5 Tips for Looking after your New Puppy

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Getting a new puppy can be a life changing decision. Adding an additional member to your family takes time, care and a lot of responsibility. Once you have decided to get a new puppy, there are some things you should know, to make the transition of looking after your new puppy run a lot more smoothly. Below is a guide aimed at helping new puppy owners through this exciting journey!

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Dog Obedience Training

Dog Obedience Training is a great way ensure that you build a strong and respectful relationship with your new puppy, and you never know, one day the skills your dog learns may save his or her life. Dog Obedience Training commences with basic training, including Sit, Stay, Down and Come. The skills that both you and your puppy learn in basic dog obedience training will make it easier when teaching your dog right from wrong around the house. If you wish to train your puppy further, there are always more advanced options of dog obedience training available, including the teaching of skills such as High Five, Roll Over and Jump Hoops.

Exercise and Socializing

From a young age, it is important that your dog interacts with other dogs in a safe and controlled environment. The socialization skills that your dog learns as a puppy will carry through to their adult lives. Socializing should also occur with other people to nurture a healthy and well-behaved personality. Most new puppy’s will only need a maximum of 20 minutes of play and exercise each day, as their bones are not yet fully developed. Try easy play with your puppy, such as fetch or hide and seek if you have a garden.

House Training Your Puppy

House Training your puppy from an early age is a great way to ensure that messy accidents don’t keep reoccurring. In the first few weeks after you bring your puppy home, it is important to bond with him or her, before beginning toilet training. Toilet training can be a time consuming process and often requires a great deal of patience. If your new puppy relieves themselves in the wrong place, be sure to clean this immediately to remove all scent and prevent them from next time wanting to use the same space again. Choose a spot for your new puppy’s toilet area and take them there every morning and after meals. When your puppy goes to the toilet in the correct area be sure to reward them and use positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior.

Keeping Track of Vaccines and Immunizations

Before you collect your new puppy they should have received all of their vaccines and immunizations. As your puppy begins to grow, just like humans, they will require new vaccines and immunizations. Be sure to talk with your VET and keep a record of when your pet is due for their next visit. If you have trouble remembering dates, make sure you log these important times into a dairy, or download one of the many Apps designed to help you keep track of your pet’s health.

Tips for the Transition to their New Home

Although this is a very exciting time, it can also be a scary for time for new puppy’s as this will most likely be there first time away from their mother. Providing comforts such as a warm bed and a hot water bottle can provide puppies with a sense of security, easing the effects of the transition away from their mother. These comforts should help your new puppy to relax in their new home.

About the Author

Liz operates her own successful Dog Obedience School in Perth, Australia. Many of her clients are first-time dog owners who are looking to train their new puppy. Liz believes that all dogs should be trained at a young age and socialize with other puppies.

Updated: May 14, 2012 — 7:56 am