The First Weeks with a Puppy: Everything You Need To Know
So you’ve decided to get a puppy. Congratulations! This can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it’s also important to be prepared for the challenges that come with raising a young dog. In this blog post, we’ll discuss everything you need to know in the first few weeks of your pup’s life. From house training and crate training to socialization and nutrition, we’ve got you covered!
1. Get Your Supplies Before You Bring Your Puppy Home
Before your puppy comes home, gather everything you’ll need. This implies you’ll need all of the basics, such as a collar and ID, puppy food, water bowls, a leash, poop bags, relaxing aids, and so on. Get a crate and a comfortable crate pad for crate training. You’ll also need chew toys and a puppy bed. The Mother’s Heartbeat Heated Puppy Pet Bed with Bone Pillow is an excellent option. The heartbeat pillow aids in the transition of pups from one home to another, as well as reduces stress.
Don’t forget the puppy pee pads and puppy pee cleaner. While your dog is learning the ropes, he’ll have several mistakes.
2. Puppy Proof Your Home
If you’re bringing a puppy into your home, make sure it’s safe first. This means anything potentially dangerous that your dog could chew on, such as electrical cables and cleaning supplies, should be covered or locked away. Don’t forget to put away things like shoes that aren’t likely to harm your puppy but might still add up over time. If your puppy steals something she shouldn’t, redirect her to a chew toy alternative.
While you’re away, keep an eye on your puppy. Allow your puppy access only to areas where you can watch her. To keep your dog close, try using baby gates or locking wood gates. If you must leave her alone, use a crate to prevent her from getting into anything.
3. Socialize Your Puppy Right Away
Immediately after receiving your puppy, begin socializing and playing with him. During the first week, don’t bring many visitors into your house since it might be overwhelming. Spend a lot of time bonding with him as part of your family. It’s a great time to get your puppy acclimated to human contact.
Hold his paws, cuddle him, and stroke him frequently. If he appears scared, offer him a reward for positive associations. Shout “ow” loudly if he nips; this sends the message that his actions were not acceptable in “dog language.”
You might also try using a desensitizing soundtrack of noises like vacuums and lawnmowers to get him used to interruptions. Start going to puppy parties or obedience courses after your first week to help him socialize. Check with your veterinarian before inviting your dog on play dates so that you are both prepared.
4. Start House Training in the First Week
Now is the time to begin house training your dog. Bell training is a simple method that puppies may grasp quickly. Some pups may need to go out every two or three hours.2 Others may require going to the bathroom 10 minutes after eating or drinking a large glass of water. If you can, maintain feeding and sleeping times consistently.
5. Visit the Veterinarian
Visit your veterinarian as soon as possible after getting your puppy. Get his first vaccination and a health checkup, as well as ensure that you’re feeding him the right food at the appropriate time. It’s critical to get the basics down right away, so make sure you visit your veterinarian within a few days of bringing home your puppy.
6. Reward Good Behaviour
Focus on rewarding good behaviour. When your puppy is sleeping, pet him. Give him a treat when he’s resting quietly so he understands that quietness earns attention. If he’s barking (unless it’s to go potty), don’t pay attention to him.)
Because dogs do what gets their attention, it’s important to teach them early. If you just pay attention to your puppy when he barks and doesn’t pay attention to him when he’s quiet, he may feel less obligated to act calmly in the future.
7. Start “Play Training”
Puppies often require one-on-one training, but don’t despair – even if you’re on your own. You can start with basic commands and “play” training during the first week to get your puppy acclimated to his new surroundings. Keep the intervals short and frequent, and make them enjoyable for your dog. This is more appealing to your dog’s attention.
Start by teaching your puppy to remember his name, then progress to simple instructions like “come” and “stay.” To assist your puppy when he must be home alone, start crate training at this age.
8. Stay Together at Bed Time
It’s fine for your puppy to sleep in your bedroom. Your dog is nervous, so allowing her to rest in your room for safety is wonderful. Sleeping in your bed, on the other hand, may not be appropriate. Sleeping in a crate will allow her to feel safe and protected, as well as establish it as her “go-to” location. To make it pleasant and comfortable, get yourself a nice comfy crate pad.
The arrival of your puppy is an exciting and joyous occasion. These suggestions will aid in making that first week more pleasurable and less stressful for both you and your dog.