So you think you want a puppy!?
Really, who doesn't want a puppy? They're cute, they're cuddly, they have puppy breath, the list goes on and on. It isn't so much to consider do you want a puppy, but more so can you handle a puppy. A puppy, or even a grown dog for that matter, is a living, breathing, dependent thing. Some things to consider before diving in:
Ready to take the plunge - now what? Research your breed - don't be influenced by Hollywood! That calm and relaxed Jack Russell Terrier that you see on TV, his trainer is standing behind the camera cueing his behaviors. Don’t be influence by looks alone, find a dog whose temperament matches your lifestyle. Oh, and by the way - all dogs shed, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise, The American Kennel Club’s website is a great start to finding out about the many different dog breeds that are out there - most of which have their own breed specific organization that can provide you with even more resources. Animal Planet’s Dogs 101 is another wonderful resource to help you get to know which breed is right for you. A lot of thought and planning went into me getting my first Malinois - I knew I wanted a high energy dog, I love dog sports, and I wanted a dog I could train and compete for everything. I was well aware (and happy) that I would not be getting a couch potato. Something else to consider when selecting your pup is where you are living - do you have a house? A yard? Do you own? Or rent (in which case, can you have a dog)? Are there any breed restrictions in your state, town, neighborhood?
So you’re still on board - and you know what you’re looking for! Where do you go to acquire your pup - to a breeder or rescue? There are good and bad to both of these options. You've done your research this far, don’t stop now and settle for just anyone!
This is it! You’re going through with it, and puppy is on the way! There are a few things you can do before you bring home your furry bundle of joy. Decide where the pup will be allowed, and not allowed in your house. Puppy proof the areas you’re going to allow your pup to play - this include removing/hiding all electrical cords, breakables, small ingestible objects, and anything that is easily chewable and within reach of the puppy. Plan a routine that allows for potty training early on - if you work n 8-10 hour day this may mean enlisting the help of a friend, or a dog walker, to stop by to let the pup outside midday.
If you've never had a puppy, or even it it’s been a long time, there are a few necessities you will want to add to your repertoire.
So you've brought your puppy home - now what?
While the first few days are so exciting, remember that it’s a huge change and adjustment for the puppy, give him or her time to adjust and settle, let them relax before inviting the entire neighborhood and every member of your extended family over to meet them. Keep your initial routine as close to the normal as possible - if you get your puppy over the weekend, be sure to give him/her some alone time so he/she isn't completely in shock when you leave to go back to work on Monday. Be sure to know what your expectations are for your pup - if they aren't allowed to jump on people and furniture when they are grown up, then don’t allow it from the get go.
Potty training is another big deal, start your pup out right, put them on a schedule and stick with it! Generally, a puppy will need to go outside to potty right after they wake up, soon after they eat or drink, and right after a good bout of playing. As a general rule, they can hold it about an hour equal to their months in age. They will not know how to tell you that they need to go outside, so watch for signs such as sniffing the ground, wandering off, or suddenly getting distracted from what they are currently doing. Even if you have a fenced in yard, stay outside with the pup to be sure they actually go potty, and reward them the instant it happens. If accidents happen (and they will) never rub the puppy's nose in their accident for discipline.
Manners are another thing to consider when raising your puppy. Keep in mind that your puppy is going to grow - will their cute habits still be cute at 80lbs? Some manners to consider teaching are: no jumping, mouthing/play biting, no climbing on furniture, and no barking.Don’t ever be forceful and rough with your puppy - don’t hesitate to seek the help of a professional if things seem a bit daunting.
Handling and Socialization are another critical aspect of raising a puppy. Teach your pup to be handled and held, brushed, paws touched, ears touched, teeth checked, etc; it will make your life easier and your veterinarian and groomer with thank you for it! While socialization doesn't mean throwing your pup headlong into every situation, it does mean exposing them to a variety of things they will see in daily life - and exposing them in a way that is positive and not frightening, Dr. Sophia Yin has some great resources on socialization.
While it’s a lot to think about - so is adding a puppy to your life - it’s not something that should be taken lightly, it’s a lifestyle change that isn't for everyone.
