Puppies 101

You’ve probably heard the phrase, “having a puppy is like having a baby.” It’s not far from the truth. Puppies, eat, sleep, and poop, and they don’t wear diapers. Add to that the fact that puppies have a full set of sharp little teeth and the ability to run, and you have something that requires even more work and attention than a baby. Before you bring that adorable little fluff ball home, be aware of all that having a puppy entails.

Training

Training is not something to be considered lightly and should begin right away. That does not mean that Callie should be sitting and rolling over at ten weeks of age, but you should be laying foundations for good behavior immediately. You will need to select a training method and decide on expectations. Will your puppy Callie be a certified therapy dog or good canine citizen? Or will she just be a happy and well-behaved house pet. Training starts early and must be done consistently.

Another aspect of training that will need to begin on day one is the crate. Will Callie be expected to stay in a crate sometimes? Maybe she will need to be in the crate at night while you sleep. If you plan to use a crate at all, you must get her used to it as soon as she is living in your house. Make it a safe and comfortable place for her to go, and never use it as punishment. Dogs are “den” animals, so there will be times she will head to her crate to seek refuge from the loud thunder, her overbearing sister (canine, feline or human) and just to be alone.

Supplies

Puppies can rival babies for the amount of stuff they need.

Besides a crate, you will need a bed and toys to make her happy staying in it. You will need food, bowls, treats for training, grooming supplies, a collar or harness and leash, wee wee pads, and cleaning supplies. If you plan to travel with Callie, you will need a carrier, and a bag to hold all her stuff.

Housebreaking

Puppies, unfortunately, are not born with the understanding that potty is for outdoors. You can expect to spend between a couple of weeks and a couple of months working on housebreaking. The length varies because some dogs pick up on the idea of going out more quickly than others. In the meantime, be prepared to clean up a lot of Callie’s messes.

Grooming

No matter what breed of dog Callie is, she will need some amount of grooming. She needs baths, brushing, nail clipping, and tooth brushing. It is essential that you begin these tasks with her immediately. If you wait, she will likely never be comfortable with you doing these things to her. By performing the grooming ritual regularly and beginning early on, you and Callie will develop a strong bond. And, you will have a clean and happy puppy.

Vet Visits

Regular vet visits will be necessary for Callie throughout her life. As a puppy, she will need to go in several times to complete her cycle of puppy vaccinations, to be spayed, and to be sure that she is healthy and in good condition. Going to the vet, like grooming, is not a favorite activity of most dogs. By starting early with Callie and by making it a positive experience, you can take some of the fear out of the excursions. Make it positive by bringing along toys and treats and by not overreacting to any nervous behavior on her part.

Bringing a puppy home is a big deal. You are bringing in a new member of the family whose needs are plentiful. If you know what you’re in for and you are prepared to put in the effort, you will be rewarded with a lifelong friend and companion.

 

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