So you’re ready to welcome a brown-eyed, tail-wagging furball to your family, but you’re unsure of how to plan? Making the decision to get a puppy can be exciting, especially if you have young children. But don’t be misled. Having an animal requires a lot of work and just as much attention. Here at Pooch Care Plus, we love dogs, and it shows. We work hard to make sure that our potential dog-owners understand what it takes to handle a brand new puppy. We’d like to offer our top five tips to help you start training your puppy the right way.
- Exude the alpha role.
Puppies have an innate desire to follow whoever the pack-leader is. By definition, a pack-leader is consistent and strong. For many new puppy owners, this is something that is often not explained appropriately, and it is the primary reason why training goes awry. It’s important for your puppy to know that you are the alpha in the family. You need to exude confidence and control, or your puppy will exhibit bad behaviors such as leash-pulling and chewing. At Pooch Care Plus, we can help you build up that confidence that is necessary to be a proud puppy owner.
- Find a veterinarian you trust.
One of the best steps you can take as a new puppy owner is to do your research on veterinarians in your area. You’ll want to choose someone who is knowledgeable and who you can trust. A good veterinarian can help you choose the best puppy food for your new addition and can also assist you with scheduling routine visits for recommended check-ups. At Pooch Care Plus, we can help you find veterinarian options and explain topics like heartworm, fleas, and ticks. We can even go over dog care options if you need them. For puppy owners in urban areas looking for pet care in Salem County, NJ, Pooch Care Plus is always ready to offer assistance.
- Get a housebreaking plan in place.
Nobody wants to have their carpets soiled by a new puppy, but it happens. You can minimize the likelihood and the frequency by establishing a firm housebreaking plan as soon as you bring your puppy through the door. You’ll want to make sure that your puppy has a small area outside to go to the bathroom. If you don’t have a huge yard, you can still find a small area where your puppy can feel safe and comfortable eliminating. Praise your puppy with a small treat or a simple phrase.
- Select a walking schedule.
Exercise is important for your new puppy, and creating a consistent walking schedule is good for him or her. You can find little chunks in the day if mornings don’t work for you, or even small stretches of night time. If you need someone to help give your pooch time outside, then let Pooch Care Plus handle it. We even offer pet care in Camden County, NJ for interested pet owners. Our dog day care service is the perfect way to ensure that your budy gets the exercise that he or she requires.
- Establish house rules.
In the beginning it can be a little confusing when you try to establish house rules, but you’ll thank yourself later for setting clear and concise boundaries. If you’ve brought home a Malamute puppy and you don’t mind him jumping up on the couch to watch television with you, be prepared for that same dog to sidle up next to you when he’s over a hundred pounds, as well.
No matter what stage of life your dog is in, we’re here to help give them the care they need. Give us a call today.