Family pets offer so
many wonderful benefits and will be the focus of many great memories. Having a
pet, particularly one that is hands-on like a dog, can help teach kids
responsibility, empathy and can help keep them active. They aren’t, however,
easy. You need to be prepared to put a lot of time and effort into training and
caring for your new pet. With the right structure and discipline (and, of course,
lots of love and care), your pet can and will become a beloved member of the
family.
That first week can be
a huge shock for anyone as you attempt to readjust your schedule and acclimate
to being a dog owner. Experienced dog owners are well aware of the struggles
and challenges that the first week poses as both the puppy and you adjust to
each other, but new dog owners can be thrown for a loop. If you are a new dog
owner, know what to expect during that first week and how to make the most out
of it:
1.
Socialize
Your Pup with the Family
Your pup may be shy
when he first comes into your home and may not be as active or as playful as
you were expecting – and that’s normal! They’re in a new house, around new
smells, and surrounded by new people. Simply coax your puppy into playing with
you and to try out their new toys, and for the best successfully the first week,
start a new routine right from the start, so your puppy learns what to expect
from the get-go. You’ll want to continue to introduce them to as many things as
possible from day one
throughout their puppyhood to socialize them properly.
2.
Introduce
One Room at a Time
Puppies are curious,
by they can also get overwhelmed very quickly (and get in trouble if you take
your eyes off of them). Choose one room that your puppy can roam around in
first, and then as they get older, you can expand your home more and more.
3.
Sign Up
With Your Local Vet
Within that first week,
you should find and sign up to your local vet. The best option may be the
closest, or if that nearby choice doesn’t offer all the services a pup needs
(from preventative and wellness care to surgery), then you may want to expand
your search radius. You want a vet like Orting Animal Hospital, which offers every service you could need for your puppy and the
hands-on experts to care for their health. Book an appointment as soon as you
can to get your pup checked out, microchipped, and start their first round of
vaccinations.
4.
Start
Training on Day One
It’s never too early
to start training, especially potty training. It will take time to learn your pup’s
specific tells, but a good framework to start with is to take them out
regularly, particularly after they wake up from a nap. By taking them out
pre-emptively, you associate going to the bathroom with the outdoors.
Obedience training can
also be started early, and in fact, should. Go over the house rules that you
want to set for your new dog and clear it with everyone in the family.
Consistency is the key to a happy puppy and a happy family, and you can start
this training from day one by setting up your puppy for success.
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