Really, who doesn't want a puppy? They're cute, they're cuddly, they have puppy breath, the list goes on and on. It isn't so much to consider do you want a puppy, but more so can you handle a puppy. A puppy, or even a grown dog for that matter, is a living, breathing, dependent thing. Some things to consider before diving in:
- Are you ready for a 10+ year commitment? Depending on your breed of choice, some dogs can live a long and very involved life. My first dog as an adult was a German Shepherd, she was active and in great shape, and lived to be 12 years old. The dog I’d had growing up, who adopted my mom as his one and only, was an Australian Cattle Dog mix who lived to a ripe old age of 18 years!
- Can you afford veterinary care? Both routine as well as the unexpected. Puppies require a series of vaccines to boost their immunity to diseases and, depending on your veterinarian’s protocol, these vaccines tend to need boosters every few years or so. There are a few health maintenance items, such as monthly heartworm, flea and tick, and intestinal parasite preventative that can’t be forgotten when planning for your puppy - and ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure can’t be stressed enough when it comes to some of the common parasites found in dogs. Spaying and neutering is a hot topic issue, one that is between you and your veterinarian, but it’s also a cost to consider when budgeting for your pup. In addition to routine veterinary care, it’s also good to think about things that may not be planned - illness, injury, etc. What about genetic defects? I purchased a puppy from an amazing breeder - parents were health tested, well cared for, from exceptional bloodlines - I couldn't have asked for a better puppy; he was happy, smart, social, you name it! It wasn't until he was nine months old that we discovered he had pretty severe hip dysplasia. While we were lucky enough to be able to avoid surgery, his quality of life is maintained through daily supplements, exercise, physical therapy, 2 wonderful veterinarians, and monthly laser therapy - not something I would have ever considered when looking for a puppy.
- Still have puppy fever? What about food? If there’s one thing that is certain when it comes to dog food, it’s that no two foods are created equal! Should you get a food formulated specifically for puppies, or one designed for “all life stages”? Kibble? Canned food? Raw food? There are almost as many feeding options as there are individual dogs! At the end of the day, you have to provide the best that you can, in a way that makes you feel comfortable. Every year The Whole Dog Journal puts out a dog food review that is a great resource to help you select one that is right for your pet.
- Don't forget training! Great dogs are raised, not just born. Look for someone using positive training methods, who helps you train your dog. Avoid trainers using phrases such as “pack leader”, and “alpha dog”.
Ready to take the plunge - now what? Research your breed - don't be influenced by Hollywood! That calm and relaxed Jack Russell Terrier that you see on TV, his trainer is standing behind the camera cueing his behaviors. Don’t be influence by looks alone, find a dog whose temperament matches your lifestyle. Oh, and by the way - all dogs shed, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise, The American Kennel Club’s website is a great start to finding out about the many different dog breeds that are out there - most of which have their own breed specific organization that can provide you with even more resources. Animal Planet’s Dogs 101 is another wonderful resource to help you get to know which breed is right for you. A lot of thought and planning went into me getting my first Malinois - I knew I wanted a high energy dog, I love dog sports, and I wanted a dog I could train and compete for everything. I was well aware (and happy) that I would not be getting a couch potato. Something else to consider when selecting your pup is where you are living - do you have a house? A yard? Do you own? Or rent (in which case, can you have a dog)? Are there any breed restrictions in your state, town, neighborhood?
So you’re still on board - and you know what you’re looking for! Where do you go to acquire your pup - to a breeder or rescue? There are good and bad to both of these options. You've done your research this far, don’t stop now and settle for just anyone!
- A good breeder has nothing to hide - they've health tested the parents (who may not both be on site, some breeders will breed to another breeder’s dogs to better their lines, and other reasons as well, so don’t be alarmed if both parents aren't on site), all animals in their care are well taken care of, they’re happy to let you come visit their kennel/home, they provide a guarantee (of some sort) to the health of their puppies (while no one can predict perfect health, a guarantee shows that they have done their research, and at least they stand behind their puppies), they may even have a waiting list, as most of the puppies are spoken for even before they are born.
- When looking for a rescue, don’t be surprised when you have to fill out an adoption application, as well as pay an adoption fee. Many rescues do background checks, some even require home visits before approving you as an adopter of one of their pets.
