As a dog lover, everyone plans on getting their puppy one day. Keeping aside the emotional attachment, there are some other things to consider before doing so.
The bond between dogs and humans is probably one of the purest and strongest forms of connection in the world. Since we domesticated dogs, they have become protective of humans and give us more love than we would have imagined. The emotional support and affection that dogs provide paired with their loyal companionship makes them one of the most popular pets in society. If you are among millions of people who have declared themselves as dog lovers, then you must have dreamt about having a puppy on your own.
Well, raising a puppy of your own is a sweet yet challenging journey with various turns that you think you are ready for but in ready might not be ready for! So before you go into the all-parent mode, here is the complete guide to raising a healthy and happy pupper!
Common challenges and what you should do –
Before anything else, you must know the troubles that you are going to be surely facing in the future if you get a pet puppy. This includes –
- i) Issues with Potty training
Potty training young puppies can be really challenging, especially in its initial days. Some dogs are especially notorious for being stubborn. In other cases, puppies take a considerable amount of time to grasp the concept of going outdoors when they have to relieve themselves. Here the only key is consistency. If you face any trouble with getting your puppy topotty train, establish a routine that must include the dog’s eating, sleeping, and outdoor break schedules. At the same time, you can also praise them for doing the deed outdoors or in any place you particularly want them to. Remember, when they are initially learning, just one step back can get back to square one.
- ii) Excessive barking problems
Young doggos bark for various reasons including wanting attention, boredom, excitement, separation anxiety, fear, etc. The first you need to focus on is finding out the root cause of why your puppy is barking too much. After finding the cause, you need to use positive reinforcement for their quiet behavior. At the same time, you need to provide mental stimulation through either puzzles or toys so you can keep them occupied. You can also engage in interactive sessions with your puppy along with regularly incorporating obedience training sessions, which might ease it up with the little buddy. Having these happening to them regularly will help in mental stimulation while strengthening the bond between dogs and their human companions.
iii) Destructive behavior including chewing problems
When you bring home a puppy, usually he is in his teething process so expect a lot of chewing. However, teething puppies often resort to inappropriate items for chewing. To make sure none of the inappropriate items are torn, make sure to provide a wide variety of chewing that soothe their gums. You can also use bitter sprays on forbidden items. When you catch them in position, try to redirect their attention to other acceptable items that curb their destructive habits. In addition to that, you can incorporate positive and consistent reinforcement during the teething phase. This will reinforce good behavior and establish a good chewing habit for life.
- iv) Aggressive behavior challenges
When you take a puppy home, usually at the start they engage in aggressive behavior, even towards the owner. This aggression might stem from their fear of being in an unfamiliar situation or place. This can also arise from territorial instincts or even inadequate socialization. Gradual exposure to people and various environments along with professional training will reduce this kind of behavior and at the same time, you will be able to understand the triggers. You can also use reward-based training methods to reshape their behavior, encouraging a more socially acceptable behavior.
- v) Separation anxiety problems
Young puppies might experience anxiety when they are left alone. But in reality, it is not possible to spend 24*7 with your buddy. So what can you do? Well, you can gradually desensitize by leaving the pupper for a short period and creating a comfortable space. At the same time, you can also incorporate comforting background noise or items to help them with their anxiety. Additionally, try to incorporate a consistent routine of departure and return which will reassure your dog. This will also help in building your young buddy’s confidence gradually and minimize the stress during the time when they are alone.
- vi) Picky eating challenges
Every puppy is different in their own way. The one you end up getting might be a picky eater, or even lose interest in food in general. What you can do is experiment with different types of puppy foods. At the same time, you need to establish a consistent eating routine. Sometimes picky eating or losing interest in food might be a reflection of any underlying disease. In this case, to be sure, contact a vet and see what is impacting their appetite. Additionally, incorporating variety in their palette with occasional treats will entice their taste buds, ensuring the fact that they are getting a well-balanced and nutritional food plate.
vii) Socialization challenges
Puppies at first might display aggression or fear towards people they are not familiar with. These can also be other animals or even environments. What you can do is reinforce positive and calm behavior in these situations. You can also do gradual exposure to new things, people, environments, and items. You can also opt for supervised interactions that can increase their socialization skills over time.
viii) Health problems
Dogs when they are young, just like humans, are prone to different health concerns including infections and parasites. So make sure to incorporate regular vet check-ups including timely appropriate vaccinations. You can also take preventative care measures like tick and flea control which is important for ensuring and maintaining their health. To contribute to the well-being and longevity of your young buddy, you can discuss a tailored wellness plan with your vet.
ix) Sleep problems
Due to the fact of environmental change, puppies often have problems sleeping during the night. So it is even more important to establish a bedtime routine in addition to providing a quiet and comfortable sleeping place. At the same time try to avoid stimulating activities just before bedtime as this will promote better and more peaceful sleeping habits.
Some tips for raising a healthy and happy fur buddy –
- Preparing your home – Think of having a puppy in your home as a guest coming. In reality, this guest will never leave your heart and your home. So just like you prepare your home for guests, you need to make a few adjustments to make it suitable for a growing fur buddy. To take better care of your buddy, make sure to puppy-proof the living space. At the same time consider investing in a ton of stimulating dog toys along with some activities that cater to your dog’s requirements. You can design the play area in a way that your puppy feels like he is in a safe haven. Include a cozy bed and tons of toys that are both comforting and essential for their chewing phase. This will make sure your young friend feels safe and secure.
- Nutrition – When you have a growing puppy in your home, it is an important aspect of responsible parenting that you take care of their nutrition and satisfy their needs. For this, you can collaborate with your vet closely for a personalized diet plan. This needs to be created considering the puppy’s breed, size, and any other health condition. At the same time, you can opt for high-quality puppy foods that provide essential nutrients that set the stage for healthy development and growth. Additionally, you need to also set a consistent feeding schedule as they provide structure while setting a routine that positively impacts the puppy’s behavior. Puppies usually grow consistently and are always super active, so it is really important to meet their nutritional needs. An easy way to do that is by adding required supplements to their diets.
- Basic training – Early training in basics is essential for a well-behaved and healthy dog. You can do this basic training by yourself or hire a professional trainer. If you take responsibility for yourself, start with simple commands such as sit, stand up, stay, come, etc. You can do such by employing praise, treats, and plays. Just like potty training, consistency is the key here as well. If you combine consistency with patience in the training sessions, it will reshape the behavior of your young buddy while deepening the bond between you together.
- Hygiene and grooming – Incorporate a routine grooming session into the routine as it acts like a proactive measurement of your puppy’s overall health. Take in regular brushing for your furry friend as it helps in maintaining a healthy coat as well as preventing skin diseases and matting. Then gradually introduce them to nail trimming and bathing. You also need to do regular checks for eyes, teeth, and ears as they contribute to the early detection of preventative diseases common in dogs.
- Neutering – Even if you are grossed out by this, the decision of when to take your dog for neutering or spaying is important. For this, consult with your vet so that you both can determine which would be the optimal timing for that. This timing can change based on various factors such as size, breed, and your dog’s overall health. Neutering or spaying can have various health benefits including the reduction of certain reproductive-related diseases, not just population control. The operation is not enough, you also need to invest seriously in post-op care that ensures a smooth recovery for your best friend, setting the perfect stage for a happy and healthy adulthood.
Concluding everything, raising a puppy is just like raising a human child. Additionally, they need more care than human children as they cannot speak. But if you pay enough attention, their behavior will tell you a lot of things! So make sure you are following this guideline diligently. And Happy Parenting!
