Expert Q&A: Essentials your new puppy will need

You love your puppy and you want to make sure they get the best start in life.

There will be challenges along the way, but if you can get these 10 essentials right, your puppy’s adoption is sure to be a success!

Dog bowl and water

Their adorable eyes will greedily light up, their tail will start to wag and, if you’re lucky, you may even get to see a booty shake. Only one thing gets a reaction like this from your puppy (other than seeing you, of course)… dinner time!

For your puppy, nothing ranks higher on the essentials list than their beloved food bowl.

They REALLY look forward to their daily meals for two very good reasons: their yummy, age appropriate food is delicious and their feeding time routine helps them to feel in control of their environment. This is why it should occur at the same time each day.

Always remember to also leave water out for your pup, and to take some water for their outings and car journeys!

Toys

Playtime is the number one way to bond with your new bestie and can be made 10 x more fun if toys are involved.

A whole variety of toys will make your dog jump for joy; soft rubber teething toys, stuffable toys such as stuffable toys, squeaky chew toys — the list is endless.

They will also helps to redirect unwanted chewing and provide distraction when your pup is home alone.

Your new doggy skills

Your puppy isn’t the only one who has a lot of learning to do!

As a new puppy parent, it is your responsibility to learn how to decipher their subtle body language and work out whether they are feeling comfortable or challenged.

Visit our website to find out common signs your puppy may not feel comfortable: https://www.adaptil.com/uk#redirected

Your patient teaching

By the time your puppy is 6 months old they are essentially an adolescent, which means training needs to start early. Training your dog from a young age will ensure they grow up to be a well balanced dog pooch, instead of a disobedient teenager!

Your puppy’s sponge-like brain is ready to learn from around 8 weeks old — this is the optimum time to teach them what is right and what is wrong. For example if you want them to be quiet and not bark or whine, reward and treat them when they are quiet!

Save highly rewarding food such as chicken, sausage, cheese for when they have been REALLY good, or when they have learnt a new life skill.

Socialised pups are happy pups

It’s in a dog’s nature to be sociable but that doesn’t mean they won’t be a little scared when meeting new friends or experiencing new things for the first time!

Getting your puppy familiar with as much as possible from an early age is very important.

From other animals to children to cars and loud scary noises — positive association with these things will help them to not be scared and to act appropriately when they come into contact with them.

Puppy school

Puppy training classes are an excellent way to get your pup to meet and greet humans and dogs in different environments.

These weekly meetups will encourage your puppy to learn, become more sociable and develop into a confident, outgoing dog. Plus, you’ll be surrounded by lots of adorable puppies, so it’s a win-win situation!

Join a puppy training class during your pup’s sensitive stage (from around 8 weeks to 12 weeks). This is a crucial phase for puppies to be socialised as it is a powerful molding period.

Teach them the do’s and don’ts

Your puppy is bound to make mistakes when learning the dos and don’ts of the adult world.

ALWAYS remember to reward the good but never punish the bad when training them. They need to be supported not scolded!

Scolding your furbaby could impact your bond and cause problems in the future.

Patience is key

No puppy is the same. They are all unique (part of the reason why we love them SO much) and they all learn at different speeds.

Some puppies will be A* students in their first training session whilst others will take a little more time to learn the ropes!

To help them graduate puppy school with flying colours, patience and understanding from you is essential, as is sticking to a training plan and advancing training slowly.

Helping your puppy stay confident, even when they mess up is what being a good puppy parent is all about.

ADAPTIL Junior

The first few months will be challenging for your new puppy.

Being separated from their mama and siblings is a BIG deal — suddenly they aren’t surrounded by and receiving the “comforting messages” from their mother that made them feel safe and secure.

Luckily, ADAPTIL Junior can help! The easy-to-use collar releases the same natural messages, which comforts them whilst they settle into their new home.

Puppy proof the home

This isn’t just for the safety of your favourite belongings but also for your pups!

Try to tidy away anything your resident chewing monster could damage if they got their little paws on them, such as wires, furniture, clothing etc.

You’ll also be surprised to know that a number of everyday items, such as grapes, onions, sugar free gum and toothpaste, can also cause issues for your pup’s sensitive tummy. So keep them hidden.

Follow these 10 essentials and you and your puppy will be BFFs in no time!