5 Tips for a New Puppy

You took the leap.

Suddenly there’s a young, energetic and unpredictable puppy in your home, and – truth be told – he or she has already melted your heart. For a new puppy owner or shall we say pet parent because dogs are family, a puppy is a blessing, but he or she can also provide you with a big learning experience. Here are five tips you’ll want to jump on right away.

Dog-proof Your Home

Puppies love to get into anything and everything. The best way to prevent your new dog from causing havoc to your home and wallet is by dog-proofing your home, specifically:

• Shoes: Put them somewhere a puppy can’t get.
• Wires: Keep them out of the open.
• Plants: Certain types of plants you might have in your home can make dogs sick so make sure you take the time to research.
• Curtains and cords: Curtains can be expensive to replace, so keep them out of reach while your dog is young.

Start Training ASAP

Before your puppy ever goes to a training class, he or she should already be trained on three commands: sit, come, and stay. Start early and your dog will already be well-behaved by the time he or she gets to puppy school.

Set Boundaries

From the moment your new dog comes home, be sure to start teaching him or her boundaries. If your puppy isn’t supposed to go into a certain room or part of the house, put up a moveable fence barrier. Don’t want him or her on the sofa? Teach your dog from the beginning and don’t let up on the rules – no matter how devastatingly adorable that little puppy face is.

Get the Right Nutrients

It can be overwhelming when trying to figure out just what you should feed your new puppy and what’s best for a puppy’s diet. That said, your life is busy enough as it is, so don’t feel like you have to cook your dog something different for dinner every night unless you absolutely want to. Moreover, trust brand-named dog food you recognize. If it costs more, it’s probably because it truly has better ingredients.

Take a look at kibble vs raw dog food to figure out if you want to feed your dog kibble or raw dog food. If you want to give your dog fresh dog food, consider Nom Nom Now.  Whatever you decide to do, do what’s best for you and your dog.  You can also ask your vet for recommendations.

Let Your Dog be a Dog

When it comes down to it, every new pet parent needs to remember that their dog is a dog. Dogs like to play outside, sniff and run around. All of this is healthy, and your new puppy will thank you for just letting them be a dog.

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4 Things I Wish I Knew Before Becoming a Pet Parent

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Are you a new pet parent?  How was your experience with your first puppy?  Any additional tips?

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This post was written by Bryden McGrath, a freelance journalist and photographer, blogger, and college graduate from Seattle.