Playing with your puppy is often enough exercise to keep him healthy while building a bond between the both of you. She also breeds award winning Labrador Retrievers under the Fallriver prefix. Place these new puppy items in your home for other people and any other pets you may already have to start adjusting to them. If you're forgoing a crate, prepare a small area, such as a powder room or a corner of a kitchen or laundry room, where he can be confined and kept away from other pets and small children. By Maggie Clancy (Picture Credit: Memitina/Getty Images) Few things can put a damper on the joy of bringing a new puppy … Both when they are still very small, and then as they grow bigger. These are typically monthly medications but ask your veterinarian for their recommendation. The more comfortable he is with going into the crate, the easier it will be on both of you during training. Check to see if the breeder socializes the puppies from an early age, which exposes them to a wide range of sights and sounds. For the first few days, try to keep the noise down and create a calm, peaceful environment. a dog that you need to introduce to your puppy, make an appointment with your veterinarian. Attach the leash to your puppy's collar and let it drag the leash around behind it while it sniffs out its new territory. Don't panic if you have another dog at home and it isn't getting along with the new puppy just yet. We expect that puppies will enjoy being cuddled. THE FIRST 4 TO 7 WEEKS AFTER BIRTH This time is usually spent with the mother and siblings, mostly curled up in an indescribably cute pile of sleeping puppies. This guide to the first six months of puppy parenthood will walk you through your puppy’s development month by month, from the day they open their eyes to the day they get so big, you’ll wonder why you ever let them sleep in your bed in the first place. If you don't already have an established vet, ask around. Grooming includes trimmings, brushing his coat, his teeth, trimming his nails and bathing him. Getting a new puppy is a very exciting time. If you are planning on bringing a new puppy into your home, then you should take some time to prepare for the puppy’s arrival. Cuddles. Gina Brennan. If you want to get a puppy, contact a few breeders and ask about upcoming litters. This may be its crate, bed, or under the coffee table but wherever it is, this spot makes them feel secure and comfortable. You can absolutely hire a professional groomer for haircuts or the vet for nail trimming, but you'll want to get your dog used to having to sit still while you primp and preen him. Raising a puppy takes work and often a lot of patience, but in the end it’s 100% worth it. About our Ads. If you've never had a puppy before, the task before you can seem quite daunting, and once those big puppy eyes capture your heart, there's no turning back. Your family, friends and coworkers will likely be able to provide you with plenty of recommendations. You'll also want to start your puppy on regular preventative medications to prevent or control fleas, ticks, intestinal parasites, and heartworms. Puppies will chew nearly anything, so make sure that there are no valuables down at puppy-height, or things that could be poisonous to them or be a choking hazard. If you don't have other dogs, let your puppy safely explore your home. [Related: Simple Tips For Potty Training A Puppy] Dana Scott. “If the puppy isn’t doing what you want, it’s because the puppy doesn’t understand. Before you bring your puppy home or expose him to other dogs, make sure he's up to date with his vaccinations and de-worming treatments. After a week or so, your puppy will be comfortable in its new home. We know our toddlers will take many years to become mature, well adjusted adults. Introducing Your Puppy to Her New Home Expect your puppy to be nervous. Day one with your new puppy is very exciting, but you’ll want to be careful that you don’t overwhelm it. The Spruce Pets uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience and for our, 7 Things to Know Before Getting Your First Puppy, How to Train Your Puppy to Go on Potty Pads, What to Expect in the First 24 Hours With Your New Dog, How to Disinfect Your Home After Parvovirus, Quarantine a New Puppy to Protect Healthy Dogs, How to Train an Older Dog to Do New Tricks, How to Train Your Dog to Accept a New Baby. DePaul University. Just as you would a child, your job is to take your new golden retriever puppies and … To help you know what to expect during the most adorable weeks of a puppy’s life, we asked Dr. Carlo Siracusa, DVM, Ph.D., MS, associate professor of Clinical Behavior Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, to share key happenings and care information through the early stages, from day one to 48 weeks. This will allow you to let him out to do his business frequently, as well as monitor behaviors that he might try to engage in when you're away from the home. 4. If you plan to crate train him, have the crate ready. What to Expect in a Puppy’s First Week. By Sarah Hodgson . Cookie Consent Tool, Dominican Republic - República Dominicana, Greater China - Hong Kong SAR – (English). On November 3, 2018, I spent nearly two and a half hours in the car on the way