So you want to get a puppy?!
Things to consider before you get your puppy.
Do not get a puppy on a whim. Puppies are adorable, fun, and loving. But they also are require at lot of patience, time and, consistency.
Research - think about time, breed, temperament, costs, size, age, and energy level.
Learn to understand dog body language - this is how dogs communicate.
Ask a lot of questions. This dog is going to be in your life for 12-15 years. Finding the right four legged buddy is so important.
What you need before puppy comes homes. Setting your dog up for success.
Collar/harness and tags (identification, Microchip)
4-6 ft leash (recommend additional 15-20 ft leash)
Crate, baby gates, play pen. One mistake people make is giving their dog too much freedom too soon. Give your dog a safe place to be while being unsupervised.
Food and treats
puzzle toys (kongs)
Treat pouches
Bedding
Grooming tools ( brushes, nail trimmers, toothbrushes, etc.)
Pet Insurance
Pet safe cleaning supplies
Toys (for puppies, baby toys are a great option for teething)
Poo bags/scoopers
You have your puppy! Now what?
Make your relationship your TOP priority
Set your dog up for success- set realistic goals based on your dog.
Do not focus on breed, but energy level and personality of your current dog.
Understand your dogs exercise needs
Socialization STARTS NOW. desensitizing your dog to;
people - men, women, children, etc.
other dogs (same age, adult dogs, big, small)
Bite inhibition
sounds and smells
teeth, paws, ears
collar grabs
Training starts day 1- teach your dog their name., alone time, basics (sit, down, touch)
Reward your puppy for ALL good things. Remember to go slow, training is not a race. Go at your dogs own pace. We want our dogs to have good experiences.
Stop using bowls to feed your puppy.
Use kibble rations for the day to train and socialize!
You can also use kongs and puzzle toys for meals.
Why??
Feeding you dog from a bowl robs your dog of a favorite activity and completely devalues one of the most powerful and important tools you have for training. Dogs are wired to work for food so if we deprive them of this, they will look for new activities to occupy themselves- digging, barking, chewing on the couch, etc...
Puppy Stages
8-12 Weeks: “Infant stage”
Puppies are cute, cuddly, compliant, and clingy. They are unable to hold it through the night and will cry to go out. Important social skills are being learned. Socialization and a puppy beginner class are recommended at this age.
4 Months: “Toddler stage”
Puppies become more independent and interested in the world around them. They may start to run away from you when you call them.
4 ½ - 5 Months:
Puppies begin to lose their puppy teeth and get their adult teeth.
Chewing may increase, as this activity can alleviate discomfort from teething.
They can usually sleep through the night and spend several hours in the crate without eliminating. Basic dog obedience classes should begin.
5 – 7 Months:“Adolescent stage”
Puppies become rambunctious and jumping and mouthing can become excessive. Their exercise requirements will increase greatly.
7 Months – 1 Year: “Teenage stage”
Puppies may seem to be regressing, rebelling, or forgetting their training. This is where the foundation of early training is a life saver. Remember to be consistent and patient.