Lifestyle

20 Tips For New Puppy Owners

If you’re new to the blog and are reading this post, the likelihood is you already have your puppy or perhaps you’re thinking about welcoming one to your home. Either way, congratulations. Dogs are awesome. Granted, the first three months Polly was a pain in the derrière (obviously not her fault) but I can safely say that she is the best thing in our lives and I can’t recommend getting a dog enough. As long as you know the commitment involved and have the right lifestyle to care for a dog (or demanding pup) then go for it!

This isn’t a blog post listing all the things you’ll need (crate, lead, toys etc) – I’m sure you’ve already got that sorted. It’s simply some friendly tips we’ve learnt along the way…11 months later. I’ll let you into a secret, good socialisation leads to a happy hound and human.

1| If there is more than one of you looking after the puppy, take it in turns at night to look after them (toileting etc). Puppies are HARD work and take up lots of your time (at night too) so make sure at least one of you has a decent night’s sleep.

2| Carry treats at all times. They are your friends. Polly especially loves gravy bones.

3| Enrol in a training class or get a recommended dog walker to take your pup out when you’re not at home. This is great for training so your puppy gets to play with other dogs and is one of the main reasons why Polly is super cool around other dogs and humans (perhaps a little too friendly with humans!).

4| Let your dog meet family and friends (not all at once) so they get used to people coming into your home. Socialisation is key to a happy pooch.

5| Reward good behaviour as much as you can. Even the small things.

6| Carrots and bananas (small pieces) make great treats.

7| Mark dates on the calendar for injections, flea treatments and worming tablets. There is lots to keep up with during the first 6 months and it can be easy to lose track if you don’t make notes.

8| Do your research but remember that every dog is different. Polly wouldn’t sleep in her crate without howling the house down. We tried everything. Then when she got poorly (she’s fine and dandy now) we let her sleep on our bed for comfort, and it’s been a dream since. She sleeps through either on the bottom of the bed or on the floor. We wouldn’t have it any other way now – and we all get to sleep at last! Do what’s right for your family.

9| Keep checking the size of their collar – they quickly grow out of it.

10| Don’t worry about other people’s advice. You and you alone know your dog.

11| Buy a bulk supply of lint rollers.

12| Try training in different environments.

13| If in doubt keep your puppy on the lead. As long as you train your dog to like the lead (treats!) then don’t feel too pressured to let them off lead, hello lambing season! Just make sure they are walking at their own pace or let them off lead in a secure and safe environment.

14| Buy lots of stain and odour remover. We got through a lot of this and it’s like magic.

15| Puppies bellies are a tad sensitive so they might get travel sickness. This was a phase for Polly which she grew out of at around 4 months old. Maybe feed them after a car journey rather than before.

16| Don’t leave socks lying around. They will get eaten or swallowed whole. Ahem.

17| If you don’t want your puppy staring at you whilst eating, try to not give any tit bits whilst at the table. Polly used to be really good at meal times, simply lying by our feet, then we started letting her have the odd couple of leftovers and she now watches our every move. Oops.

18| Make tasks like grooming, cleaning teeth and bath time fun. Treats! Praise! Attention!

19| Try to stay relaxed (remember the alternate nights sleep) as your puppy will reflect your behaviour too.

20| Take lots of photographs because your puppy grows up so fast. Enjoy!

We’re still learning every day so please share your tips too.Can you believe Polly will be 1-year-old next month?!

Happy pup times!

Disclosure: Collaborative Post

One Comment

  • Hans Aberg

    I have recently brought a new puppy (Jack Russell Terrier). We have named him Bruno. He is so cute. Earlier, I didn’t knew how to handle Bruno. I searched a lot about this topic and luckily found your post. Its been a reliever for me.

    Great post and helped me a lot. 🙂

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