to a Starbucks in Indiana so that I could pick up my brand new pup. When your puppy is little, train it to associate you and other family members with good things when you approach the guarded object. This also is a good chance to talk about what to expect as your pup grows into adulthood. If it does its business, be sure to reward it immediately with verbal praise, a small treat, and some petting. There's a lot to consider when you first bring your new puppy home, including feeding, walking, training, vaccination, socialisation and child safety. Continue to praise it when it does the right thing or deter it from doing the wrong thing by distracting it with a toy. How to Raise a Puppy: What to Expect in the First Year... TailSmart.com HOW TORAISE A PUPPY WHAT TO EXPECT IN THE FIRST YEAR. Adrienne Kruzer, RVT, has worked with a variety of animals for over 15 years, including birds of prey, reptiles, and small mammals. When do puppies need to be vaccinated? Understanding a puppy's stages of development during the first 12 months can help you create a stronger, richer relationship with your new companion. It wiped her out! Raising a puppy is a bigger challenge than I ever expected. Use this growth timeline to learn which stage of development he's in. Puppies are also driven to chew a lot as their adult teeth come in, and may see the doggie version of a teething ring in the living room rug, the couch, your favorite pair of shoes and even your hand. You'll need to stock up on a number of supplies to keep your puppy happy and healthy. Even a dog with an outgoing personality is usually a little shell-shocked when he arrives in his new home. Outside of training and general health, puppies need attention and exercise. They can even start to give you tips on preparing you as you go through the adolescent period, which can be a challenging time for pet parents as pups grow into sexual maturity. Destruction is the product of a puppy's boredom, lack of supervision, and a search for entertainment. What can you expect in the first week? There's a lot you need to know to make things go smoothly with your new friend. “The little teeth of a puppy are really sharp; they are painful! Regular play sessions and walks are great for wearing puppies out but you also want to mentally stimulate them as well. Toy and small breed dogs reach physical maturity faster than larger breeds, and can be switched over to adult dog food and adult-sized portions between nine and twelve months of age. We sometimes expect a puppy to turn into a well behaved, mature dog in an instant. Sit on the floor with your puppy and simply observe it while it explores, making sure it is out of harm's way at all times. We'll help to ensure you're well prepared to care for your new four-legged friend. A 10-week-old puppy is going through a critical fear period. You may have even seen some dog training video tutorials, but what you’d like is to prepare yourself mentally so you can feel more confident in knowing exactly what to expect when you bring home that puppy, and how to deal with it. A lot of patience and a little extra effort will turn your rambunctious pupper into a fun-loving gentleman that will make all the effort that goes into his development worthwhile. While you're at the vet you can try and schedule his 6-month vet visit. You'll want to get your puppy used to being brushed, especially if it has long hair, as soon as possible. Supports controlled bone & joint growth. You've probably been planning the arrival of your new furry friend for months (or even years!) There are a few key things you can purchase and have ready for your puppy ahead of time. Puppies may become territorial about their food bowls, toys or favorite people. Your puppy will have claimed its favorite spot in the house. So the best way to set the puppy up for success is, if you know the puppy is going to bite you, play with something else, not with your hand.” The proper quantity of food depends on factors like age, size, and breed. Trademarks owned by Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. As used herein, denotes registered trademark status in the U.S. only; registration status in other geographies may be different. “This little being has only been on the planet for 100 days,” says Wilson. This will help your dog think of the new puppy as a positive thing, not just a nuisance. A structured feeding schedule for your larger breed pup could look something like this: You'll want to begin house training right away. In order for him to grow up into a well-adjusted dog, he needs to be exposed to as many new people, places, experiences and situations as possible. Ears open at this point too, so your puppy will begin to hear. They should also be fed multiple meals each day with controlled portions to prevent complications, such as stomach bloat and buildup of excess protein or calcium, which could lead to conditions like hip dysplasia. Breech pups, or those coming feet-first, will need assistance if their position does not change. This puppy guide will help you with all the steps to raising a puppy. You need to understand how a puppy things and learns to truly be caring for a puppy. While you should wait until he's had all his vaccinations before taking him out in