Last Updated on 1 year by Robert Smith
This comprehensive guide is all about how do you take care of a puppy for beginners out there. Everybody deserves paw-some moments in their life. Getting a puppy for a companion is one of the best decisions that you can ever make. These four-pawed creatures will never leave your side even during your roughed-up days. Seeing them wag their fluffy tails with excitement after seeing you will just leave you fulfilled. They are capable of improving your overall mental health, as well as physical health. Getting splashed with their love and loyalty is an endless daily treat that every person in the world should at least enjoy once in their lifetime.
Getting a puppy though is not like acquiring a new phone from the market. These adorable creatures for instance do not recharge on electricity. You have to take care of them, to ensure they lead happy and healthy lives. “How do you take care of a puppy for a beginner?”, you may ask. Well, it is not hard but can be challenging if you do not ensure you have laid the groundwork for a prosperous puppy.
How Do You Take Care Of A Puppy For Beginners
To break down some of the things you can do, let’s dive into this thought-through guide on how to take care of these intriguing canine companions.
Preparation
One step a lot of people forget before adopting these amazing creatures is to do proper research. Different puppy breeds suit different lifestyles. If you are a laid-back kind of person, then a laid-back kind of breed is suitable for you. Getting a highly energetic breed will force you to adjust, which can be kind of frustrating. If you skipped this step, you don’t need to be very worried as it is a challenge that can be overcome by training or some internal or external effort. Before bringing the puppy home though, you first should ensure that you puppy-proof your house.
Puppies are curious animals that are bound to get into some mischief around your house. By removing hazardous items from reach and setting boundaries, you will be preventing them from causing harm or messes. Since puppies thrive on routine, you can try to come up with a schedule that will help your canine companion. You will also have to research the nearest veterinary clinics in case of emergencies. Overall, this step will allow you to get necessities for your furry companion like toys, a crate, leashes and cleaning supplies.
Diet And Nutrition
Puppies are also delicate animals that require proper nutrition in order to thrive. Giving them human food can have negative impacts on their health, hence it is important to get a tailored formula or diet for your furry companion. To build their muscles and bones, your puppy will need a substantial amount of protein in their diet. This can be acquired from a meaty diet, that will have you buying your furry friend chicken meat, beef or salmon depending on their preference. They can also get fats from this, which will help with their skin and hair.
Your furry companion also needs carbohydrates to run around with their seemingly limitless energy. From a tailored plant-based diet, they can acquire this and also some fiber which will help with their digestion. They can get this from sweet potato carrots among other vegetables. There are other nutrients like minerals and vitamins that they also need, and of course, let’s not forget the importance of water. This can be a lot of information for us to process and may end up making us feel unable to care for our awesome companions. If this is the case, then you will be rest assured knowing that there are tailored puppy foods that come with all these ingredients. All you will have to do is research the best ones and get one for your furry companion.
Exercise
To lead healthy lives, these wholesome animals need to meet their daily exercise needs. Exercise provides the necessary physical and mental stimulation that will serve as an outlet for their energy and also help with preventing boredom. Their bones will also be strong as jawbreakers and you will see less destructive behavior. Like humans, puppies can also end up being obese if all they do is just eat and lazily sleep around. With a proper exercise routine, you can help your furry companion manage their weight, preventing weight-related health issues.
To do this, you will have to set aside time for walking your puppy on a leash. This can be done several times a day, and can also help with leash training. Games like tug, fetch, and hide and seek will have your canine companion burning calories. For mental stimulation, you can get puzzle toys where your puppy solves challenges for amazing treats. If your puppy loves water, then you can also include swimming to your routine. You should however consider the puppy’s age, breed, size and activity level before setting an intensity level for your training. In case there are challenges getting your puppy to exercise, you can always consult a veterinarian.
Socialization
The most forgotten step after people get puppies is probably training them to be well-socialized. If this step is skipped, it can result in you returning the puppy or in worst cases, the puppy being euthanized. Generally, socializing the puppy helps the furry companion show proper behavior. You will experience less barking or destructive behavior this way. It can also work wonders in the overall mental health of your canine companion by reducing stress levels or even increasing confidence. This is one way to create better relationships and improve your puppies’ health.
The steps to achieving this do not involve any rocket science methods. Yes, it can be simple depending on your puppy’s personality and preferences. By creating a routine where you gradually introduce your puppy to other animals and people, they can be comfortable around them. This also means that you will have them exposed to different stimuli, in order to ensure they are not startled by different things. Positive reinforcement training is important during these steps to positively associate different stimuli to good vibes for your puppy. In case of any challenges during this process, it is important that you consult the veterinarian.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you take care of a puppy when you first get it?
The best way to take a puppy when you first get it is by first puppy-proofing your house to avoid hazardous material being from the puppies reach. You can also provide a safe space for the puppy to retreat to and try establishing a routine.
What are the first things you need for a puppy?
You need to get your puppy a crate, food and water, cleaning supplies, a collar and a leash among other things. These things will help you ensure that your puppy is living a healthy life and staying comfortably in your house.
What not to do when taking care of a puppy?
You should not physically abuse your puppy. This can have a devastating mental impact on the puppy. You should also not leave them alone for longer periods of time as this can leave them anxious and scared leading to destructive behavior.
What’s the best way to teach a puppy?
The best way to teach a puppy is by using positive reinforcement to positively associate different stimuli to rewards. This will make the puppy more likely to repeat the good behavior in order to get rewards, hence fostering good behavior.
How do you tell a puppy no?
You can firmly say no, but do not punish them. By using positive reinforcement you can get the puppy to only show desired behavior. If the puppy shows undesired behavior, you can then refuse to give them the reward which will make them only want to show desired behavior.
Conclusion
While it may be unsailed waters for beginners to care for puppies, the waters just happen to be calm ones. If not done right, this process can result in a storm, so it is important to follow the guide above. Before getting a puppy, it is important that you make the necessary preparations in order to ensure their stay is comfortable. This first involves you understanding the breed and getting the commodities that they will require. A puppy crate, some puzzle toys, a bed, dog shampoo are among some of the things you can ensure you get for your adorable friend.
You have to follow up with ensuring that your furry companions daily dietary needs are met. Getting tailored puppy food that has essential nutrients for their well-being is a great start. You can then ensure that your puppy exercises in order to release that excess energy that they have. This will also help with their weight management. It is important that you do not forget to properly train and socialize your canine companion. Being with a puppy that does not behave properly is probably the biggest regret a lot of puppy owners have. Overall, following the guide above will leave you feeling like an expert in no time.
Recommended To You
