Getting a new dog is one of the most exciting things. There is the new puppy smell, their little size before they start to grow out of control. Everything and anything you do you want to capture on video so you can relive their baby days.
Getting this new puppy is exciting, but it is also a huge responsibility. Walking, training, feed and playing. Say good bye to your free time. Say good bye to sleeping in or nice and tidy home.
Choosing your dog
When picking out your forever dog there are so many questions. Do you already have pets in the home, and will they get along? And which breed of dog is best for me? Should I buy or adopt?
When getting a new pet of any kind, it is best to consider the other animals in the house. Do not fall in love with the idea of the new dogs and force it into your home. Do a trail and error. Ask a friend or family member to allow you to bring home their dog for a few nights. Test it out, and see if they are able to handle the stress of having a new dog.
Picking the best breed of dog is simple, yet so complex at the same time. Can you handle the excess drool or hair? How about the breed prone health problems? Before saying yes to the extra drool and hair, think about your life style. Are you gone for extended period of times? Do you life an active life or you a home body? Check our AKC.org for more information about each type of dog.
https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/
Buy or adopt?
We all know the cheapest option is to adopt. You go in fill out an application, you take your dogs in to get to know the puppy or dog. Maybe a walk though of your house. And bam you have a dog. But the harsh reality is these dogs ended up there most likely because they have previous problems. Now as a new responsible pet parent, you need to know if you can handle this BEFORE adopting.
Buying will be an expensive chose and you also run the risk of buying from a puppy mill. The breeders might be trying to make money without really caring for the dogs. You can end up with a dog with birth defects. Always buy directly from breeder, and do your research. With that said, there are great breeders in the industry that truly care.
Getting a dog is a very personal decision and no one should judge you for that.
Bringing your dog home
You made your decisions and now you are bring home your furry pet. If you have other dogs, it is best to have them meet in a neutral location. Dogs by nature are very sociable animals. Take your dogs to the the park and have them smell, mark their territory and just get tired. They will go home more relaxed.
Before actually taking your dog inside the house, make sure they potty outside. This is the first step into training them. You want to set up your dog for succeed. If you are getting a puppy, remove ALL unwanted things off the floor and places they can reach them. Trust me, they will bite anything out of bordem.
Must haves
When getting a new puppy you want to buy new collars, leashes, toys and treats. But what do you really need?
- Collar
- Leash
- Crate
- Play Penn
- Potty pads
- Bowls
- Shampoo and Conditioner
- Brushes
- Tooth paste and brush
- Engaging toys
- Nail clippers
- Pet hair scissors
- Food
When picking out anything, think long term and save money. Buy a crate your furry baby will grow into. Ask your groom which type of hair brush your dogs need. Trust me this can make a world of difference when grooming
Training
One of the first things you need to teach your dog is their name. Hold a treat in your hand and raise your hand by your eyes, then call his or her name. This will teach your dog to look you in the eyes when they hear they name. After a few days of this extend your hand further away from your face and call his or her name. If they look at you and not the treat give them the treat.
What your puppy does now is cute and funny. Whatever behavior you do not want as an adult stop it now. The jumping, puppy biting, and getting into trouble. They are at that stage in their life where they can learn. Teach good behavior now.
Crates have a bad rep, but if used properly can be a great tool to help you train your pup. A puppy is not really potty trained and will not likely have an accident at night. Crate training will enable you to wake up and take them outside. Keep it professional no playing or they will not go back to sleep.
Food
There are thousands of options when choosing the best food for your dog. Canned, raw, cooked, and pebbles. The first few months are the most important in your dogs life, give them quality food to help them grow. Puppies need to eat at least 2 times a day, split their daily portions.
Weigh your dogs weekly and adjust their portions accordingly. If they are loosing weight seek help from a veterinarian.
Just have fun!
Most important, have fun. Although a puppy can be stressful and tiring, you have a life time friend. Good days or bad days they are always going to be there for you. With the proper training, you will enjoy this process.
