Bringing home a new puppy can be one of the most exciting moments of your life. However, taking care of a puppy requires a lot of time, effort, and patience. Whether you’re a first-time pet owner or have experience with dogs, here are 21 new puppy care tips to help you care for your new furry friend.
Some puppies are easier than others which we have highlighted in our article on dogs families love and of course senior dogs will help you avoid some of the puppy years but nevertheless your puppy will need extra care and attention and we hope this tips will get you on the right track.
Although these tips on puppy care may help you you may need more information, which is why we have also included top Instagram accounts packed with tips on how to take care of a puppy from experts below.
New Puppy Care Tips
Puppy-proof your home: Puppies are curious creatures and love to explore their surroundings. Make sure your home is safe for your new pup by removing any hazardous objects or substances. That charging cord may become a new chew toy if you are not careful.
Set up a designated space: Create a comfortable space for your puppy with a bed, food and water bowls, and toys. This will help your pup feel secure and establish a routine. Crate training is the obvious go to but this may also be a nook in the laundry room or more.
Invest in quality puppy food: Choose a high-quality puppy food that is appropriate for your pup’s age, size, and breed. Consult with your veterinarian for recommendations. Selecting foods can be tough but some of our feed guidelines in our article on keeping dogs active will help since it is not only what is in your pups food but also what is not.
Establish a feeding schedule: Puppies require frequent meals throughout the day, so establish a feeding schedule to ensure they get the nutrients they need. This will also help with reducing annoying begging.
Provide plenty of fresh water: Make sure your pup has access to fresh water at all times. We know that dogs need to drink frequently to stay hydrated and avoid issues related to dog dehydration make sure water is clean and available.
Get your pup vaccinated: Protect your pup from diseases by getting them vaccinated as recommended by your veterinarian. It may seem like a lot and very expensive but the first years of puppy life are typically the most expensive. Pet insurance and alternative health support like vaccination clinics may reduce puppy healthcare costs.
Start training early: Begin training your pup as soon as possible to establish good habits and prevent behavior problems. Behavior problems may be headed off with the right training and engagement. Check out some of the IG accounts below for some great tips or the German Shepherd breeder we featured in How Much is a Baby German Shepherd, their website is packed with helpful You Tube Videos to get you started with puppy training.
Socialize your puppy: Expose your pup to new people, places, and animals to help them develop social skills and prevent anxiety. We cover socialization in a whole chapter of Motherpuppin’ Adorable: What to do when your dog is better than everyone else’s since it is so key to having a fun well adjusted dog.
Schedule regular vet check-ups: Regular check-ups with your veterinarian can help catch any health issues early on.
Monitor your pup’s health: Keep an eye out for any changes in your pup’s behavior, appetite, or energy levels, and consult with your veterinarian if you have any concerns. Puppies are prone to worms passed from their mother and dog worm testing may be of order. Check out top vet blogs we love for vet advice.
Exercise your pup: Puppies need plenty of exercise to stay healthy and burn off excess energy. Take your pup for walks or play games with them. Many are surprised that many behavior issues result from a lack of exercise. Puppies will naturally use their energy for mischief if not provided the opportunity to exercise first. Learn a new dog sport, take a hike with your pup or, my favorite, a visit to a dog friendly beach (after shots of course).
Use positive reinforcement: Reward your pup for good behavior with treats (high value treats to motivate your pup for new and challenging) tasks, praise, and affection.
Be patient: Puppies require a lot of patience and consistency to learn new things and adjust to their new environment.
Teach basic commands: Teach your pup basic commands such as “sit,” “stay,” and “come” to establish good habits and improve communication.
Provide mental stimulation: Puppies need mental stimulation to stay entertained and prevent destructive behavior. Provide toys and puzzles for your pup to play with. Learning any new skill is mental stimulation so try agility or any other fun dog sport with inspiration from these sporty dogs on social media or these dogs that have learned to talk with buttons!
Establish a grooming routine: Brush your pup’s coat regularly, trim their nails, and clean their ears to keep them healthy and comfortable. You can find a dog groomer but if you can do some of these grooming tasks yourself they maybe more likely to get done check out five grooming tips to groom at home.
Crate train your pup: Crate training can help your pup feel secure and establish a routine.
