Deciding to buy or adopt a new puppy is one of the best decisions you will ever make. There are, however, many things to consider before you bring home your new best friend. Your puppy will be entrusting his life to you and you have a duty to care for him and make sure he has a happy healthy life, and we will discuss methods that will make raising your new puppy a joy!
When thinking about how to raise a puppy, we need to think out the puppies needs, how to ensure he has a happy life, gets the proper nutrition and grows up to be a healthy well-trained dog. We should investigate the best bedding and crate or kennel available. A comfortable, disciplined dog will turn out to be the perfect pet.
We will examine how dogs and humans became so close and why they make such wonderful pets. We will look at puppy behavior, which puppy food is appropriate, the best puppy toys to buy, which puppy supplements are necessary to provide and also discuss which puppy training/exercise program is suitable to have a healthy, disciplined dog.
Before you buy your puppy, keep in mind you will need to provide a safe environment, provide proper activities, exercise and training. There will be things to buy and a few mishaps are to be expected. Your puppy will be worth it!
One of the most important steps is to register with a good veterinarian so that he can make sure your puppy has all of the required vaccinations and is in overall good health. Your vet will be your ally in keeping your puppy healthy and should be consulted if you are ever in doubt about the best course of action. Make use of your vets expertise to make sure your pet stays in top shape!
Crate training is a good idea as dogs are den dwellers by nature. There are some very good crates or kennels available online, so do a little research and you will able to find something suitable. Remember to get your dog used to the crate and make positive associations with it.
Puppy toys are always important. A bored puppy will be a mischievous puppy so make sure you provide plenty of toys to play with. Pet stores, department stores or online are all good choices to buy from. Items such as kongs and chew toys. These are found in your local Petsmart or Petco or any other pet store.
The puppy food and puppy supplements you choose will play an important part in keeping your furry pal healthy. There are many options to choose from, so do some research or consult with your vet to make an informed choice. Getting this right is essential!
Puppy training/exercise is a vital part of ensuring good puppy behavior. You can buy guides regarding this and a properly trained dog will mean an easy life for you! A regular exercise regimen will keep Fido in good shape and taking your puppy for a nice walk is one of life's great pleasures.
WHY ARE DOGS AND HUMANS SO CLOSE?
Dogs began way back when they were wild. Sharing a common ancestor with the wolf. Unlike the fearsome wolves the dog was an opportunist rather than a predator. The dog became domesticated when they realized that they can live an easier life being close humans.
The modern dog can serve many functions. He can be a companion and friend, be trained to protect your home or business or even be a loyal member of the police force. It is no wonder such a close bond has formed between us!
WHAT MEASURES DO I NEED TO CONSIDER WHEN MY PUPPY REACHES ADULTHOOD?
As your pet grows into adulthood, there will be many new challenges and some of the measures you will need to consider are:
Sexual maturity. You need to decide if your dog will breed or you can discuss spaying /neutering with your bet.
Adjust your dog's food intake. Check the suitable amount of food to feed your adult dog.
Ensure your pet has a proper balance between exercise and time to rest and relax.
HOW LONG CAN I EXPECT MY PUPPY TO LIVE?
The life expectancy of your puppy will depend on a few different factors. The breed you choose and, if he has suffered any health challenges are the main ones. In general, smaller breeds live longer than bigger ones.
Dogs have shorter lifespans than humans and according to the American Kennel Club a general guide for various sizes of dogs would be:
Small breeds such as a Chihuahua or Yorkshire Terrier can be expected to live between 10 to 15 years on average.
Medium breeds such as French Bulldogs or Border Collies have an average lifespan of between 10-13 years.
Big or giant breeds such as a Doberman or Great Dane generally have a shorter life. 10-12 for a big breed and 8-10 years for giant breeds.
Of course, these are all approximations and your pet may end up living significantly longer. Always remember that buying a puppy is a long term commitment!
RELATED QUESTIONS
How do I raise a puppy in an apartment?
There are challenges involved in raising a puppy in an apartment so in order to do this successfully, there are a few inches to consider. A lot of exercise is necessary to burn off excess energy. Make sure you implement a management plan so your dog doesnt get into trouble. The right breed is important, temperament rather than size is a big consideration and a dog which is happy to laze around such as a greyhound or bulldog is ideal!
How do I raise a puppy while working full time?
The key here is planning. Toilet breaks every few hours are essential for your puppy. If you are working full time you will need help, so a friend or neighbor who can help take your pup for walks will be a godsend! You will also need to provide plenty of activities, dog toys etc and ensure he gets enough exercise and interaction when you are at home.
Are there any good books or blogs on how to raise a puppy?
There are many books and blogs to choose from which will give good information and tips regarding raising your puppy. Do a web search or take a trip to your local bookstore to find an author you like. Your puppy will appreciate your efforts!