Have you recently adopted a puppy? Congratulations! Your furry little friend is going to bring you lots of love, joy, and laughter over the years. However, being a puppy parent isn’t all tail wags and smooches. You’ll need to spend quite a bit of time teaching him the ins and outs of being a good dog. This is a crucial stage in little Fido’s life! An Eau Claire, WI vet offers some advice on puppy parenting below.
Start Training Now
Your cute pet has quite a bit to learn over the next few years. That petucation should start right away. Housetraining and crate training are both in order, and work well together. Your canine pal will also need to know basic doggy commands, such as Sit, Stay, Heel, Come, and Lay Down. Work on one command at a time, starting with Sit.
Be Consistent
This is a big one! Little Fido is of course adorable, so it’s going to be easy to want to let him get away with things like begging or jumping on people. Set the ground rules down on Day One, and stick to them. Your future self will thank you!
Don’t Skip Socializing
Over the next few months, little Fido will be taking in all sorts of information, and deciding what he thinks about the world. It’s very important to introduce him to new places, faces, and experiences at this age. This will help him learn to be open-minded. Without proper socialization, dogs often become naturally wary and suspicious. Ask your vet for specific advice.
Puppyproof
Your pooch is going to be very curious about the world, and will want to figure out what tastes best to eat. He’ll also chew instinctively to soothe the pain of teething. Taking a few precautions can help prevent the chances of mishaps. That means puppyproofing!
Hold Off On The Dog Parks
Dog parks may sound like a great place for socializing, but you may want to wait a bit. Don’t bring little Fido to one until he’s had all of his vaccinations and your vet gives the all-clear. Also, pay attention to your pet’s playmates. The little guy could get overwhelmed or even scared if he were to find himself in a huge pack of rowdy dogs!
Please reach out with any questions or concerns. As your Eau Claire, WI animal clinic, we’re here to help!
