Bringing a puppy home and raising a puppy for the first time can be extraordinarily exciting, but it is also incredibly daunting because you are taking on a colossal responsibility. Raising a pet may seem oh-so-endearing, but it is a lot more than just that. That said, while a bit tricky, especially for first-time parents, raising a dog also has its rewards. When your four-legged pal looks at you with their big doe eyes like you’re their whole world, you will feel unbridled joy worth all your paw-parenthood hassles.
And once you learn the ropes, looking after your fur child will become second nature for you. But understandably, getting to that point where you know everything about raising a puppy will take time. This means for the early days; you need all the help you can get. And that’s why we have this detailed guide so that you feel a bit more in control of the dog parenting process.
If you’re ready to learn, then let’s discuss all things paw-parenthood and raising a puppy.
Dogs come in all shapes and sizes. In other words, there is a massive number of dog breeds in the animal kingdom. This means you need to be sure about the breed you want because every dog family has its own characteristics. For instance, golden retrievers and Labradors are highly energetic dogs, so they need to get plenty of exercise in a day; otherwise, they can get pretty fussy. On the contrary, bulldogs are super lazy and can go on without any physical activity for a while.
Simply put, you need to carry out extensive research on dog breeds and learn everything about their needs so that you can decide whether you can cater to them or not.
But keep in mind that every dog is different. That is, dogs belonging to the same group can be very different from one another. Therefore, you mustn’t assume how your first-time parenting experience will turn out and let things pan out at their own pace.
In sum, do your research to get a basic idea about your future fur child’s needs but don’t make up any rigid expectations.
Whenever a new member enters the family (raising a puppy), everyone has to make adjustments to accommodate the latest addition. So, naturally, when you are bringing a new puppy home, you need to make the necessary arrangements to keep it safe.
The first thing you should do to dog-proof your home is get rid of all such items that could harm your fur child. For example, swap your surface cleaners with organic products to make sure your bud stays safe even if they lick it off the floor. Next, remove all hyper allergenic plants or keep them at a height where your new family member can’t reach. Cover all delicate or expensive décor items with blockers or put up baby gates to keep your dog off the furniture.
Once you have dog-proofed the house, it’s time to bring accessories for your canine companion. If you wish to decorate an entire room for your fuzzy baby, you can do that by setting up a bed and put chew toys around it. Think along the lines of setting up a nursery, but for a four-legged child.
As you are raising a puppy, one might think dogs are quite sensitive to change. They typically need a while to get used to a new place. This means you need to give your fur child space and not impose yourself on them. However, you don’t need to leave them completely unattended. Try to strike a balance between showering them in love and maintaining a little distance. Once they are familiar with their new home, you can play and cuddle with them all you want.
Also, don’t introduce them to friends and family during the first few months after their arrival. First, let them acclimatize with their new environment and family, and then invite guests to introduce your little ones to the extended friend circle.
Like humans, animals need healthcare experts to ensure their wellbeing. So, naturally, domestic dogs and their owners need to have a professional doctor to keep the pet in the best possible shape.
Look up vets close to your house or ask fellow paw-parents for recommendations. Once you have your heart set on an expert, take your furry friend for a thorough checkup as soon as possible. Doing so will help you understand your sidekick’s physiology and what you need to do to provide them with the best care.
Different dogs have different tastes and dietary needs, so you should know what your bud prefers as food and what is right for their health. Typically, active dogs like labs need a higher number of calories as they tend to engage in physical activity as much as possible, which is why a diet rich in carbs and protein is well suited for them. But if you bring home a lazy pup like bulldogs, you need to cut down on calories, or else you may have to deal with canine obesity down the line.
Consult your vet over your fuzzy bud’s dietary needs and ask them for recommendations as there is a multitude of dog food brands in the market.
As mentioned earlier, every dog has different needs. Some need to rest more while others need to exercise more. If you are adopting an energetic four-legged friend, you will have to make time to take them out for physical activity or make the necessary arrangements at home so they can burn off steam. Set up an agility course using household items such as buckets and old furniture, or you can play fetch with your dog if you have the time and energy for it.
There’s no denying that adopting a fluffy child is equal parts exciting and intimidating, but if you play your cards right and are willing to learn along the way, you can become the best paw-parent out there. All you need to do is keep in mind your dog’s needs and plan your moves accordingly. And don’t forget to show your canine companion how much you love them!
by Maria A Davidson || You can’t buy love, but you can rescue it™ .
Facts About Animal Homelessness:
Here are a some adoptions for consideration: puccicafe.com/adoptions