Puppies

Ah, puppies, the sweetest little creatures you’ve ever seen. From their delightful puppy fat to their high-octave yowls, they bring so much joy into our lives.

That said, looking after a new pup is not all fun and games. They can be hard to deal with, from their shoe-stealing ways or having to train them not to pee and poop inside. That’s why understanding your puppy can help improve your bond with them and help them have an easier life.

Nobody can deny the adorableness of these animals, and luckily for you, there’s no shortage of information about there here. From some interesting facts about puppies to finding out what breed your puppy is, this pool of knowledge is at your fingertips.

Caring for Puppies

Everyone loves their dogs because they’re such great companions and somehow understand just when you need them. However, it’s not all easy, especially in the earliest stages of owning a young dog. You might even ask: when do puppies get easier?

Luckily, these bundles of joy do get easier, especially after eight to ten months of age. That said, it’s essential to consider that these dogs are getting used to a new environment after leaving the safety of their mum’s care. 

This can affect how much puppies sleep and even be the reason why puppies whine so much in the first few months. It will get easier with time, given that you begin to socialize and train your pup at an early stage. 

Puppy Socialization

Socializing a puppy is an essential part of adding a new animal to the family. This should be done almost as soon as you’ve got your furry friend, as they are most receptive to learning between three and twelve weeks old.

However, if you can only get your pup after this period, they can still be trained up to four months old. Making a puppy socialization checklist can help you stay organized. This includes all kinds of things, and here are the most common to keep in mind:

• Location & Objects: Vet Clinic, Park, Stairs, Vacuum Cleaner, Lawn Mower

• People & Pets: Adults, Older Dogs, Cats, Children, Delivery People

• Weather & Environment: Fireworks, Thunder, Music, Water

• Accessories: Hats, Masks, Umbrellas, Bikes

All of this training is essential to have a well-behaved and content dog. Without socialization, puppies can grow up to be more stressed, afraid, aggressive, and unadaptable than socialized dogs. At the same time, no puppies are without weird quirks, so looking out for strange behavior is always important.

Common Puppy Problems | Things to Watch Out For

Puppies are often idealized as “man’s best friend” and easy-going. While they are delightful and lovely 99% of the time, they can still have some bizarre responses to common issues.

For example, did you know that dogs drool around puppies due to stress, excitement, and even their sex drive being activated? This makes it equally important to know if your puppy is in heat to prevent adding more difficulty to the ownership process.

Not all their behaviors should cause concern, as some are absolutely adorable. For instance, when your puppy sleeps on your head, they are simply trying to bond and protect you. How cute is that? It’s not always just for those reasons, as it can also be a result of separation anxiety or establishing their social status.

You also may be wondering why your puppy licks you so much. This dog behavior is common and shouldn’t cause you any worry when not in excess. It’s simply a way for your puppy to show love and affection or get your attention. As mentioned, it’s a problem when it becomes excessive, as it could be a sign of OCD or anxiety.

Similarly, you should pay attention when your puppy licks their paws chronically or at a high frequency. Usually, it’s a form of self-grooming and self-soothing. That said, it can also become a concern, especially when paired with a panting and restless dog.

Another health concern is when puppies have loose stools at night, as this can be a result of illness, stress, food allergies, and parasites. This is especially true when the frequency of diarrhea increases. If it only happens a few times, you don’t need to worry as much. That’s because it might be due to dietary changes and medication.

New Puppy Supplies

When getting a pup, you’ll need to consider what will make them comfortable and relaxed in their new home. This may be an overwhelming search, as they are so many opinions online about what’s needed for puppies. I’ll make it nice and simple for you, so keep reading.

To get started, you’ll need somewhere for your dog to sleep. For this, a comfy dog bed or a sturdy crate filled with blankets will work just fine. You could also think about letting your dog sleep in the bed with you, as it’s said to reduce their anxiety regarding thunderstorms and separation. The downside is the risk of your dog affecting your rest, as they may bark in their sleep or have a strange sleeping position.

Next up, durable chewing toys can help prevent pups from nibbling on you or your furniture. Additionally, it prevents boredom, cleans plaque, and minimizes stress.

On to puppy feeding, which also requires quite a lot of understanding and effort. For example, large puppy breeds need food that strengthens the bones and joints. Smaller breeds, such as teacup dogs, often need food specifically made for them, as they may become hypoglycemic or have low blood sugar.

Top Tip: Dogs can go without eating for up to five days. However, this should never happen as it can result in future health conditions, separation anxiety, general mistrust from your pet, and even death.

Additionally, getting the right equipment for dog walking is essential. You could even ask your friends and family to buy you some gifts for dog walking, such as a sturdy leash and a comfy collar. This is something great to get early on so that your pup can get used to their feel.

Lastly, unless you have a dog that doesn’t shed, you’ll need the proper grooming tools to keep your pooch looking pretty. Getting a brush and comb is a good start.