Christmas has come and gone, and puppies have infiltrated many happy households since Santa’s visit, and whether you adopted an adult dog or puppy from a local shelter or rescue, there are some things you need to know—especially if you are a first-time dog owner.
Puppies are a lifelong commitment, and February is the busiest month for animal shelters because too many people realize they don’t have time to commit to their new family member. Training is a lot of work and takes time, and every dog deserves consistent mental and physical stimulation. So, what can you do to ensure your new furry friend smoothly integrates into your life?
Start slowly and low-key—Puppies and newly adopted adult dogs may have a difficult time transitioning into your home. Do not force it. Let them come around on their terms. I know that you are eager to get to know your new bundle of joy, but if you force the issue, they may become more fearful. Being in a new place around strangers can be very overwhelming. Positive reinforcement can help in these situations. Give your dog lots of treats and praise for coming out and being brave. It goes a long way.
Proper potty training—Improper potty training lands dogs in the shelter all too often. It’s frustrating if your dog is having accidents in the house. This can, however, be easily avoided. Potty training, using positive reinforcement methods, only takes a few days. You just have to be consistent. Every time you take your dog outside to do his business, offer him treats immediately afterward, and give him lots of praise. Do this several times a day for a few days to a week, and you should have a potty trained dog. Remember, the younger your dog is, the more frequently he will need to go potty.
Find a veterinarian—If you don’t already have a go-to veterinarian, do some research on well-respected and reliable vets in your area. It’s imperative to have a trusted professional to take care of your dog in the case of vaccinations, spay/neuter surgeries and yearly exams.
Socialization—Puppy socialization at a young age is imperative. It’s recommended your puppy have proper vaccinations before getting to know others or going out into public. Parvo is common among puppies not vaccinated, and it can be deadly. Once your puppy is vaccinated, take him to doggy play dates, or bring him to Happy Pets Palace for Puppy Wednesday. Ideally you want to have your puppy socialized between the ages of 8 and 12 weeks.
Training—Puppies (and all other dogs) are easy to train if you are consistent, patient and use positive reinforcement. Dogs respond quickly to treat-based and reward-based training. Seek out a dog trainer in your area, or consider checking out training classes at a pet retailer, such as PetSmart. I would suggest making sure the trainers don’t use any sort of shock collar or fear-based training.
Set a routine—All dogs appreciate routine. The sooner you can start one, the better. Make potty training and basic obedience training part of your routine, at least at the beginning. This will ensure your dog is getting the training needed, and it helps create a bond between you and your new canine companion.
Set up a family understanding—Who is going to feed the dog and when? Who is going to take the dog on walks and work on training? Who will be responsible for vet appointments for vaccinations and deworming? These are all important points, which should be discussed among your household in order to create harmony for everyone.
Although spending time with your new pup is important for a smooth transition into your family, it’s impossible to ask you to devote every waking moment to your dog. If you work long hours or you feel like your dog isn’t getting the socialization or exercise needed, Happy Pets Palace is your answer.
Happy Pets Palace doggy daycare is the perfect place for your dog to receive the mental and physical stimulation he craves. The loving staff treats every dog like family, so your pup is always getting the best care. An exercised dog is a tired dog, which means no more chewing your couch or digging holes in the backyard out of boredom or anxiety.
Right from the get-go, you should create consistency and routine for your new puppy. It will make life easier for everyone involved. Remember to take it slowly and have patience. Some dogs come around quicker than others. Don’t be put off if your puppy is frightened or nervous. These behaviors typically are normal. If you were put into a new place with a bunch of strangers all of a sudden, would you be apprehensive? Lots of treats and praise will get you far. Never underestimate the power of sausage and cheese.
If you have specific health questions or concerns, contact your veterinarian. Congratulations on your new addition.
Happy Pets Palace is located at 1918 E. McKellips Road, on the northwest corner of McKellips and Gilbert roads. For more information about this award-winning dog boarding and doggy day care facility, visit the website at HappyPetsPalace.com, or call (480) 207-1852.