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Puppy Luv

teampetluv
Feb 16, 2015
3 min read

Puppy Luv

Is there a new puppy in your home or are you thinking of getting a new puppy? These can be very exciting times for you and your family. I’ll never forget Libra’s first night home in her crate (see picture). It can also be a bit stressful. Here are a few tips.

If you have a new puppy, congratulations! Welcome to the world of pet ownership! The first thing I hope you have done already is to find a great veterinarian, ASAP. Like babies, there are vaccinations that puppies need. Banfield-usually found in your local Petsmart is a good option. Also, please remember your local mom and pop vet such as Lynn Animal Hospital in Riverdale, MD, Forestville Veterinary and Bird Hospital in Forestville, MD, and Noah’s Ark in Williamsburg, VA. To start, vaccinations should be given when your puppy is around 6 to 8 weeks old. Breeders or pet rescues may have already gotten your puppy their first set of shots, but there is still more to get. These vaccines are given to protect your pet from diseases such as distemper and parvovirus.

Housebreaking, at times, can be one of the most difficult things to do. You as the “pack leader” (more on this in an upcoming blog), must decide if you will train your pet to go in an area inside your home, outside only, or both. For inside, choose one particular area where it is ok for your pet to use the bathroom. Some people simply use newspaper. Other options include puppy pads- these can be placed in specifically designed trays (newspaper too), and indoor faux grass potties. There are drops and sprays that you can use to encourage your puppy to go in a particular place. These can be used both indoors and outdoors. My pets, Emma and Libra are trained to go outdoors only, which means in our secured yard ( I repeat, Secured- see your yard through the eyes of your dog), or daily walks. My previous pet, Je’Je’ was trained both indoors and outdoors. Back in the 80’s when I had her, we simply used the drops and newspaper in a spot in the basement.

Crates and baby gates, oh my!- Your dog’s crate will be their spot for personal space, their place of refuge. Many suggest that you not allow your puppy to go potty in their crate. Kinda makes sense- you don’t “go” in your room, do you? Humanesociety.org recommends that you should never use the crate as punishment or else your dog will become reluctant to enter it. They also suggest not leaving your puppy in the crate for too long. Night crating is ok, but remember your puppy needs exercise and human interaction. Also, puppies six months old and younger can’t control their bladders for more than three or four hours. Baby gates also help section off portions of your home when you want to confine your pet to a specific area of your home when they are able to be out of the crate. I purchased my baby gate at a local thrift store for $2.50. It came in handy when I had a puppy and even now when workers or visitors come by.

Other tips:

Save the trips to dog parks for your older fully vaccinated puppy to aid in avoiding diseases.
As mentioned previously with your yard, look at your home through the eyes of your puppy. Is there anything that could be chewed, eaten, etc.?
Consider puppy training, especially if it’s your first puppy.
Have a daily routine and stick to it.
Provide and rotate the toys your puppy plays with to prevent boredom.
Reward your puppy with treats or playtime with you when they do good. After all, they try hard to please you.
Once vaccinated, socialize your pet.
Your puppy may have just his/her mom and littermates and may be feeling lonely. Spend time with them and consider comforting toys such as Petstages Heartbeat Pillow or Puppy Cuddle Pal.
Last, enjoy your puppy!