Use a leash and collar or harness: Use a leash and collar or harness when taking your pup for walks to keep them safe and under control. It may be a while before they know their name and the “come” command. Until then, and maybe after, always stay in control.
Teach bite inhibition: Puppies love to chew, so teach them bite inhibition to prevent them from biting too hard.
Be consistent: Consistency is key when it comes to training and caring for your pup. Stick to a routine and be patient.
Enjoy your new companion: Above all, enjoy your time with your new furry friend! Puppies grow up fast, so make the most of your time with them.
By following these 21 tips for new puppy care, you’ll be on your way to providing a happy and healthy life for your furry friend. Remember to consult with your veterinarian for personalized advice and recommendations.
Bonus Tip: Review your dog health insurance options. Dog health insurance bought early in your dog’s life is the most economical and may help with expected and unexpected vet care costs and more!
Instagram Accounts With The Best New Puppy Care Tips
These top experts share some great and valuable information on their Instagram accounts packed with new puppy care tips so take advantage and get the information you need to be a top dog parent.
Instagram Accounts How to Care for a Puppy Health Care
@petpoisonhelpline Statistics and information about toxic foods and dogs.
@aspca_apcc Helpful health information about all dogs every puppy lover should know.
@drlislippman Dr. Lippman provides entertaining information based on her experience as a vet that is quite addictive.
Instagram Accounts How to Care for a Puppy Behavior and Training
@dogfriendlyliving_ Fun information about cohabitating with dogs and behavior.
@schoolforthedogs Fun and interesting training tips from New York’s number one dog training facility.
@allthingspups Celebrity dog trainer shares her dog training tips in fun and engaging way.
@behavior_vets Quick new puppy tips for the new dog owner.
@jwdogtraining Top dog training tips any new puppy owner will appreciate.
Instagram Accounts How to Care for a Puppy Lifestyle
@dogmeets_baby the perfect tips and resources for navigating life with kids and dogs starting with the introduction of a new baby to your dog.
Instagram Accounts How to Care for a Puppy Nutrition
@dailydogfoodrecipies wonderful resource of what to feed your dog and why filled with nutrition tips and more.
Conclusion
In conclusion, bringing a new puppy home can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it also comes with a lot of responsibility. By following the tips on puppy care and how to take care of a puppy discussed in this article, you can ensure that your new furry friend receives the best possible care and attention. Remember to provide your puppy with plenty of love, patience, and training, as well as a healthy diet, regular exercise, and veterinary checkups. With proper care and attention, your puppy will grow up to be a happy, healthy, and well-behaved adult dog.
New Puppy Tips FAQs
There are several best ways to care for a new puppy starting with love, love, comfort and bond with your new puppy that will be alone for the first time, teach basic commands, provide nutritious and healthy food and plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. If your goal to to have a happy dog you will be caring for your puppy in the best way.
Where a puppy should sleep the first night is important as the first night is a big adjustment for a new puppy, and it’s important to create a safe and comfortable sleeping environment. It’s recommended that a puppy should sleep in a crate or a confined area the first night to help them feel secure and prevent accidents in the house. The crate should be placed in a quiet and warm area of the house, away from any drafts or noisy activity. You can also place a soft blanket or a piece of clothing with your scent on it in the crate to provide your puppy with a sense of familiarity and comfort. It’s essential to make sure that the crate is the appropriate size for your puppy and that they have access to water and a comfortable bed inside. Remember to take your puppy outside for a potty break before bedtime to help them settle in for the night.
Here are a few things you should not do with a new puppy:
-Do not leave your puppy alone for extended periods: Puppies require a lot of attention, socialization, and training, so it’s essential to spend quality time with them to establish a strong bond and prevent them from feeling lonely or anxious.
-Do not punish your puppy: Punishing your puppy for accidents or misbehavior can lead to fear, anxiety, and aggressive behavior. Instead, use positive reinforcement and reward-based training techniques to encourage good behavior.
-Do not overfeed your puppy: Overfeeding your puppy can lead to obesity and other health problems.
-Do not expose your puppy to other dogs or public areas until they have completed their vaccinations: Puppies are vulnerable to infectious diseases, and it’s important to protect them by keeping them away from other dogs and public areas until they have received all their vaccinations.
