care for a puppy?

Introduction 

     Hey there! Do you like dogs or puppies? Well, do you know how to care for them? I've put together a step-by-step guide with some helpful ways to take care of your ball of joy! Keep reading and DON'T fall in the dog poo!    

So You Think You Are Ready?

    If you want to learn how to care for a puppy, you've come to the right website. Bringing a new puppy home will change your life FOREVER! Puppies are cute, but at the same time they are a lot of work. 

     Do you think the time is right for getting a puppy? You will have to get ready and choose the best match. Perhaps your future best friend/best dog will find you and change your WHOLE LIFE. So go out there and find your puppy that you love! 

Choosing Your Dog 

     Did you know that puppies come in different sizes and shapes? There are more than 300 breeds of dogs, so that's a lot of choices. 

     FUN FACT: did you know that dogs have lived longer with people than any other kind of animal. 

     What kind of dog do you want? Some have medium, long, or short hair. Did you know that a Mexican hairless dog has almost no hair AT ALL! 

     Some dogs are bred just to be cute and friendly pets. Others are specially bred or specially trained to be working dogs, such as guide dogs for blind or deaf people, or search and rescue dogs who help during disasters. 

Before You Bring Home A New Puppy  

     Puppies need their space and toys to keep them occupied or distracted. Give them a crate to feel protected, and hiding places or a cozy bed where your puppy can rest. Bring a blanket so they can be comfortable and have something to snuggle with. 

     Remove anything that is poisonous. You should also hide away anything important that you don't want to get chewed.

     Some people get pet insurance, but everyone definitely needs to find a dependable vet for their pets. 

     Another option is to sign up your new bundle of joy for puppy classes. Yes, that's right, school for puppies! Puppy classes are special groups for puppies that are 8 to 16 weeks old, to help teach them obedience skills and to let them socialize with other dogs and humans.

After Getting Your Puppy 

     Let your puppy meet other pets, such as other dogs and cats, but they have to be fully vaccinated. Carry them around outside and let them meet new people, new places and new sounds. Speak to your dog's vet if you have any worries, and ask them about spaying and neutering, which can be done when your pet is about 6 months old.

     Introduce your new dog to some other experienced people such as the groomer. They also have to adjust to riding in a car, being put in a cage or kennel, walking on a leash, and being handled.

     Taking your puppy to puppy classes is a great way to boost their social confidence and train your dog. You will also have to understand what your dog loves, such as their favorite toys and food, so you can make them comfortable. 

Feeding Your Puppy 

   Anyone can help care for a puppy, kids or adults, but it's important that you make your dog feel safe, healthy, and loved.  Just like humans, a dog can get into trouble if it feels bored, threatened or hungry. So make sure you keep your puppy HAPPY. 

    Below are some more awesome puppy facts: 

     At age 8-12 weeks, a puppy needs four meals a day. When they reach age 6 months to a year, two meals a day should make your dog happy. Once your puppy reaches its first birthday, usually one meal a day is enough! 

     However, for some breeds, especially bigger dogs, it works better to feed them two smaller meals instead of one large meal. So you can check with your vet to see what works best for your dog.

Very Sharp Teeth 

     Puppy teeth are SHARP, and I hope you realize that before you get hurt. If you don't understand, just let your puppy bite your hand and then quickly take it away. OUCH! You will definitely see what I mean by sharp.

     Baby teeth are kept until the puppy is about 5-6 months old. When a puppy has siblings, they may bite, chew, and jump on each other to play. Teething may be challenging, but it doesn't have to be.  

     Teething will begin at 12 weeks old. Your puppy may be very frustrated when teething starts, so make sure to provide them with tons of chew toys and make them feel at home. 

     Puppies need to chew. If they DO NOT have options that they are allowed to chew, they will start chewing things they are not supposed to chew, like your favorite shoes! Teething should stop when they are about four months old, and by six months all of your puppy's adult teeth should be in. 

Potty Training 

     Puppies equal mess if you don't potty train them. You should have a "Potty Spot” and go there any time after they eat or drink. But accidents can and will happen, so be prepared, consistent, and patient.

     Your puppy has to start being trained early and get into a routine. As your dog grows in control, they will know what to do. 

     Parents or kids should begin your dog's house training soon after you bring your ball of joy home. It takes effort and patience.    Puppies can't control their bladders and bowels until they are 12 weeks old, so there will be some messes. If your dog is younger just wait a little longer until they are ready.

Using a Retractable Dog Leash 

     Retractable dog leashes are a type of leash that will allow the owners to adjust the length of the leash while on a walk. As your dog gets a bit closer or gets a bit farther from you, the retractable leash will just go with the flow. 

    Also, retractable leashes have a button that you can press to keep the leash at one specific length. You will probably want a shorter leash when you want more control, such as in a crowded or busy place. You can set it to a longer leash when you want to allow your dog to have more freedom to explore.

Dogs and Kids 

      Bringing a dog into the family helps your child build confidence, responsibility, and compassion! With all these tips you will feel more comfortable moving forward.

     There are a lot of ways that kids can be involved in caring for your dog or any dog. Did you know that caring for dogs actually teaches kids to respect each other? Caring for a dog helps to develop empathy and compassion for other things, too. 

     Taking care of a dog is a HUGE responsibility because a living creature will depend on you for its care and survival. But your dog will love you for all of the attention, love, and companionship you show, and you will continue to love it and connect with it for many years to come.