Puppy Parenting 101
So you got a puppy. Now, what do you do?
Welcome to pet parenting my friend. I'm here to help you get started on this amazing new journey with your canine companion. This furry little one you hold in your arms right now will play so many roles in your life, friend, confidant, guardian, protector, your Mr. Snuggles fur baby who shows you complete unconditional love.
They can be a source of constant joy, entertainment, and pride. Many play vital roles around the home. They catch pests, warn against danger, some even help with daily chores. If properly trained and treated they will be a lifelong companion. So let's get started with the very basics.
First and most importantly you must understand your dog lives for you. You are the center of their world. They will wait for you no matter how long it takes you to return and greet you happily with unconditional love and acceptance. This type of loyalty and love deserves respect.
Needed Supplies
The Basics:
1. Food and Water Dish- A separate food and water dish for each pet prevents squabbling and helps you be sure each one gets their recommended food amounts. Always keep fresh, clean water out for your pet.
2. Dog / Puppy Food - Chose the appropriate formula for your pet's age, weight and health needs. My preference is always the grain-free option. Corn is hard to digest and most standard commercial dog and puppy foods are loaded with it. It will be listed in the first 5 ingredients.
Please read your pet's food nutritional content and ingredients just like you would your own. You are looking for a food with meat and vegetables. No corn, corn products, BHAs and BHTs, or meat by-products. It's a bit more expensive but helps to make for a healthier pet.
3. Collar - Do choose the right size for your dog or puppy. Too big and it is worthless, too small will injure your pet. You should be able to fight 2 fingers (one stacked on top of the other) between your dog's neck and their collar. Harnesses are better for leash training in my opinion, and a definite must for smaller, more delicate breeds. However, a collar is still highly necessary for your pooch's ID tag.
4. Harness - A harness is often the best option for leash training your puppy. It’s a must for toy and small breeds since it's so very easy to crush their little windpipe. With a large breed puppy, you want them to get used to the harness when they are small, so there’s less pulling as they get older.
It is much easier to maintain control on a lead with a harness rather than a collar. Your pup isn't as likely to easily slip out of it as they can do with a collar. Plus, there isn't the worry about accidentally choking them down trying to keep them from running out in traffic. Measure them to get a proper fit. You don't your pouch walking around like he's wearing a sweater that is too small.
5. ID Tag - This item is a must! If ever your beloved fluffer gets away from you, you want to be sure that he/she can be returned to you easily. On the tag be sure to include:
•Your name
•Telephone number
•Email address
•Your veterinarian's number (so if it's a health emergency your pet can receive the care it needs immediately)
•Any health condition or allergies
Micro-chipping is also an option but it can be costly depending on where you live.
6. Leash - With a new puppy, be sure your leash is an adequate length as you are tall and the puppy is low to the ground. You do not want to have walk in a permanent lean when leading them. Nor do you want to pull them up from the ground when you stand up. A 6' lead is best. There's room for adjustments.
7. A Pet Bed - This can be a fancy leather bolster bed or a folded up blanket on the floor. Any type of bed or palette will help your dog define their space and understand where you want them to stay. If you can't afford a crate this is an easy and affordable way to train your pet to know their boundaries.
8. Flea and Tick Treatment - A necessity for both you and your pet. Available in both over-the-counter and prescription varieties. Look for something that kills both fleas, ticks, and their eggs. Nobody wants a house full of itchies.
9. Training treats- Ah food motivation, one of a pet parents' best training aides. Treats can be anything from carrots to an old school milk-bone. Just remember to give a treat ONLY when they do as asked. No matter how cute the puppy dog face they give you, these are rewards for a job well done.
10. Puppy Pads - For house-training, these liquid absorbing pads have a scent added to them that draws your pup to do his business there. The backside of the pads are plastic so no leaks on your floors. There's even a tray you can purchase that goes under the pads to be doubly sure of no leaks.
11. Toy and Chews - Entertaining and occupying your dog gives them a more stable demeanor. So when you aren't able to leave them out in the backyard or go on a walk you need to find the little fluffer something to do before they find something to occupy themselves. For puppies especially boredom = destruction.
12. A File Folder or Envelope- This will help you to keep all your pet's vaccine records, training certificates, veterinary results together. It's always handy to keep everything organized and in one place.
13. Heartworm Prevention - This one is so important, so many animals die each year uselessly when a once a month tablet prevents it all. Heartworms are passed to your pet from mosquitoes. The treatment for heartworms can be as deadly as the disease itself. Prevention is the best option. Most of these preventives also contain a dewormer so it's an all in one pill treatment. Consult your veterinarian to decide which option is best for your pet.
14. A Pet First Aid Kit- Just like you the one you have for the human members of your family in case of an emergency. Fido needs one for himself as well. These can be purchased online or you can make a customized one at home.
15. Dog / Puppy comb or brush- Something very important to start with your new fur baby from day one is grooming. You need to get them used to being groomed and touched. Brushing is a good way to get to do this. Try to brush daily for less shedding.
*Side note: Be sure to touch their feet and claws to get them adjusted to the handling of their paws. Nail trims are very important to prevent dangerous nail tears. If you are new to pet care this is a task best handled by professionals until you learn the ropes.
16. Puppy Shampoo - Get a pet specific shampoo. They are PH-balanced specifically for your fluffer's fur and skin. Not only to keep their skin and coat clean but healthy as well. Human shampoos can be over-drying and cause dull fur and dry skin.
17. Doggie Toothbrush and Dog Toothpaste - Yes you are reading correctly. Fido needs his pearly whites kept clean same as his Fluff parent. Dental disease has been linked to heart disease in dogs. So let your canine's toothies shine.
There are of course a ton of other products available for your dog. From large kennels to fancy dogs houses to sweaters and costumes but the items listed here are the basics every dog owner needs.
Try and have the bowls, bed, food, a few toys, leash, and collar the day you bring your fluffer home. This will make for an easier transition bringing your new family member into a prepared environment.
Now for the most important part. Go pick up your pupper and commence with hugs, pets, and play. Add a good dose of love, affection and patience and all will go smooth as a puppy's ears. Till next time...
~Wags and Good wishes
