The list of “Puppy essentials” can be extremely short: a blanket or a towel to sleep on, a bowl for food, and a place to sleep. During the first few weeks, you won’t need any of the other items listed below. Instead, you can use your own hands to provide your puppy with food and water, reinforcing the training games and creating a bond between you and your new pup.
Basic commands to teach a puppy
If you’re trying to keep your new puppy calm in stressful situations, it’s vital that you train it to obey certain basic commands. Sit and release are two of the most basic commands to teach a puppy. When your puppy sits, you should say “good stay” and give it a treat. Then, slowly move away. Eventually, your puppy should be able to sit and stay without the release word.
The “come” command is easy to teach a puppy if you use a game of hide and seek with your children. Practice this game indoors with your puppy by hiding in a room and calling out to him with your voice. Make a big deal out of every time he comes when you call him. It’s important to begin the training process in an environment where your puppy will not be distracted by furniture, food, or other things. Once your puppy knows the command, he will come to you without hesitation.
A’sit’ command is similar, but is more specific. The key here is that it tells your puppy to sit in a certain position. You can use a blanket, bed, or crate as a place where your puppy can stay and be still. A treat is offered to the dog once he’s done the command. If you’d like your dog to learn this command in the comfort of his own home, you can teach it with a clicker.
Food to feed a puppy
There are many factors to consider when choosing what kind of food to feed a puppy. For starters, keep in mind that the guidelines found on the back of the bag may not be right for every puppy. You should also watch for the size of the puppy’s waist and ribs, which may indicate overeating. However, your puppy’s vet can recommend the appropriate portion size. As puppies grow rapidly, it’s important to give them food that will help them reach their full potential.
As a rule, feed your puppy 6% to 8% of its body weight at each meal. As your puppy grows, he will regulate his eating behavior. If your puppy is too small, he may leave some of the food behind. In addition, keep track of his weight, as puppies can only eat about 10% of their body weight in a single sitting. To help prevent this, split the daily amount into smaller portions.
Puppies have specific nutritional needs, and the right combination of calcium, phosphorus, amino acids, and vitamins will help them grow into healthy adults. Look for a food that is certified as complete and balanced by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), the equivalent of the FDA for pet foods. Daisy Lehman, owner of a Pug, recommends a complete and balanced food for her Pug. She reports that her Pug has thrived on this food.
Grooming tools for a puppy
A variety of grooming tools will help you achieve a professional-looking coat. Stainless-steel combs will help you remove mattes close to the skin. The flexible slicker brush is best for matt-free coats. Nail clippers are another essential tool. Investing in a quality set of grooming gloves can make the experience much easier. And they can even be used to massage your puppy while bathing.
To help you give your puppy a good haircut, grooming tools will help you trim the nails. They are essential for maintaining a healthy coat and helping to prevent a puppy from developing joint diseases like canine arthritis. Additionally, grooming can be a bonding experience. While some dogs don’t like this activity, others will soon come to love one-on-one time with their owners. And don’t forget to pick up some puppy grooming supplies, including brushes, combs, and nail clippers.
Nail clippers are an essential tool for trimming your pet’s nails. Nail clippers will give you precise control when trimming your pet’s nails. Nail clippers come in many varieties to suit different needs. A pair of adjustable blade clippers is smaller and easier to use than the typical clippers. Another important tool for grooming is a rake. Rakes are great for de-shaying all types of dogs.
Place for a puppy to sleep
A place for a puppy to sleep is a special place in your home that is quiet, warm, and intimate. The area should be clean and free of distractions. Make sure that it is temperature-controlled and is comfortable for both you and your puppy. It shouldn’t be too cold or too hot, and the temperature should not fluctuate. If you’re unsure of what is comfortable, use the following tips.
The first night will be scary for your puppy. This is a time for the pup to adjust to its new surroundings, so be sure to be with him the entire night. If he does start to cry at night, try to be there with him. It will feel more secure if you’re in the same room as him. It’s a good idea to place the crate near the bed so he doesn’t feel alone.
Your puppy’s sleeping place will vary depending on size, personality, and location. It can be on your bed or on the couch. Just be sure that the space isn’t too far from the bed so that the dog doesn’t disrupt your sleep or get into mischief. A good night’s sleep will help your puppy grow and stay healthy. It will also help you stay patient and be more energetic for play sessions.
Exercise
Although you might be tempted to take your puppy for a long walk and leave the house, it is best to focus on mental and physical stimulation rather than strenuous activity. If you want to take your puppy for a long walk, be sure to break the walk up into shorter bursts and make sure the dog has time to rest between exercises. If you don’t have time to walk your puppy for hours on end, use structured games like fetch and tug-of-war to keep your puppy occupied. But avoid over-exertion, which can cause musculoskeletal issues in large and giant breeds. In fact, some giant breed puppies can continue growing until they are 18-24 months old, so be sure to consult your vet before pushing your puppy too hard.
Regular exercise is vital for the physical and mental health of your puppy. It helps socialise your puppy and will strengthen your bond with him. Regular exercise also promotes good mental health in both of you. As an added benefit, exercise is also proven to improve a dog’s mood and reduce nuisance behaviors in the home. And it is a ton of fun for both parties! However, you should consult your veterinarian for specific exercise recommendations and safety considerations for your dog.
The amount of exercise your puppy needs depends on her age, breed, energy level, and personality. For smaller breeds, a half-hour walk a day is enough. For larger breeds, like chihuahuas and Great Danes, two to three hours a day is ideal. Large breeds may need more exercise than small breeds, so be sure to increase the amount of activity gradually.
Time to spend with a puppy
The first thing to remember when raising a puppy is that it will need plenty of time to grow and learn. Young puppies are particularly sensitive, and can become stressed if they are left alone for long periods. It’s also essential to consider how long you will be gone when determining how much time you should spend with your puppy. Providing your puppy with plenty of playtime, food, and water is a good idea for both of you.
If possible, introduce your puppy to as many people and things as possible. Puppy socialization is very important during the first three months, as this is when your puppy begins to learn new behaviors and interact with humans. Even if your puppy isn’t afraid of strangers, allowing them to approach you will help prevent hand-shyness. By spending time with your puppy, it will associate your outstretched hand with positive things, such as treats. It will also teach it to sit on command. This will help reduce your puppy’s tendency to jump on people.
If you’re leaving your puppy home alone, be sure to put him in a safe place. A crate or exercise pen can serve as a safe space for your puppy while you’re away. You can even set aside a small room in your home for him to play in. Just be sure that he can’t get into your bedroom or a bed. Make the room as safe as possible for him. Leaving your puppy alone in an unfamiliar area can cause injury to your pup.
