So you are the owner of a new puppy, with that comes the responsibilities that come with dog owning and caring for your dog. The good news is along with that will come years of pleasure that goes with owning a dog.
Overtime with the correct training and care your puppy will become an adult, which is a pleasure to own.
Below are a few tips for when you first bring your puppy home
When you collect your puppy from the breeder
Take a cosy blanket, spare bedding and comfortable dog carrier, alone with water and food for longer journeys.
Understand your puppy will be nervous after being taken away from its litter and environment for the first time.
Your home will seem strange to your new puppy, give him or her time to adjust to their new surroundings. Puppies love to play and need a quiet place to rest and sleep.
You should have the following ready for their homecoming
Socialising your puppy early in life will help him or her cope with situations they may encounter later in life. During the early weeks and months, try to introduce your puppy to sounds, sights and people. Let your puppy meet people, children and visitors to your home.
If your puppy has not been fully vaccinated, carry them outside and show them sounds and places. Once your puppy has completed its course of vaccinations and is able to go outdoors, let them meet other dogs from an early age. At Dragon Vets we run puppy socialisation classes for new puppies. These are for puppies that are not yet allowed to go out for a walk and socialise with other dogs. This gives them a chance to meet other dogs in a safe and controlled environment.
To attend our classes your puppy needs to have had its first injection and be aged between 8 weeks and 4 months.
You should start your puppy’s training from him or her arriving at your home. Enrol them in puppy training classes at an early age to teach it commands. When training your puppy at home ensure the family all use the same commands. Keep your puppy training sessions short and fun for them.
When trying to toilet train your puppy, remember to take it outside immediately after eating, sleeping or playing. Never punish a puppy for doing it in the wrong place; they think they are being punished for what they did, not in the place it happened.
If toys become worn or damaged replace them. Puppies love toys and their minds need exercise as well as their bodies. Play games with him and keep them entertained with their own toys. Don’t give them old shoes or slippers; otherwise they will think they can have all slippers or shoes.
Find out about worming, fleas and your puppies vaccinations on our dedicated pages
What an amazing group of people. Really caring and always fully knowledgable about the health of my two dogs. I love my dogs so much that their care is important to me and I am confident that the team at Dragon Vets have my pets interests at the heart of the work they do.
I cannot thank the team enough at Dragon Vets for taking such good care of Wilma when she was poorly. The staff were amazing throughout and the vets knew exactly what she needed. Keep up the great work.
