The Top 6 Things You Should Focus on With a New Puppy

National Puppy Day was celebrated on Sunday, March 23rd. In honor of this adorable holiday, we're sharing the top 6 things you should focus on with a new puppy. Bringing a new puppy home is an exciting adventure filled with cuddles, playtime, and countless photo opportunities. However, it's also a crucial time for setting the foundation for a well-adjusted, confident adult dog.

1 - Health and Wellness: Laying the Groundwork

Ensure your puppy stays healthy with:

• Regular vet check-ups and vaccinations

• A nutritious diet appropriate for growing puppies

• Safe exercise tailored to their age and breed

• Proper grooming habits, including nail trimming and teeth cleaning

Discuss Fear Free principles with your veterinary team to help your puppy develop a positive association with veterinary visits and professionals.

2 - Proper Potty Training: Consistency is Key

Establish a consistent routine for potty breaks:

• Take your puppy out first thing in the morning, after meals, naps, and playtime

• Use a specific phrase or command for potty time, like "go potty" or "do your business"

• Praise and reward immediately after they've finished - when using a reward, a small piece of kibble works well for this purpose

• Be patient and never punish accidents; clean thoroughly using an enzymatic cleaner and adjust your routine

If potty training isn't going well, talk to your vet or consider a dog trainer. Remember, potty training issues are often a result of human error and not the puppy's fault.

3 - Socialization: The Key to a Well-Rounded Dog

This is my contractor's puppy; he came over during his puppy days!

Socialization is critical during your puppy's first few months of life. This period is when they're most receptive to new experiences. Aim to expose your puppy to a variety of:

• People: Different ages, genders, and appearances

• Animals: Other dogs, cats, and common pets

• Sounds: Household noises like the vacuum, traffic, and various environmental sounds

• Experiences: Car rides, walks in different environments, and gentle handling of paws, ears, tail, etc.

Remember to keep all experiences positive and never force your puppy into uncomfortable situations. If they put the breaks on, so to speak, they are not comfortable.

4 - Playtime and Enrichment: Stimulating Body and Mind

Puppies have boundless energy and curiosity. Provide plenty of opportunities for both physical play and mental stimulation:

• Interactive toys like puzzle feeders

• Short training sessions doubling as playtime

• Safe chew toys to satisfy teething needs

• Supervised exploration of new environments

Use pens, crates, baby gates, and other equipment to restrict your puppy's access to your home. Supervise your puppy around your home and crate him when you can't supervise. Don't forget to puppy-proof to ensure your puppy doesn't get himself or herself into trouble.

5 - Positive Reinforcement Training: Building Trust and Good Manners

Start training early using gentle, positive reinforcement methods:

• Use treats, praise, and play as rewards for desired behaviors

• Keep training sessions short (5-10 minutes) and fun

• Focus on basic commands like "leave it," "stay," and "off"

• Incorporate training into daily activities and playtime

When using rewards, alternate between low-level and high-level treats. For potty training, you'll likely want to use low-level treats, while high-level treats work best for crate training.

6 - Building a Strong Bond: Quality Time Together

Spend plenty of one-on-one time with your puppy:

• Cuddle and pet them gently

• Talk to them in a soothing voice

• Engage in calm activities together, like reading or watching TV

Remember, every puppy is unique and may progress at their own pace. Be patient, consistent, and always prioritize positive experiences. Your puppy will hopefully be a part of your family for 12-15 years, therefore, prioritizing your bond is always a good idea!

When Puppy Care Gets to Be Too Much

While puppies can be an exciting addition to any pet-loving family, they can also be exhausting because they demand so much time and attention. When it gets to be too much, count on the Hearts at Home team to help!

We offer potty training visits in which we allow your pup to relieve him or herself, clean up accidents, if any, practice manners and socialization, and more. We will work with you to continue your training during our visits, optimizing your puppy's training and helping you meet his or her many needs.

The Best Care for Yorktown Area Puppies

At Hearts at Home, we love puppies and understand their physiology and development. With love, care, and proper guidance, using the above tips will help you set the stage for a lifetime of happiness with your new best friend. Count on our dog walking services in Yorktown, Poquoson, Hampton, and Newport News to help!

To register your pet(s) or home with us, please complete a new client questionnaire here. Existing clients may request services here. Those outside our service area are encouraged to find a pet sitter near you at the Pet Sitters International or National Association of Professional Pet Sitters websites.

Please visit our website or contact us by email at Hello@HeartsAtHomePetSitting.com or by phone at 757-745-9868 to learn more.