public or letting him get close to other animals, you can start socializing your pup right away by simply playing with him and introducing him to new people, sights, sounds, smells, and textures. Raising a puppy can be among the most rewarding experiences of your life, but it can also be a challenge at times… especially during the first year. Dogs instinctively try to avoid soiling their bed and the area around it, so keeping him confined to a small area or crate as he gets used to going outside will be key, says Dog Star Daily. Distemper shots should start at 6 weeks old with a booster shot about 2 weeks later. Seek out reputable sources to read up on raising a puppy, such as the Kennel Club, ASPCA, or local animal hospitals.The more you know, the happier your pup will be. When puppy-proofing your house, think like a puppy. Well, you’ve made it home with your new puppy! As soon as he's old enough, consider enrolling him in an obedience class. Depending on the age, breed, and health of your puppy, your veterinarian may have specific recommendations for these items. One of the first steps to take after getting your new puppy is to schedule a wellness visit with a veterinarian. Learn more about the benefits and things to consider when it comes to adopting a large or giant breed dog. Sometimes they do, mostly they are just being polite. Puppies are little bundles of energy who are often intensely curious about their surroundings. We encourage you to look at dogs of any age, and this guide will be helpful regardless if it’s a puppy or an older dog! If you have children, don’t let them rush up to pet the dog. Read on for all the help you need to enter new puppy parenthood and raise an awesome dog. ). Bathing your puppy can be a chore in itself, so come in prepared with plenty of towels (and clothes you're not afraid to get wet in) and slowly introduce him to the shampoo and water. Learn about Puppy Care. Here are some helpful tips to get through the puppy development stage and ensure your new four-legged baby grows up into a happy, healthy, well-adjusted dog. Jean Marie Bauhaus is fiction author and freelance writer and editor living in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Raising a puppy requires an even higher level of commitment. Expect your new puppy to chew on anything they can get their mouth on to help with teething discomfort. Promotes healthy brain, eye, muscle & immune system development. If … Raising a puppy is not an easy task, but it's an adventure that's full of rewards as you develop a deep bond with your pup that will last throughout his life. © 2020 Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. Finally, brushing his teeth may seem strange to a lot of pet owners, but it can go a long way to protecting your dog's mouth. How to raise a puppy .. what to expect in the first year? The good news is that puppies sleep a lot, although they don't always sleep through the night, and your pup may wake the household whining and barking to express his displeasure at being left alone. Establish a potty routine, keeping in mind that young puppies will typically need to go out once every couple of hours. This process can take time and 30 days may not be enough for your older dog to adapt to a young, energetic puppy. This area will serve as home base, a safe space from which he can slowly be introduced to the other members of your household and that provides a retreat when he becomes overwhelmed or needs a time out. Expect the puppy to be confused. Secure electrical cords and move potentially toxic plants or substances, such as cleaning supplies and insecticides, out of reach. If you just got a puppy or are getting ready to go pick up your little bundle of joy, you need to be prepared for the new responsibility that is another life. Here are some tips to getting your puppy used to you brushing his teeth. What we expect from an 8 week old puppy. Here are some things you should know before getting a dog. With each delivery of a pup, placenta will expel; then you can expect the next pup to arrive within 15 minutes to two hours. It's generally best to ignore unwanted behavior, or correct your pup with a simple but firm "no." Here are some things you can expect from your 10-week-old puppy. This is how kids get bit. And it does get easier. While you should wait until he's had all his vaccinations before taking him out in public or letting him get close to other animals, you can start socializing your pup right away by simply playing with him … Let your puppy spend a short amount of time in his crate. When he successfully relieves himself outdoors, be sure to lavish him with praise and reward him with a treat. When he engages in negative behavior try and direct him back to something positive. It's a good idea to consult your vet about how much and how often to feed your pup. She writes frequently about pets and pet health in her home office, where she is assisted by a lapful of furbabies. A potty run should be the first thing you do with him in the morning and the last thing you do with him at night. If your dog seems to be having a hard time with the youngster, try rewarding your dog with a treat every time the puppy is near. Raising a puppy is a lot of work and stress, but as you get used to it and time goes by, it gets progressively easier. Puppies have different nutrient and energy requirements than adult dogs. As he starts to get more comfortable, this process will become easier. 