Springtime is Puppytime

Spring is on our doorstep. It is the season of flowers blooming, grass growing, and - apparently - getting a puppy!

Most pet experts agree that spring is an optimal season for adding a four-legged friend to your family. Warmer months are ideal times for potty training and they also give you the benefit of longer, sunnier days for walks and playtime.

It is easy to get swept away by the cuteness of a furry, squirmy puppy. But the first weeks can be full of surprises if you're not prepared. Follow these simple tips to help you start off on the right paw.

Get Your Supplies First

If you have decided to bring a darling little puppy home, do yourself a favor and get prepared. Pick up all your supplies before your puppy comes home. Here are a few things to consider: 

• Toys
• Bedding
• Pet food
• Food and water bowls
• Collar
• ID tag
• Leash
• Poop bags
• Dog shampoo
• Treats
• Nail clippers
• Crate

If you have the essentials there, it saves you time panicking or worrying about leaving your puppy on its own to get the supplies.

Don't forget puppy pee pads and puppy pee cleaner. Your puppy will likely have some accidents while he's learning the ropes.

Puppy Proofing

Make sure your home is safe before your puppy arrives. You should prepare for a puppy’s arrival just like you would with a human baby. 

Puppies are chronically curious and love to explore their surroundings by scent and taste. So, time to look at your home through puppy eyes and secure any dangerous temptations. 

Electrical wires tend to be a chewing favorite. Be sure they are all inaccessible. 

It does not just apply to loose wires either; expect anything left out and accessible to end up in your pup’s mouth. 

If you keep medicines or pill packets lying about, they should probably find a new home in a cabinet.

Keep any foods or products which contain toxic-to-dog substances like xylitol or chocolates well out of puppy reach, 

Also, make sure they cannot access cleaning products such as bleach and ammonia, poisonous plants, or any hazardous product. 

Items like shoes that won't necessarily hurt your puppy (but you really don't want to be turned into chew toys either) should be put away.  Once your puppy is home, supervise her closely. Only give her access to areas where you can watch her. Redirect your puppy to a chew toy alternative if she gets into something she shouldn't. 

You may want to use baby gates or locking wood gates to keep your puppy close. It is a good idea to use a crate if you have to leave her alone, so she doesn't get into anything while you're gone.

Get Ready to Get Social

We cannot stress enough how important socialization is for your dog.  The prime period for doing this is between the first 6-12 weeks of their life but can start right away.

Start by playing with your puppy. Get them used to interacting with your family. It is probably best if you avoid bringing lots of guests into your home during the first week, as this might be overwhelming. But do spending lots of time helping him bond with your family is a good opportunity to get your puppy used to human touch.

After your first week, you may want to start attending puppy parties or puppy obedience classes to help with socialization. (Be sure to check with your vet first to make sure your pup's ready for puppy play dates).

Establish A Routine

If you aren’t familiar with dogs, let us tell you they love to stick to a routine. Therefore as a dog owner, it’s best to make sure you stick from day one. This means:  give them food, play, go for a walk, take them out, and put them to sleep at about the same time each day.  

If you don’t stick to a routine, it can cause them undue stress and can make it hard for them to become disciplined. Plus, it can be very beneficial when it comes to training manners and expectations for your dog. 

For example, you can ask your dog to sit and wait before giving them their food. Or put them in their bed and ask for a stay every time the doorbell rings.

Establishing these routines early on will lay the groundwork for future training as well as behavior expectations.

Get Your Puppy Used To Be Handled

As a dog owner, you must use different ways of handling your puppy. They need to be familiar with your touch in case an emergency situation does arise, like a medical emergency. 

Plus, it will make their grooming experience much easier!

The best way to do this is by keeping handling sessions short and sweet, full of rewards. Similarly, during the handling period, it’s good to show them not to use their tongue, not teeth. 

This will also lessen the risk of your adult dog biting children or adults who might play too rough with them. 

One of the greatest rewards of being a new puppy parent is helping them grow into a canine good citizen. Knowing what to expect and doing right by and for your new friend will lead to a lifetime of special memories and moments shared together.