If you are preparing to get a new puppy, you'll need to prepare for an eventful and exciting first year. Today, our Queens vets share some tips on how to raise your new puppy and what to expect after you first bring them home.
The Art of Raising a Puppy
When raising a new puppy, you'll need patience in spades. Puppies are compelled to chew on anything and everything they can get their mouths around as their adult teeth emerge, and you might discover them chewing on items like your shoes, your living room rug, or even your hand.
Having a dog means assuming responsibility for their health, safety, and happiness. It means being able to pay veterinary fees if your pup gets hurt or eats something they shouldn't and having a plan in place for their care when you can't be there (such as taking them to a pet sitter). It also means not yelling at your puppy when they get into mischief, since they don't understand English and yelling may harm your relationship with them. Here is a guide to raising a puppy, including tips on how to make your puppy's transition into your home seamless.
Puppy-Proof Your Home
You'll need to be sure to prepare for your new puppy before bringing them home. One good way to do this is to compare it to child-proofing your home. Secure electrical cords and store hazardous plants or chemicals out of your puppy's reach. Close any pet doors, vets, windows, or other openings that could let your pup get away or leave them stranded.
Begin house training your pup as soon as you've brought them home. Have a crate ready if you intend to crate-train him, and line it with a dog bed or blankets to make it more comfortable. Confirm that it's big enough for your young dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down.
If you plan to crate-train your puppy, put the crate in a small area like a kitchen corner or powder room, where your pup will be away from other dogs and small children. Have puppy training pads on hand to catch any accidents, along with a dog bed, water and food bowls, and a few toys.
Provide Your Puppy With High-Quality Food
Your puppy should have high-quality food made specifically for dogs in their age group. The appropriate amount of food to feed your puppy will be based on your young four-legged friend's size, age, and breed. Ask. your vet how much and how often you should feed your dog.
If you've got a tiny or toy breed dog, it may be best to free-feed them. Toy and tiny breed dogs mature faster physically than larger breeds and can move on to eating adult dog food and adult-sized portions between the ages of 9 and 12 months.
Larger breeds should eat several meals every day in appropriate portions to avoid issues lie protein or calcium buildup and stomach bloat.
Here is a general guideline for how much to feed a large breed dog based on age:
- 6 to 12 weeks old – Four meals a day
- 3 to 6 months old – Three meals a day
- 6 months and up – Two meals per day
Train Your New Puppy
One of the first aspects of training your new puppy will be potty training. To ensure success you will want to create a potty schedule for your new puppy, taking them out every couple of hours for a walk. Until they are fully vaccinated you will want to take them to a portion of the yard where they won't be exposed to other animals.
If your dog has an accident or displays an undesirable behavior you should never yell or have physical contact with them. When they exhibit bad behavior, attempt to redirect them to something positive. Obedience lessons are a good way to teach them proper behavior, and they will also aid in socialization.
Proper socialization is critical to the success of raising a puppy. They need to be introduced to as many new people, places, experiences, and circumstances as possible to grow into a well-adjusted dog. You should wait until they have had all of their vaccines before taking them out in public or allowing them to interact with other animals, but you may begin socializing your puppy right away by playing with them and introducing them to new people, sights, noises, smells, and textures.
Always supervise children or other pets while they are around your puppy's food or favorite toy to reduce even minor resource-guarding habits.
The most crucial lesson is to teach a puppy not to bite. Establishing your position as pack leader will help your puppy remember that they must earn your respect and obey you. Keep in mind that your dog desires your approval but also requires your direction. If your puppy nips or bites, discipline with a calm but firm 'no'.
Keep Your Puppy Active
If your new puppy becomes bored they may begin to display an array of naughty behaviors. Providing them with toys and outdoor exercise will help keep their mind stimulated.
When is it time to visit the vet?
You should make an appointment with a veterinarian for a health checkup to evaluate the health of your puppy once they are around 6 to 8 weeks old.
Speak with your vet to determine the best preventive care program for your new puppy. They can suggest when to bring them in to be fixed, which can help lessen the chance of health and behavioral issues. Parasite prevention should also be a priority, so your puppy will be protected from ticks, fleas, and other pests.
You can ask your veterinarian any questions you have regarding care for your dog, such as what kind of food is best to feed them. They can also advise you on puppy care issues such as tooth brushing and nail cutting and even show you how to do it.
You should also schedule your puppy's next checkup before leaving the clinic. This next visit is typically once they are about 6 months old.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.