11 Tips to Prepare for a Puppy

What I heard most often when starting with my new puppy is “you’re practically like a new mother!” This was true in a lot of aspects. When I had to bring her places, I had my hands full with multiple bags filled with toys, pee pads, a leash, blankets, calmer spray and even her crate. I was up at night calming her and making sure she didn’t go to the bathroom in my room or in her crate. When left with friends or family, I would be calling and texting for updates to make sure she was okay and everything was going well. I had been transformed into this pup’s mother. But even though I knew a lot about dogs and training and have even had multiple adult dogs in my life, I still had a lot of questions and concerns about my new puppy. When you get your first puppy, or at least in my experience, all you think about is how they will be cute, fun, happy puppies. Sure, you keep in mind that they will be peeing and pooping and chewing, but do you think of the work that is coming along with this puppy? The sleepless nights? The running and chasing after them? What it takes to make sure they grow into a well-trained adult? As I’m sure most people do, I still had a lot to learn. Things such as training, her health, what’s normal, what’s not normal and so much more. So! To help you with your new puppy or any puppies you may be getting in the future, here are 11 tips on what to expect with your first puppy!

1. Start training right away, but don’t expect too much.

With a new puppy, there can’t be too many rules, because they are far too focused on “puppy things” to listen to what you have to say. So definitely start training at an early age or even right away! But keep in mind that not everything will stick right away!

2. Be firm against those puppy dog eyes!

With your first puppy, you’re going to want to spoil this adorable little thing! But a spoiled puppy turns into a spoiled adult. Be sure to stand strong against their precious little faces and when you say no, you mean no!

3. Take them to the vet as soon as you can

Because they are so young, they are healthy, right? Most of the time the answer to that question is yes, but this isn’t always the case. A puppy is most susceptible to illness and new bacteria because they haven’t been exposed to the world yet. They could get things when they go outside, interact with unvaccinated dogs or even from their mother or siblings. Puppies very commonly have internal parasites that cannot been seen from externally and will need tests done by a veterinarian. It’s always good to know that your new pup is in perfect health, especially if you have other dogs in your home. Your veterinarian will be able to give your puppy everything he or she will need to go out into the world! But keep in mind to not panic about every little thing! Even though they are susceptible to illnesses, it doesn’t mean that they have everything ever! My puppy was hiccupping a lot and I starting to think there was something wrong with her, being a new mommy and paranoid! I was about to google what it could be but I stopped myself. I was reminded that Dr. Google will only tell me the worst. Don’t panic at every cough, sneeze or hiccup!

4. Train with treats AND affection!

When training your puppy, treats are a very effective way to get your pups attention. But you don’t want to solely rely on treats, or else this is going to be one chunky puppy! Try to train with toys, praising and affection as well

5. Every day will be new and different

When you have a puppy, one day they will not chew anything, will wait until they are outside to use the bathroom, will just sit on your lap and relax with you. You will think that you ended up with the perfect pup! But the next day, they are chewing your favorite shoes, have peed in the house 4 times already and doesn’t seem to be able to relax. This will have you wondering if you switched puppies by accident. But this is normal, everyday is a new adventure for your puppy! The young dog will have their good days and their bad days, but stay patient and keep training!

6. Their toys will not last

If you are sentimental like me, you will be so touched when you puppy bonds with their first toy; when they fall asleep on it and carry it around everywhere. Then, before you know it, it has been gutted and its head is on the opposite end of the room. Keep in mind that with a new puppy, certain toys will be ripped, torn and destroyed. The key is to get more durable toys and keep the ones that can be torn apart away when they are home alone, to prevent them from swallowing any pieces.

7. They will sleep a lot, and therefore, need to play a lot

Your puppy will most likely be sleeping for a lot of the time. But when they wake up, it’s as if they have slept for a year and have a years’ worth of energy. Be sure to have time to run around with your new puppy! Keep them going and running and playing for as long as they can (or as long as you can!). They will love the exercise and you will be able to bond with your new family member.

8. Keep an eye on this mischievous little pup

You puppy can get into trouble fast! They will be sitting chewing on their toy one minute, and have destroyed the bathroom the next. So always have an eye to watch this little puppy and make sure they aren’t going to be hurting themselves, or your house!

9. But don’t be afraid to let them play on their own sometimes too

You don’t want your puppy to be dependent on you to be there all the time. Allow the puppy some time on their own. Make a little play pen for them or let them chew a toy next to you on their own. Let them make their own fun and entertain themselves! But with supervision!

10. Keep the cost in mind and consider savings

Your puppy will need vaccines, deworming, food, toys, training and so much more! This can be a costly thing for people, and as they get older, other things can come up that rack up your bills. Be sure to have a savings account for your puppy for things like vaccines or spay/neuter, and put a little amount in every month for “just in case”! If your puppy gets sick or hurt, you will have some money to cover it, if not! You have a good number of savings. Some even look into pet insurance which will cover you new puppy from 8 months old and beyond! Insurance makes it so you pay a certain amount a month, and from then on, they will help cover the cost if your puppy gets sick. This is good for a rambunctious little pup getting themselves into trouble, eating anything and everything or even running where they aren’t supposed to. Depending on the insurance company, some will even cover 90% of the costs for you. So it’s always good to do your research and find the one that’s best for you and your dog.

11. Love your puppy!

Your puppy will be the most time consuming part of your life for a long while and it will follow you everywhere and love you with all its heart. You must show this puppy the same amount of love and appreciate to this little cutie while they are small and precious! If you love your puppy and are willing to do what it takes to care for them, you two will become a happy family together!

Written by : Lisa MacPhatter - Veterinary Assistant

Lakeshore Road Animal Hospital

2319 Lakeshore Road W, Oakville

289-837-0100