If you’ve been contemplating getting a puppy, you know that there’s going to be a lot of work and fun ahead of you. The first few weeks or months looking after a puppy are exciting, exhausting and sometimes exasperating. So what are the 5 biggest puppy care blunders that new owners make when looking after a puppy?
Puppy care blunder 1
Not starting as you mean to go on
It’s important to remember that you are looking after a puppy not a baby, and the puppy needs to be treated as a dog. Dogs think in terms of the dog pack hierarchy. For your dog, every family member is part of a hierarchy and that matters to him. He needs to see you as the pack leader or alpha (the one who ranks highest) in the household. You should eat first, go through a doorway first, sit and sleep in the best places in your home. By doing these simple things, your dog understands that you are the boss. It is very difficult to break undesirable habits, so it is better to begin as you mean to continue. You decide on the household rules. If you want your puppy to behave you need to enforce the rules and stick to them. This is important, as dogs grow fast. Training a young, small puppy is much easier than trying to train a bigger, older dog. Be firm and consistent with your dog so he knows what you expect.
Puppy care blunder 2
Overlooking issues that affect health and safety
It is so tempting to want to try out the new lead and introduce your new best friend to the neighbours, but unless your pup has received all stages of vaccinations, it can threaten his health. Vaccinations are vitally important. Your puppy’s immune system is in its infancy and needs the protection of the vaccinations. This will prevent him from contracting diseases from other dogs. If you have an enclosed garden that is not accessed by dogs outside of your immediate family, that is absolutely fine. It is tempting to go for walks, but this is something to avoid. Your puppy will be susceptible to airborne infections or could even contract something from the pavements. When all vaccinations are completed and you are ready to go out, make sure that your puppy also has a secure area to travel in your vehicle. Placing him in the rear with a vehicle-specific dog guard installed is one of the best options for avoiding driving distractions and giving your pup a secure, comfortable area in which to sit.
Puppy care blunder 3
Trying to be the Mum
There is always going to be a certain amount of separation anxiety when a puppy leaves his mother, but your role is different and it is important to adopt your differing role from the outset. A puppy should not be allowed to be by your side every single minute of the day and night. Doing so means that separation anxiety will only increase into adulthood. There are many and varied approaches to training puppies. Crate training has become increasingly popular in recent years and for many it just makes sense. A great reason is that it gives the puppy his own private, safe space. He can retreat there for some quiet time, allowing him to learn to be on his own for short periods.
Puppy care blunder 4
Feeding table scraps
Although we are so easily persuaded to give into big, soulful eyes staring at us longingly while we wolf down a cheeseburger, feeding table scraps is a bad habit to get into. If you feed your puppy scraps from the table, he will expect food from your plate (and from others) at every meal. It is far better for your puppy’s health to feed your puppy with dog food. It’s also far better for your dinner guests if you don’t allow your puppy near the table during mealtimes.
Puppy care blunder 5
Taking him out of the crate
As mentioned above, crate training is great for giving your dog his own personal space and this can be the perfect place to sleep at night too. Adjusting to being in the crate overnight can take a while as the puppy may miss his mother and the rest of the litter. It is common for the puppy to cry in the crate at first, but don’t be tempted to take him out of the crate. Allow the puppy to fall asleep by himself by covering the crate with a blanket so that it is darker inside. Sometimes placing a ticking clock outside of the crate can have a soothing effect on a pup.
Above all, when looking after a puppy, be kind, be patient, and be consistent. You will absolutely reap the rewards in the long term and will be able to enjoy your precious time together.
