Few things are as sweet as the pitter-patter of tiny paws, big puppy yawns, the irresistible smell of puppy breath. Raising a new puppy is an exciting and rewarding experience, but it can also be overwhelming. Whether you’re a seasoned pet parent or a first-time puppy owner, it’s important to be prepared. From building a solid puppy routine to knowing the best temperatures for outdoor walks, here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the first few months with your new furry friend.
1. Complete Your New Puppy Checklist
Before you introduce your puppy to their new environment, it's crucial to know which things to have when you bring a puppy home. Purchase the essentials like a collar, leash, food and water bowls, puppy food, toys, and a comfortable bed. You may also benefit from stocking up on grooming tools such as a brush and nail clippers. Also, make sure you have cleaning supplies for accidents during potty training, including a stain & odor removing spray and puppy pads. If you're crate training, get a crate that’s appropriately sized for your puppy.
2. Establish a Solid Routine
A consistent framework in caring for your new companion reduces stress and lends greatly to your dog’s growth. Set and stick to specific times for meals, potty breaks, playtime, and walks. Puppies learn through predictability, and a routine helps them understand what to expect. A well-established puppy routine will provide harmony for you and your pet and have you feeling confident in tending to their needs.
3. How to Care for a Puppy: The Basics
Caring for a puppy involves providing food, shelter, and medical care. Schedule a vet appointment for your pup’s initial checkup, and block out any future visits required for vaccinations. You might also consult your vet when it comes to choosing the right food, depending on the size and breed of your dog. When it comes to energy, puppies are sure to have plenty to go around, and will depend on their size and breed. The American Kennel Club offers great advice for types of mental and physical exercise your dog may need. Short walks or gentle playtime indoors are great outlets for young pups—just avoid overexerting them in the early stages.
4. Crate Training a Puppy
Crate training is an effective way to keep your puppy safe when you're not around, and it is a great tactic to employ while potty training. Your puppy’s crate will serve not only as a training tool, but also as a haven, where you dog will feel comfortable relaxing. Using small training treats or boiled chicken is an ideal way to positively reinforce exploration of their crate. You might gradually increase the amount of time they spend in the crate, making sure they associate it with calm, relaxing moments.
5. What to Do with a Puppy at Night
Puppies need lots of sleep, but their nighttime habits may take some time to settle. If your puppy whines or barks at night, they may need to go outside for a potty break. If you're crate training, place the crate near your bedroom so your puppy can hear you and feel secure. Patience will go a long way as you puppy learns to sleep through the night—be tender with them even when a sleep routine is a work in progress.
6. Puppy Socialization: It’s Never Too Early
Socializing your furry friend is a vital part of your dog’s development. Between 3 to 12 weeks, puppies are most receptive to meeting new people, dogs, and experiences. Arranging playdates with other dogs or taking your pup along to a dog-friendly outdoor mall or store will introduce your puppy to a variety of environments, sounds, and textures that will help them grow into a well-rounded, adaptable adult dog.
7. Understanding Safe Weather Conditions for Your Dog
When the temperatures drop, it's important to know how cold is too cold for dogs. Small or short-haired breeds, puppies, and senior dogs can be particularly susceptible to the cold. Always check the ground for icy patches or clumps of salt that could irritate their paws. Having gentle pet wipes on hand will help remove any residue or outside debris when returning from a walk.
Generally, a safe temperature to walk a dog in the winter is typically 45°F or above. However, if the temperature drops below 32ºF, this can pose a risk for your puppy is too much time is spent outside. If they show signs of being cold, such as shivering or lifting their paws off the ground, bring them inside immediately. In the summertime, a good rule of thumb to follow is: if it’s too hot for you, then it’s too hot for your dog, but this advice can vary on breed and age, among other factors like fur color and length.
8. Preventing and Taming Pet Odor
You will soon realize that your pet is the culprit for any new odors you may experience at home—and we have the perfect advice for how to get rid of dog smell in the house. Regular bathing and grooming will reduce unwanted smells, especially with a powerful, yet gentle odor-fighting dog shampoo. Make sure to bathe your puppy as needed, but not too frequently, as it can dry out their skin. For pet stink that requires a quick solution, consider an odor-removing pet spray. Wash their bedding and vacuum any loose fur or debris regularly. You can add a safe and natural laundry booster to your next load of wash that includes pet beds, pillows, blankets, or bed cover for a little extra elbow grease toward ridding these items of stinky pet odors.
Final Thoughts
Raising a puppy is both a beautiful and challenging journey. With the right preparation and mindset, you will help your new puppy become a well-behaved, healthy adult dog. From building a puppy routine to socializing your dog with new friends (human and animal), these tips will set you up for success as your companion grows. Most importantly, enjoy every moment (even the messy ones) and remember the beautiful words of Martin Buxbaum: “A dog wags its tail with its heart.”
