New Puppy Owner? Start Here!

Hello new puppy owners and welcome to our blog!

We recently received a wonderful question from a new puppy owner, and it’s a great one. We’ve all been there—so excited for our new family member, but also a little overwhelmed with all the things to think about. This blog post is dedicated to answering some of the most common questions new puppy parents have.

Choosing the Right Food

When it comes to puppy food, you’ll want to look for brands that prioritize real, whole ingredients. A good rule of thumb is to check the first few ingredients on the label. They should be a high-quality protein source like chicken, beef, or salmon, followed by healthy grains, fruits, and vegetables. Avoid foods with a lot of fillers or artificial preservatives. Always consult your veterinarian for advice on what brand and type of food is best for your specific puppy's breed, size, and health needs.

Walking and Potty Training

Pad training and walking go hand-in-hand. For pad training, start by establishing a designated spot for the pad and take your puppy there often, especially after they wake up, after they eat or drink, and after playtime. When they successfully use the pad, reward them with praise and a small treat. As you begin to take her on walks, she will start to learn to associate outside with potty time. When you start walking her, be sure to keep the walks short and focused on potty breaks until she gets a bit older.

Socializing Your Puppy

Socialization is incredibly important for a well-adjusted dog. You want to expose your puppy to a variety of new experiences in a positive and safe way. This can include meeting other vaccinated dogs, people of different ages, and experiencing different environments like parks and pet-friendly stores. Look for local puppy training classes or “puppy playdates” where she can interact with other puppies in a controlled setting. Always ensure that the other dogs are healthy, and the environment is clean and safe for her.

Alone Time and Separation

It's great that you’re planning ahead for when you’re not home. Since your puppy will be alone for a few hours at a time, it’s a perfect opportunity to use the crate and playpen you’ve purchased. This setup provides her with a safe and secure space. To keep her entertained and safe, you can:

* Give her a food-stuffed toy: Puzzle toys or a Kong filled with a bit of her kibble or a small amount of dog-safe peanut butter can keep her occupied for a good amount of time.

* Provide chew toys: Make sure they are durable and safe for her to have without supervision.

* Create a comfy space: Put a blanket or an old t-shirt with your scent on it in her crate or playpen to help her feel secure.

* Slowly increase alone time: Start by leaving her alone for just a few minutes and gradually increase the duration. This helps her build confidence and reduces separation anxiety.

Where Should She Sleep?

The decision of where your puppy sleeps is a personal one. Both your room and the living room are great options. The most important thing is that she has her own designated, comfortable bed. Many trainers recommend having the puppy sleep in your room initially because it can help them feel more secure and less anxious. The sound of you breathing can be very comforting to a young puppy, which can help with the crying and whimpering that often happens during the first few nights. Once she is comfortable sleeping through the night, you can gradually move her bed to the living room if that is your long-term goal.

Welcome to the wonderful world of dog ownership! We hope these tips help you and your new pup get off to a great start.