Got a New Dog This Christmas? Here's 5 Essential Tips for New Pup Parents
If you got a dog as a Christmas present, you probably feel elated over having a new best friend. But you might also feel extremely overwhelmed because getting a pup is a big deal.
To make having a new dog a little less stressful, here are a few tips and tricks you should keep in mind.
Give Your New Dog a Routine
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The San Diego Humane Society recommends establishing your new dog’s routine early on. For instance, serve Fluffy her breakfast at 7 am and take her on a walk at 7:30 am each day. Also, try to come home from work at the same time every day. Dogs thrive on a routine and will be less anxious (and therefore, more well-behaved) if everyone sticks to a strict schedule.
Give Your New Dog a Relaxed, Calm Environment
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Imagine you’ve been taken to a brand-new place and everyone is weirdly obsessed with you. Now imagine you’re also a tiny creature with very limited autonomy. Scary right? So with this in mind, remember not to come on too strongly with your furry friend. You need to let your dog initiate contact and affection.
Basically, what you'll want to do is give your dog a safe, calm environment.
Dog-Proof Your Home
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Any pup parent will tell you that dogs love to get into things that they shouldn’t.
You'll need to make sure that nothing dangerous is within their reach. All cords and cables, which they may mistake for fun chew toys, should be put away. And your trash needs to be completely secure. We also recommend purchasing some bitter anti-chew spray, just in case your dog has a habit of chewing on furniture.
Get Your Dog Some Friends ASAP
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Once your dog has their vaccinations, it's time to head over to the local dog park and have plenty of puppy playdates. This will help improve Fido’s confidence around other dogs.
If your pup is uncomfortable around other furry friends, they might become anxious and aggressive when interacting with dogs. Basically, your dog will be a bit of a nightmare anytime you’re at the vet, groomers, park, or kennel. And unfortunately, other pup parents will judge you, and no one wants that.
Train Your Dog Either at Home or in a Class
If you think your dog will be instantly transformed into Air Bud after just a few training sessions, you are sorely mistaken. For the next few weeks after adoption, you’ll have to put in quite a bit of time and effort. You can start off by setting boundaries and teaching basic commands with the help of positive reinforcement. For stubborn dogs, consider signing up for a few dog training classes, led by a professional.