Last Updated on 02/03/2023 by K9 Oil Supplements
New puppy tips for the first week with a new puppy. Yay!
While we write these new puppy tips, we know first hand, that it is a super exciting time, but there is a lot to do and a certain amount of time to do it. We have new puppy tips for week 2 and week 3, but the entire new puppy tips series is dependent on success weekly.
When your new puppy joins your family, we already know that you are going to love them and keep them safe, otherwise you wouldn’t be here reading new puppy tips! You need to truly understand that you are responsible for everything from socializing to training and so much more. We assume that you have puppy proofed your home with basic home safety.
Puppies grow up very fast so time is of the essence. You are going to need a few things at first so let’s get to that.
A baby gate helps to set up a confined environment for your puppy so that they are safe when you can not be there to supervise. We also recommend a dog crate. However, understand that your puppy will grow and the crate size will need to be the proper size for them.
Puzzle and chew toys are an important item the new puppy tips series for the dental growth, mental stimulation and training. Talk to your local pet store about things to avoid at this young stage (such as rawhide and plastics). Consider that pretty much anything that you put in their mouth – they are going to eat.
A dog collar and dog leash. As you move through the new puppy tips series, this will be important. We are not talking about choke collars, collars with prongs, and we are absolutely not talking about an e-collar at this stage. As much as you want to give your puppy an element of freedom, we recommend standard dog leashes and not retractable or flexi leashes.
There will be messes. Oh my, will there be messes. Be sure to get a mess cleaner that also removes leftover pheromones. This is important because it avoids turning that “accident” spot into a “favorite” spot for potty accidents. You’ll may also need some pads for potty training.
Get ID tags, and a microchip. A note about collars. Over time, a collar is something that most dogs are going to miss if they are not wearing it. While their own personality is not quite defined yet, we think that it is best to determine the material and size, instead of the design at this point.
ID tags are important. If you don’t listen to all our of new puppy tips, listen to this one. You should register your puppy with your local county as well. A simple ID tag should have your name and phone number easily visible in the event of emergencies.
It takes a couple weeks for the license tag from the county to come in. When it does, just attach that to the dog collar.
A microchip is also critical in terms of identification and more. As a first step in terms of new puppy tips, we insist. Not sure that you believe us regarding the importance of the microchip? Go to a local shelter and ask them why the dogs you see were never reunited with their owners. One of the answers will be that there was no way to identify the dog and call the parents without the microchip. A lost dog may also lose his collar with the id tag along their journey so do not count on that.
The technology has come a long way and they are not as bad as you may think. It is a radio-frequency identification transponder that carries a unique identification number, and is roughly the size of a grain of rice. This must be done by a licensed Veterinarian, so this is a good time to find the perfect Vet that you will work with long term. There are a series of shots and other things that they will need over time.
A note about puppies and Veterinarians… Simply put, there are some bad ones out there.
Think predatory lending industry type of bad. You are vulnerable right now, but you are not dumb. If something does not sound right, you are more than likely correct. Get a second opinion, a third or fourth opinion if needed. Go to a dog park (not with the puppy) and get some opinions and referrals. If you start hearing one Vets name more than others, that is the place to start.
Take a look at tips for week 2 with a new puppy.
New puppy tips week 1, things you’ll need:
Lots of love and patience.
