You’ve finally made the decision. “It’s time to get a dog.” But now what?
Before you take home a puppy, consider what traits are important to you. Four (4) important questions every puppy-owner-to-be should know:-
1. Are you ready to become a puppy owner?
Caring for puppies needs ample attention, effort and patience. First take some time to see if you are really ready to care for a small puppy, now start with reviewing your wants and lifestyle realities.
Do you live in a house or an apartment? How much time can you devote to exercising and training your dog? Are you physically capable of handling a dog? Do you have kids? Allergies?
2. What kind of dog should i get?
Select the right breed. Do your research, your first step should be decide breed or mix of breeds is right for you. Visit the breeder or shelter to spend some time with your potential puppy.
3. What supplies will I need for my puppy?
Puppy food!! Puppies require more protein than adult dogs b’cos they’re growing and burning loads of energy. Until you take your new pup for his first vet visit feed him what he was eating at the breeder.
Be ready for his own place. Set aside a nice place for your puppy, one that should be used as his own space. Such space is where he can do all that he needs to do like play, have his food and sleep as well.
Others, a few of the basics:- nice comfortable puppy bed, ID tag & microchip. Collar & leash, toys, grooming tools.
4. We’re taking our new puppy home! Now what?
What’s in a name? Pick a name that’s easy for him to understand, and avoid names that contain sounds you’ll use often.
Housetrain from day one – take him to his potty place whether it’s in a corner of your backyard or on a pee pad in your apartment’s bathroom. Rewarding the puppy promptly each time it pees in the desired location.
Start basic training. Teaching from the foundational commands like Sit, Stay, Come, using a positive attitude, treats, praise and lots of patience.
Visit the vet. Take your puppy to the veterinarian within a few days after getting him, core vaccines are recommended for all dogs.
At last but not least, be a lovely pet owner! Have fun bonding with your new puppy.
