer periods.

Step 4: Put Your Puppy In A Crate At Night Or When You Leave

As mentioned above, you can put your puppy in their crate for safety, when leaving for a small period of time during the day. And at night when they sleep. Put your puppy in the dog crate with your usual command and a treat. Then once the door is secured, quietly leave.

And another important thing is to put your puppy in a crate at night. You may do this repeatedly by giving your puppy the usual order for entering the crate and giving your puppy a treat. Your dog will start sleeping comfortably in the crate in no time. To make it more comfortable, putting a towel over it to darken the room will also help.

Crate training benefits

Dog Crate

Crate training seems to be an excellent technique for guiding pups through the process of potty training. A crate is powerful enough to protect your puppy from getting into harmful behaviours (such as eating furniture or poisonous chemicals). If your dog enjoys chewing on things, a crate may be a very valuable tool. If your puppy is kept alone in your home and unsupervised, he may consume someting toxic or harmful. 

The crate also aids in the development of a dog’s habitat instincts. Dogs seem to be natural den creatures and require a place to call home. When utilized correctly, a crate provides a safe haven for a dog.

Conclusion

Crate training represents an important component of introducing your new puppy. Realizing the need to crate training seems to be only the initial step. The training is really completely another story. A crate will be a helpful place for the puppy to go for many situations.

Make sure you encourage your dog that it’s dog crate is a secure and cozy room all to itself. Remember that a dog crate is very helpful to your dog and will make training more fun!