First time puppy? Here’s what to know.
Many first time pet owners don’t know what they’re getting into. Fortunately, if you’re reading this you want to better your overall knowledge to take care of your furry friend to the best of your abilities! All living situations are different but first and foremost, know which breed works for you!
Since you were a kid you’ve always dreamt of having a Great Dane. Their stunning posture and large presence is a notable trait from this beautiful AKC recognized breed. With their large size comes large… potty breaks. For instance, this energetic large breed would be a terrible pick for a younger person that’s out most nights on the city and comes back to their apartment for a few hours. This specific breed requires time to exert their energy and a large space to live! A better option might be a small breed such as a Chihuahua, Papillon, Yorkshire terrier or Pembroke Welsh Corgi puppy. The first thing you should look into when choosing a breed is their activity level. Make sure it’s compatible with your life style.
Potty training your new puppy
You did it, you decided which breed is right for you and you connected with one of our reputable breeders and purchased your new friend. The next bit of info is vital, lets work on potty training this pooch. The key here is frequency. A puppy has a small bladder, they need to be taken outside on a regular schedule to get acclimated to a routine of going potty outside. There is no such thing as taking them out too much, a good rule of thumb is to shoot for once an hour starting out. Always remember to reward them when they go potty with praise or treats immediately, do not wait until they go back inside. You want the puppy to know they’re being rewarded for going to the bathroom, not walking inside. One thing that helps with peeing at night time is to pick up their water dish to reduce the likelihood that they will need to relieve themselves in the middle of the night. Most puppies can sleep for approximately seven hours without needing a bathroom break.
Supervise your puppy
Lets face it, we all have lives but taking on a new puppy comes with added responsibility. In the event that you have to leave for work or leave for several hours always make sure your puppy is in a confined space where it can’t get hurt. Puppies are not used to being alone for the most part so it’s best to slowly acclimate them to this. If you choose to crate train your puppy, be sure how to use the crate as humanely as possible. If your puppy has been in the crate for several hours you’ll need to immediately take them outside to go to the bathroom. Always try to maintain your routine for the best success with potty training.
Training
As I’m sure you’re aware of with puppies, things take time. Most pups leave their littermates at eight weeks of age. The first several weeks with a new puppy means a huge adjustment. Do not get frustrated with your new best friend. Puppies don’t stay young for long and a dog matures quickly. Imagine you are the puppy and suddenly everything you know, from your siblings to your mom, are gone! Learn patience and if you aren’t a patient person, then a puppy is simply not the right choice for you. With the proper techniques and time you can teach your new puppy to act how it should.