3. Vaccinations need to be completed in specific, timed intervals in order for them to be effective, so you won't want to let your puppy get off schedule! Your puppy is not dominant. If the mother dog is straining to deliver, or the interval lasts much more than two hours, call the veterinarian. This is where you come in. This will allow a more gradual change for the household to adapt to. So, if you are planning on getting a puppy, it is a good idea to do so when you can take time off work, or work from home, to spend with him. The Labrador puppies in this picture are two weeks olds. First, decide if you’re ready for a dog, explain the steps to getting a dog, and teach you to build a great relationship with your new pup! Get him used to the feeling of a brush in his fur, this is especially true of dogs that shed a lot or are prone to matting. for your puppy. Games like fetch, tug-of-war and hide-and-seek are all games that can be played within the home to help release pent up energy he might have gotten from being home alone all day. When you aren't watching your puppy, be sure to put it in its crate to keep it safe and to encourage it not to have any accidents inside the house. Attach the leash to your puppy's collar and let it drag the leash around behind it while it sniffs out its new territory. They need to be taken outside immediately after eating or drinking so they can eliminate appropriately and become house trained. It's impossible to provide constant supervision for your energetic, curious pup, so it's important to prepare your home before letting him loose in it. When do puppies start eating solid food? In just 40 minutes you’ll learn the fundamental steps to puppy-raising success including: What to expect from your new puppy and tips for bringing puppy home - saving you months of frustration and buyer’s remorse. Start using your puppy's name when calling it to get it used to hearing your voice and every half an hour or so take your puppy outside to go potty. Your use of this site is subject to the terms of our Legal Statement. Sit on the floor with your puppy and simply observe it while it explores, making sure it is out of harm's way at all times. 2 Week Old Puppies. Your New Puppy at 3-4 Months When puppies reach the 3-4-month mark, they start losing their baby teeth and sprouting their adult chompers. Proper training, a better understanding of what your puppy needs, and the growing bond between you and your pooch all lead to less and less stress each and every day. So you’ve decided that it’s time to get a puppy. Contrary to what you may think, crates are not “doggie jail.” Dogs prefer the security and safety of a den, and this crate will become his safe place, with some encouragement. Larger breeds can take a full two years to reach physical maturity, and should stick with a puppy formula during that time. Puppies will have accidents in the house while they are still being house-trained. For some small breeds, it can be best to free feed young pups to ensure they receive adequate nutrition. Nutrition based on Hill’s ground-breaking study on ingredients that help raise smarter, healthier puppies, Preventative Nutrition Providing 5 Essential Health Benefits, Raising a Puppy: Tips for the New Pet Parent | Hill's Pet, Puppy Timeline: How Puppies Grow up to Be Dogs, Hill's® Science Diet® Puppy Large Breed Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe, Hill's® Bioactive Recipe Puppy Grow + Learn, Food and water dishes; typical kitchen bowls are not safe for rambunctious puppies, A leash and possibly a dog harness for walking him (this comes in handy when leash training your pup), Poop bags (you can also recycle used grocery bags or sandwich bags), Travel bag to keep his necessities when you travel, Pet-safe home cleaner (unless you're the very first puppy parent to never experience an accident in the home; congrats if that is true! If you don't have other dogs, let your puppy safely explore your home. How to begin to teach your puppy to settle into your home. Your new puppy should have been to the vet at least once for vaccinations but depending on the age of your puppy, multiple future visits may be necessary to complete its vaccinations. Dec 05, 2018. What to expect when getting a new puppy. After these initial life-saving vaccines are given, you can begin socializing your puppy outside the immediate household. A puppy wants to please you but it will make mistakes. For starters, you can simplify your puppy’s first day by showing him his free-play zone, the room he’ll call home until he’s grounded and potty trained. Puppies are beyond adorable, but let's face it — raising a puppy is fraught with challenges. But regardless of the circumstances of the new arrival, the first month with your puppy is a month of changes for everyone involved. First-time foster parents: Learn about the process of fostering a puppy or dog, including how to prepare, challenges & rewards that come with it. It's a good idea to crawl through your home to get a puppy's-eye view of his surroundings.