This is it! You’re going through with it, and puppy is on the way! There are a few things you can do before you bring home your furry bundle of joy. Decide where the pup will be allowed, and not allowed in your house. Puppy proof the areas you’re going to allow your pup to play - this include removing/hiding all electrical cords, breakables, small ingestible objects, and anything that is easily chewable and within reach of the puppy. Plan a routine that allows for potty training early on - if you work n 8-10 hour day this may mean enlisting the help of a friend, or a dog walker, to stop by to let the pup outside midday.
If you've never had a puppy, or even it it’s been a long time, there are a few necessities you will want to add to your repertoire.
- A crate is great for potty training as well as containment - while your pup may not need a crate for their entire life, it’s nice to teach them it’s a positive place from the get go.
- Baby gates are another wonderful tool for containment of a pup, using them will allow you to give the pup access to a small, puppy proofed area, rather than your entire house.
- Exercise pens are another option if, say you have an open floor plan, or for other reasons baby gates just aren't an option. An exercise pen is usually 3-4 feet tall and 3’x3’ - they can keep your puppy safe and contained if you can’t supervise 100% of the time.
- Bowls are a necessity for both food and water. Stainless steel are your best option, as they are easiest to clean and are not as likely to hold bacteria and germs the way a plastic bowl can.
- Toys are also a must. Puppies are busy, they like to chew and not just during teething. It’s important to provide safe and appropriate toys that are made specifically for a puppy. Old children's toys can have small and dangerous parts that can be swallowed and /or choked on. Some good brands to look are are Kong, Nylabone, Orka/Petstages, Kyijen. DogTuff is another great resource for finding durable supplies. Be sure to provide a variety of different shapes, textures and toughness - these variances will keep the puppy interested and less likely to look for other things to chew. Providing toys doesn't mean flooding the puppy with toys - 4 or 5 toys are appropriate - if you have more you can always keep some put away and rotate every week or so to add some variety.
- Perfect Puppy in 7 Days: How to Start Your Puppy off Right by Dr. Sohpia Yin
- Control Unleashed - The Puppy Program by Leslie McDevitt
- The Focused Puppy by Deborah Jones and Judy Keller
So you've brought your puppy home - now what?
While the first few days are so exciting, remember that it’s a huge change and adjustment for the puppy, give him or her time to adjust and settle, let them relax before inviting the entire neighborhood and every member of your extended family over to meet them. Keep your initial routine as close to the normal as possible - if you get your puppy over the weekend, be sure to give him/her some alone time so he/she isn't completely in shock when you leave to go back to work on Monday. Be sure to know what your expectations are for your pup - if they aren't allowed to jump on people and furniture when they are grown up, then don’t allow it from the get go.
Potty training is another big deal, start your pup out right, put them on a schedule and stick with it! Generally, a puppy will need to go outside to potty right after they wake up, soon after they eat or drink, and right after a good bout of playing. As a general rule, they can hold it about an hour equal to their months in age. They will not know how to tell you that they need to go outside, so watch for signs such as sniffing the ground, wandering off, or suddenly getting distracted from what they are currently doing. Even if you have a fenced in yard, stay outside with the pup to be sure they actually go potty, and reward them the instant it happens. If accidents happen (and they will) never rub the puppy's nose in their accident for discipline.
Manners are another thing to consider when raising your puppy. Keep in mind that your puppy is going to grow - will their cute habits still be cute at 80lbs? Some manners to consider teaching are: no jumping, mouthing/play biting, no climbing on furniture, and no barking.Don’t ever be forceful and rough with your puppy - don’t hesitate to seek the help of a professional if things seem a bit daunting.
Handling and Socialization are another critical aspect of raising a puppy. Teach your pup to be handled and held, brushed, paws touched, ears touched, teeth checked, etc; it will make your life easier and your veterinarian and groomer with thank you for it! While socialization doesn't mean throwing your pup headlong into every situation, it does mean exposing them to a variety of things they will see in daily life - and exposing them in a way that is positive and not frightening, Dr. Sophia Yin has some great resources on socialization.
While it’s a lot to think about - so is adding a puppy to your life - it’s not something that should be taken lightly, it’s a lifestyle change that isn't for everyone.
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