All I Wanted for Christmas Was a Puppy
Did you bring home a new puppy for Christmas? Though undeniably cute and cuddly, puppies are a lot more work than many realize. They are a lot like toddlers, and just like with a small child, it is necessary to safety proof your home before letting them roam freely. Puppies chew on everything. Anything you don’t want to be covered in tooth marks should be placed out of the pup’s reach. It is safest to cordon off an area for your new family member to have some freedom while protecting the rest of the house. Some families crate train, and that is another option for sequestering the puppy. Puppy-proofing keeps the animal safe and gives you peace of mind.
What Supplies Do I Need for a Puppy?
A new puppy needs certain items from the very beginning. Some are necessary for the pup’s well-being, and others are helpful to the owner. Here are the most important items to have at the ready before the puppy comes home:
- Leash
- Dog collar or harness with an attached I.D. tag
- Puppy food and water bowls
- Chew toys
Other important items include a dog bed, and if you will be using one, a crate.
Choose a Veterinarian Right Away
Find a local veterinarian to which you will be taking your dog for vaccinations and other health care. Talk with the staff or do research online about the most appropriate food to purchase. The diet you choose can make a big difference in the dog’s future health. If the first food you choose does not work out, you can always make a gradual switch to a different brand. Consider the quality of the ingredients, and choose a type of food that is appropriate for optimal growth.
Within a week or so of bringing home your new pup, it should be taken to the veterinarian for a general physical exam. For the first few months, there will be several vaccinations necessary, and you will likely want to spay or neuter your pet. Take steps to make each visit to the vet enjoyable for the dog so it does not develop a fear of going.
House Training Your Puppy
Getting your puppy house trained is one of the first orders of business. This process can be frustrating and will take a lot of patience. Many accidents will happen. Some dogs catch on much faster than others, but persistence will eventually pay off. Start early to get your puppy into a routine of going to a designated area outside to do his business. It takes until the pup is around 12 weeks of age before bladder and bowel control fully develop.
Basic Training and Socialization for Your Puppy
Basic command training can begin along with housebreaking. Leash training is a good place to start, along with simple commands such as sit, stay, and come. Early teaching of these basic commands will be helpful in curbing problem behaviors in the future. Chew toys are crucial to divert the puppy from chewing shoes or other household items.
Puppy training is a lot of work, but the results of your efforts will be worth it. A well-trained dog makes for a happy pet and owner.
Watch the YouTube video. Below is a clip with three simple commands to teach your new puppy.
Sacramento Dog Bite Lawyer
Hello. Thanks for reading. I’m Ed Smith, a dog bite lawyer in Sacramento, California. Dog owners always have legal responsibilities if their dog bites someone and causes injuries. If you have suffered dog bite injuries that resulted in medical expenses, wage loss, and pain and suffering, our injury lawyers can offer free and friendly legal advice. You may be able to recover monetary compensation for your damages. Please call our office at (916) 921-6400. If you will be calling from outside the local area, use our toll-free line: (800) 404-5400.
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/puppy-pet-present-gift-bow-ribbon-4452660/
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