How do you raise a puppy?

Cute little paws and ears. So much excitement in their tiny little bodies, and they can’t wait to come home with you. Puppy fever is in the air, but there’s still a lot to learn with getting a puppy. Raising a puppy can be very challenging. Here are a few tips to help you get started. 

• Bring your puppy to the vet as soon as possible for an examination.

Once you have picked out your perfect puppy, it’s very important that you bring your puppy to the vet to get an examination. You want to make sure everything is okay with your puppy.. Such as its heart, lungs, and how far along in the growth process they are, and if they’re at the appropriate weight. It’s also important to get vaccinations for your puppy. Usually puppies get different sets of shots the older they get. Vaccinations protect your dog against diseases, some of which are life threatening and can be easily spread to other dogs. Your puppy’s first vaccination will normally be at about 6-8 weeks of age, and with the second dose at 10-12 weeks.

• Crate train your puppy for better house training results.

The primary use for a crate is housetraining, because dogs don’t like to soil their dens. The crate can limit access to the rest of the house while they learn other rules, like not to chew on furniture or soil around the house. The older the puppy gets, usually around one or two years old, and depending on the type of dog and their temperament, they might not need their crate anymore. Crates are also a safe way to transport your dog in the car.

• Socialize your puppy to make them and yourself feel more comfortable.

Socializing a puppy is very important. With socialization, you can calm a dog’s overprotective behavior that causes them to bark at anyone approaching or encroaching on their territory. If they feel safe with others, they will have less of a reason to react, and a little additional training can quell the unwanted behavior. It also helps dogs not be aggressive around children and other animals. Try to pet your dog, and hold them as much as you can when they’re a puppy. By touching their ears, tail, head, stomach and feet this creates lots of trust between you and your new friend.

Hopefully these tips to raising a new puppy helps you. Just remember, in the beginning you need to have lots of patience. Raising a puppy can be very tiring and time consuming, but in the end, it really does help fit your needs in having the perfect dog. It’s okay to feel lost or unsure in what you’re doing as well. It’s completely normal to have a dog trainer help teach you and your dog on how to raise them. Puppies are a challenge, but who doesn’t love a challenge, especially if it involves man’s best friend.

Here are some places in Grand Junction, Colorado you can call.

 If you need help training your new puppy:

• Angels in the making: (970) 263-8634
• Strutt your mutt: (970) 314-4426
• RUFF around the edges: (970) 424-8616