10 Tips for New Puppy Owners

Bringing a new puppy home is the beginning of a wonderful chapter in both yours and the puppy's life! There's something special and heartwarming about giving a puppy a loving and forever home. With a new puppy coming home, this is an exciting time. 

Many great changes are about to take place. You now have a best friend that'll offer unconditional love at all times. With that being said, it's important for you to provide the same type of love and affection to your pup. 

New puppy owners should know what to expect when bringing home a new puppy and how to properly care for the puppy to ensure a healthy and long life. In the guide below, you'll find several tips to keep in mind if you're a first-time dog owner. Here's everything you need to know!

1. Ask Vet When Shots Are Due

Before you do anything else, make sure you have a reputable vet for your pup. You may even want to find a vet before you bring your puppy home. Take your time and do your research to ensure you've selected a vet that'll provide quality care to your pup. 

If you have specific concerns about your puppy or want a certain type of veterinarian care for your pup, then make sure the vet you choose can provide these services. Once you have a vet selected, contact them and ask when your puppy's next set of shots are due. Schedule an appointment and follow all veterinarian advice (refraining from dog parks until specific shots are given, and so on).

2. Puppy Proof the Entire Home 

Something else you might want to consider doing before you bring your puppy home is puppy-proofing everything. When your puppy enters your home for the first time, they might be a bit timid and shy. They'll want to do some exploring until they're comfortable. 

Once they're comfortable, however, their personality will start coming out and you'll have a full-blown toddler on your hands. For this reason, you'll want to puppy-proof the entire home. This will not only keep your personal belongings free of damages but what's most important is that it'll keep your puppy safe. 

Your puppy will want to get into everything and many items in the home won't be safe for them to chew or swallow. 

3. Purchase Toys That Are Safe

Another way to ensure your puppy's safety is to purchase toys that are safe. Be cautious when selecting fun toys for your pup. You should read all the ingredients on the toy and look up reviews and other information about the specific toy and the company that makes it. 

Because puppy's love to chew and gnaw, your pup will most likely chew through several toys. When giving your puppy a toy, be sure to supervise play at all times. If they were to break off a piece of a toy, then you'll want to remove the toy and broken piece and replace it with a different one. 

4. Purchase All the Best Supplies

Puppies require lots of supplies just like a newborn baby. It's a good idea to get the majority of the required supplies before bringing the puppy home, but it's also a lot of fun to go shopping with them.

This is a basic shopping list to bring with you when gathering welcoming items for your puppy. 

5. Find High-Quality Puppy Food

Our diets have a significant impact on our health. The same is true for our puppies. Find a high-quality puppy food that meets your puppies unique dietary needs.

The best food for puppies should offer nutrient-rich superfoods and be packed with fresh meats. The Go! Solutions Carnivore Grain Free Chicken, Turkey + Duck Puppy Recipe has been specially designed with young, meat-loving pups in mind. The recipe includes DHA and EPA to promote brain and eye development and antioxidant-rich fruits and veggies to support immune function.

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Some puppy food brands offer low-quality ingredients that are processed and unhealthy for our your puppy. Avoid these food brands and stick to ones that use minimally processed ingredients with wholesome nutrition. 

6. Research About Puppy Care

It's never a bad idea to research puppy care. Know what type of pup you have and learn everything about that breed. Not all breeds require the same amount of exercise for puppies, proper puppy grooming, food ingredients, climate, and other factors. 

It's best to have extensive knowledge of the specific type of breed your puppy is. This is the best way to ensure you provide optimal care. 

7. Start Crate Training

Crate training at an early age will get your puppy use to the crate more easily. A crate provides a safe and comfortable place for your puppy. It's ideal to leave your puppy in their crate when away to prevent them from injuring themselves. 

Place a bed and a soft blanket in the crate for added comfort. Choose a crate ideal for your puppy's size.

8. Begin Potty Training 

Potty training should begin in those early stages as well. Teach your pup where the correct place to potty is (outside or on a pad). Watch your puppy closely and encourage them to go outside when you feel they might be ready to go potty. 

Offer your pup a potty break every 20-30 minutes. You should also take them on a potty break 15 minutes after each meal, before playtime, and directly before bedtime as well. 

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Don't forget to praise them when they've gone potty in the right place. 

9. Take Training Classes

Training classes are a great way to keep the entire household happy. Puppies will get into things and have less-than-ideal behavior, but they simply need to be taught their manners. To do so, you'll need to be taught how to teach puppy manners. 

This is where training classes come into play. Training classes are to teach you how to train your pup correctly, which will help everyone. Try to bring your pup during an ideal training age (ask trainers when to start).

10. Prepare to Give Love

The last bit of advice to keep in mind is to prepare to give and receive lots of love. A new puppy will require a lot of attention, but in return, you'll be showered with love. Prepare to devote several hours a day to your new family member. 

A puppy is a wonderful addition to any family that's willing and ready to accept changes in their daily routine. Don't hesitate to take your pup with you when you go out exploring or take walks around the block. You'll never feel lonely after bringing home a puppy, and they'll be ready to give all their love as well. 

All New Puppy Owners Should Know These Tips

New puppy owners should devote their time to learning as much as possible about
their puppy to ensure they provide a happy and healthy life. Following these
tips listed above is a great starting point.