There’s nothing more exciting than getting your first puppy. Whether it’s a companion for you or your entire family, there’s something warming about having a loyal furry friend by your side. Of course, dogs aren’t just for Christmas, as people say.
You can’t simply see your new puppy as a novelty item. They’re a living being just like you, and they need the same amount of care and attention. In fact, whilst they’re a puppy that’s trying to learn about the world, they require more care and attention than most kids do. If you want to ensure that you keep your new pup looking and feeling well then this article provides a few useful pieces of advice.
How To Care For Your New Puppy
Train them well.
The first step to keeping your new pup looking and feeling well is to train them well. Training isn’t a process reserved for dog owners who want to teach their pet some cool tricks; it’s a vital part of preparing any dog for the real world. Much like bringing up a child, you have to teach your dog how to handle certain situations.
It’s about making sure they’re settled and happy in the home and out of the home. It’s also about making sure that you and your dog know each other well. The more connected you are, the more your puppy will listen to you.
And training your dog will help you to understand them, too. You’ll see the way they react to certain situations. Many dogs take some time to get settled in a new home and trust new people, so you need to expect them to be a little disobedient at first. And puppies can struggle to sleep for the first few months, much like many newborn babies. But if you can work hard through those initial months then you’ll be able to train your dog to be a happy and relaxed member of the family.
Make sure that you get every family member involved with the training because your puppy needs to feel that they can trust all of you. That way, they’ll build a lasting bond with the entire family.
Feed them well.
Another important part of keeping your new puppy looking and feeling well is to feed them well. A hungry puppy is an unhappy puppy, so this makes sense, really. Much like people, dogs need the right level of sustenance to ensure they grow up to be physically and mentally strong.
This is vital during their formative years. Of course, throughout their life, you need to feed them well. And this isn’t just about ensuring your dog eats the right quantity of food; the quality of food matters, too. You might want to try out this organic dog food.
Rather than buying cheap dog food that’s full of corn, soy, and other “filler ingredients” that do nothing for your dog’s health, you should get organic food with the nutritional value necessary to keep your puppy’s digestive system healthy and give them a higher quality of life (a longer life, for that matter).
Show your dog love and affection.
The best way to keep your new pup looking and feeling well is to show them love and affection. Dogs care about the connection they share with their human companions more than most other animals, so it’s very important to take time out of your day to bond with your new puppy.
They can’t really be left alone during those vital formative months, so somebody should be in the house to look after them whilst you and your family are out at school or work (you could even hire a dog sitter). It’s also important to pay attention to your dog’s behavior. As mentioned earlier, training your dog will help you to understand them.
It’s important to pick up on changes in their mood. They’ll let you know how they’re feeling if you pay attention. The way your dog breathes or wags its tail can tell you a lot.
Keep your home safe.
Finally, it’s very important to keep your home safe if you want to keep your new pup looking and feeling well. Their environment plays a big part in their well-being and happiness. Dogs are resilient creatures, but they’re also different from us in many ways. You need to make sure your house is the right sort of place for your new puppy to live healthily. For example, you need to make sure that your dog’s food and water bowls are made from the right materials. And do your research before buying any dog toy. Believe it or not, they’re not all safe for dogs, even if they’re sold in a reputable store.
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