Puppies are cute, but the art of raising a puppy is not without its difficulties. Here are some tips on raising a puppy from our Jackson vets to help you get through the puppy stage and guarantee your new four-legged baby grows up to be a happy, healthy, well-adjusted dog.
Getting Started: Things to Consider When Getting a Puppy
Life with a puppy is similar to life with a human toddler. You'll need a lot of patience to keep him out of mischief and teach him about the world securely. Puppies are compelled to chew excessively as their adult teeth emerge, and you may find the doggy equivalent of a teething ring in the living room rug, your favorite pair of shoes, or even your hand.
Having a dog also entails taking responsibility for another being's happiness, safety, and health. It entails being able to pay for vet fees if your dog consumes something it should not, as well as always having a plan in place for his or her care when you are unable to be present. It entails being emotionally astute enough to recognize that your dog does not understand the words "stop chewing on the walls!"
Preparing Your Home
It is critical to prepare your home before introducing your new dog into it. Electrical cords should be secured, and potentially hazardous plants or chemicals should be moved out of reach. Close any vents, pet doors, or other openings that could lead him astray or get him stranded.
You must be prepared to begin house training your puppy as soon as you get him home. Prepare the crate if you intend to crate train him. Line it with blankets or a dog bed to make it more comfortable, but make sure it's big enough for him to stand up, turn around, and lie down.
If you do intend to crate your puppy, designate a small area, such as a powder room or a kitchen corner, where he can be confined and kept away from other dogs and small children. Make sure you have some puppy training pads on hand to catch any accidents, as well as a dog bed, food and water bowls, and a toy or two.
Nutrition
Look for high-quality puppy food that has been particularly prepared to help puppies develop and grow. The appropriate amount of food is determined by characteristics such as age, size, and breed. It's a good idea to talk to your vet about how much and how often you should feed your dog.
It may be best to free feed some tiny breeds of dogs to ensure adequate nutrition. Between the ages of nine and twelve months, toy and tiny breed dogs mature physically faster than larger breeds and can be moved to adult dog food and adult-sized portions.
Larger breeds should be fed many meals each day in appropriate portions to avoid issues like stomach bloat and protein or calcium buildup. Here's a general guideline for a large dog feeding schedule:
- Six to twelve weeks old: Four meals per day
- Three to six months old: Three meals per day
- Six months and up: Two meals per day
Training
Dogs strive to avoid soiling their bed and the area around it naturally. Create a potty pattern for your puppy, bearing in mind that small puppies will often need to go out every couple of hours. Take him to a portion of the yard where he won't be exposed to other animals until he's had all of his vaccines, and never punish your puppy for a mistake.
It's usually preferable to ignore undesirable behavior or to correct your dog with a simple but strong "no." Never smack or yell at your dog. When he exhibits bad behavior, attempt to redirect him to something positive. Consider enrolling him in an obedience lesson as soon as he is old enough. This will not only teach him proper behavior, but will also aid in socialization.
Proper socialization is essential for raising a puppy successfully. To develop into a well-adjusted dog, he needs to be exposed to as many new people, places, experiences, and situations as possible. You can start socializing your puppy right away by playing with him and exposing him to new people, sights, sounds, smells, and textures. However, you should wait until he has received all of his vaccinations before bringing him out in public or letting him interact with other animals.
Working with your dog to reduce even minor resource guarding habits protects everyone, including the puppy. Always supervise children while they are around your puppy's food or favorite toy.
One of the most crucial lessons is to teach pups not to bite. Establishing your position as pack leader will help your puppy remember that he must earn your respect and obey you, which will assist him in controlling this behavior. 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!"
Exercise & Play
Give him puzzle toys and outdoor exercise (walking, playtime) to keep his mind stimulated because bored dogs are more likely to act aggressively or inappropriately. Your dog needs to understand his place in your home, but this can only be done with patience and a firm but loving hand.
Your First Vet Visit
If you don't already have a veterinarian, ask around. Your family, friends, and coworkers will almost certainly be able to supply you with numerous references. One of the first things you should do after getting a puppy is to make an appointment with a veterinarian for a health checkup. At Northside Animal Clinic, we're always ready to accept new patients.
Your veterinarian will most likely recommend a parasite control program to keep fleas, ticks, and heartworms at bay. They'' also advise you on when to bring him in to be fixed, which can help lessen the chance of health and behavioral issues as the puppy ages.
They can also advise you on puppy care issues such as tooth brushing and nail cutting, and even show you how to do it. Your veterinarian can also help you with any questions you have regarding care for your dog, such as what kind of food to feed them.
Try to arrange for his 6-month vet checkup while you're there so you can monitor his development. The adolescent years, which can be challenging for pet owners, can also be discussed with them, and they can start to offer you advice on how to prepare for them. Talking about what to anticipate as your puppy grows up is also a great idea at this time.
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.