How to Survive the First Few Months with Your Puppy at Home

 

Bringing a new puppy into your home can be an exciting and overwhelming experience. Puppies are a lot of work, and it is vital to be prepared for the challenges that come with taking care of them. This blog post will provide you with tips on how to survive the first few months with your new furry friend.

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1) Set up a designated area for your puppy to sleep and eat

This will help them feel more comfortable in their new home and make it easier for you to potty train them. Next, designate an area in your home that will be just for your puppy. This is where they will sleep, eat, and play. Put their food and water bowls in this area, as well as their bed or crate. If possible, choose an area that is away from high-traffic areas in your home so that your puppy can have some peace and quiet.

In addition, you will want to set up a potty area for your puppy. This can be either an indoor or outdoor potty area, depending on your preference. If you choose an indoor potty area, make sure it is in a spot that is easy to clean and that your puppy can get to easily. Some people use Puppy Pads in their puppy’s designated area until they are old enough to go outside.

If you live in an apartment or do not have access to a backyard, don’t worry! There are still plenty of options for you. For example, you can take your puppy for walks around the block or even use a Doggy Daycare service so that they can socialize and play with other dogs.

2) Get your puppy on a schedule

Puppies need a lot of sleep, so it is important to create a bedtime routine for them. They should also have regular mealtimes and potty breaks. A good rule of thumb is to take them out to potty every two hours or after they eat or drink. At first, you may need to set the alarm to remind yourself, but eventually, you will be able to tell when they need to go.

It is also important to socialize with your puppy from an early age. This means exposing them to different people, places, and experiences in a positive way so that they do not become scared or anxious around new things. Puppy classes are a great way to socialize your puppy and give them a chance to meet other dogs.

Take your time when introducing your puppy to new things, and always praise them when they do well. This will help them build confidence and make the transition into their new home much smoother.

3) Be prepared for accidents

No matter how well you potty train your puppy, accidents will happen. It is important to be patient and not get frustrated with them when they make a mistake. Puppies are learning, and it takes time for them to get the hang of things.

If your puppy has an accident in the house, make sure to clean it up immediately. Dogs are attracted to the scent of their urine, so if you leave it there, they are likely to go to that spot again. Instead, use a pet-safe cleaner and blot the area until it is completely dry. You may also want to consider using an enzymatic cleaner, which will help remove the odor completely and discourage your puppy from going to that spot again.

Also, be sure to praise your puppy when they go potty in the designated area. This will help them understand that this is where they are supposed to go and will make it more likely for them to continue using it.

4) Train them properly

One of the most important things you can do for your puppy is to train them properly. This includes teaching them basic commands like sit, stay, come, and down. It is also important to start working on potty training as soon as possible. The sooner you start, the easier it will be for both of you.

Puppy classes are a great way to bond with your puppy and give them the proper foundation for obedience training. If you are not able to take classes, there are plenty of resources available online or you can just check here for more information. Just make sure that you are using positive reinforcement methods when training your puppy. This means rewarding them when they do something right instead of punishing them when they make a mistake. Also, keep in mind that puppies have a short attention span, so keep training sessions short and sweet. You will both be much happier if you do!

5) Puppy proof your home

One of the most important things you can do to prepare for your new puppy is to puppy-proof your home. This means making sure that all potentially dangerous items are out of their reach. This includes things like electrical cords, cleaning products, and small objects that they could choke on.

You will also want to create a safe space for your puppy where they can’t get into trouble. This can be done by gating off an area or using baby gates. If you have any stairs in your home, make sure they are blocked off as well. Puppies are curious creatures, and it is crucial to keep them safe until they understand the rules of the house.

In addition, you will want to make sure that your trash cans are inaccessible to your puppy. Puppies are known for getting into things they shouldn’t, and the last thing you want is for them to get into your garbage. If possible, invest in a trash can with a lid that locks or put it in an area where your puppy can’t reach it.

Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting time, but it can also be overwhelming. These tips will help you survive the first few months with your new furry friend and set them up for success in their new home. Just remember to be patient, take things one day at a time, and enjoy this special time with your pup!

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