Bringing Home Your Puppy
This is it! The day you've been waiting for!! Know that your life is about to change but in such a good way. Preparing our families to bring home their puppy is a big piece of ensuring our puppies are going to homes that are ready to have them for their lifetime. Puppies are such a joy but they take effort and your life will need to be adjusted to accommodate them, especially when they are young. It's important to be prepared for the responsibilities and adjustments that come with caring for a young pup. From puppy-proofing your space to establishing routines and building a strong bond, here's what you can expect when bringing home a puppy.
This Survival Guide from Baxter and Bella really does cover it all!! Download it and read it in addition to our advice below.
1. Puppy-Proofing Your Home
Like bringing home a baby, preparing your living space for a puppy is crucial for their safety and your peace of mind. Puppies are naturally curious and tend to explore everything with their mouths. Be sure that hazardous items like electrical cords, small objects, and toxic plants are out of reach. Set up a designated space with a cozy bed, water, and toys to help your new companion feel secure and comfortable.
We like the phrase “The Freedom/Responsibility Quotient” from The Dog’s Way podcast. The idea is, you don’t give your puppy more freedom than they can be responsible with. Your puppy shouldn’t have free reign of the house right off the bat. You can start out with an exercise pen and gradually increase the space your puppy is allowed to be in. For example, begin with the crate inside or attached to the exercise pen. Once you feel they are ready, you can expand the pen or use baby gates to block doorways so they have access to the whole room. Then, when they are a bit more trustworthy and really getting the hang of potty training, they may get access to the whole living space with a gate blocking the hallway or stairs and so on. The same principle can be used in your yard as well.
2. Establishing a Routine
Puppies thrive on routine, because it provides them with a sense of security and predictability. Establish a schedule for feeding, bathroom breaks, playtime, and naps. Consistency in routine helps potty training and reduces anxiety for both you and your puppy.
3. Potty Training
This needs to be priority number 1 when you bring home your puppy! It begins as soon as you walk through your door. We are a huge advocate of crate training! In fact, we will introduce your puppy to a crate before they go home with you in order to help make that transition a bit easier. For more info on crate training, see the Baxter and Bella Survival Guide. Potty training is one of the first challenges you'll face with your new puppy. Expect some accidents in the beginning, as puppies have limited bladder control. Establishing a consistent schedule for feeding, potty breaks, and playtime can help your puppy learn the routine and avoid accidents. Positive reinforcement, like treats and praise, goes a long way in encouraging good behaviors. Be patient, and remember that consistency is key to successful potty training. People often ask us how long it takes to potty train a dog and my answer is always that it depends on how consistent you are.
4. Socialization and Training
We place a BIG emphasis on training at Old Lake Doodles. We cannot emphasize how important training is! If every dog owner committed to a training program beginning when they brought their dog home, our shelters would be hugely impacted! Do you and your pup a favor and have a training plan in place before you bring your puppy home. There are so many different choices, adopt one that fits you and your lifestyle. Our top recommendations are board and train facilities and online classes from Baxter and Bella. Board and Train facilities are a great option but can be pricey. We are a Baxter and Bella partner because it's such an amazing resource! They offer live and on demand training classes and lifetime memberships. They have classes on every topic, essential skill your dog needs, and any struggle you may encounter in your dog’s life. It's your complete puppy training roadmap! Ask us about the special discount for our clients. We require our clients to have a training plan in place because we know what a difference it will make. You will thanks us later, we promise!
Socialization is a crucial aspect of a puppy's development. Before they have finished their puppy shots you will need to keep them at home. Once their last round of vaccinations is complete, introduce your puppy to a variety of people, animals, and environments to help them become well-adjusted adults. Early training is also important for teaching basic commands, proper behavior, and manners. Positive reinforcement techniques, such as treats and praise, can make training a rewarding experience for both you and your puppy.
5. Patience and Consistency
Raising a puppy requires patience and consistency. Potty accidents and behavior challenges are natural during the adjustment period. Instead of becoming frustrated, approach these situations with understanding and gentle correction. Consistent training and positive reinforcement will help shape your puppy's behavior over time.
6. Health Care and Vet Visits
Regular veterinary care is essential to your puppy's well-being. Contact your vet for their recommended schedules for vaccinations, deworming, and check-ups. Establishing a good relationship with your veterinarian ensures that your puppy receives the best care throughout their life.
7. Challenges and Rewards
While the journey of raising a puppy is such a special time, filled with joy and sweet puppy snuggles, it's important to acknowledge that there will be challenges. Teething, puppy energy bursts, and behavioral hiccups are all part of the process. These challenges, however, come with immense rewards. The laughter and companionship your puppy brings into your life far outweigh any temporary difficulties.
