So you just brought home a puppy, now what?

So you just brought home a puppy, now what?

🐾 Welcome to Puppy Parenthood: Your Guide to Puppy-Proofing Your Life! 🐾

Congratulations, you’ve just brought home a bundle of fur and energy that will soon rule your household! You may have prepared your heart for this moment, but have you prepared your home? The puppy phase is a whirlwind of excitement, mess, and love, so let's dive into your essential puppy gear and strategies to make this journey smoother. And remember, you’re not just a dog owner now; you’re a puppy parent!

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1. The Smartest Investment: A Crate

Let’s start with the crate: the magical fortress of solitude for your pup. Crate training is not just a means of confinement; it’s a powerful tool for housebreaking and creating a safe space for your puppy. Choose a crate that allows your puppy to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. You can partition it as they grow!

Tips for Crate Training

- Make it cozy! Add a soft bed or blanket inside.
- Use treats to create positive associations. Toss a few in there and watch as your pup willingly enters his new castle.
- Never use the crate as a punishment—this is their safe haven!

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2. House Training: The Battle Begins

Ah, house training—the ultimate test of patience (and your floor’s integrity). Puppies can be unpredictable, so it's vital to establish a consistent routine. Take your pup outside as soon as they wake up, after meals, and every couple of hours during the day.

Helpful Hints

- Praise, don’t punish: Celebrate every successful outdoor moment with treats and enthusiasm.
- Consistent commands: Use the same phrases, like “go potty,” to cue your puppy when it’s time to relieve themselves.
- Watch for signals: Sniffing, circling, or whining? Those are your alerts that it’s time to dash outside!

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3. The Toys that Spark Joy

Your puppy is an explorer! Provide them with various toys to chew, tug, and chase. They need mental stimulation and a healthy outlet for their natural chewing instincts. Be sure to opt for durable options!

Toy Essentials

- Chew toys: Look for puppy-specific options; teething is no joke! Kong toys filled with treats or peanut butter can keep them occupied.
- Interactive toys: Puzzles that dispense treats can be life-savers when you need a coffee break.
- Tug toys: Perfect for bonding, these help channel energy and strengthen your connection as you play while also aiding their social skills.

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4. Dining with Style (and Cleanliness)

Your puppy’s first dining set is crucial—after all, it’s where all those tasty kibbles will go! Consider investing in stainless steel bowls (they’re tougher and easier to clean than plastic) and a mat to catch those inevitable spills.

Feeding Tips

- Stick to a schedule: Consistency helps with house training and digestion.
- Research the best diet: For your puppy's breed and size. Not all kibbles are created equal!
- Always keep fresh water handy: Puppies can get thirsty, especially after playtime.

PRO TIP:

We suggest getting a puzzle slow-feeding dog dish for the pups who eat too fast, like this one https://wholesome-essentials-2.myshopify.com/products/wave-slow-feeder-dog-bowls-pink-beige-orange

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5. Grooming Goodies

Your furry little hurricane will need some grooming help. Equip yourself with basic supplies like a brush, dog shampoo, and nail clippers.

Grooming Insights

- Start grooming your puppy early to get them used to it. Make it a fun and relaxing experience, not a chore.
- Use pet wipes for quick clean-ups on days when bath time feels like a monumental task.

Make grooming fast and enjoyable with this awesome 2-in-1 Grooming and Detangling Brush https://wholesome-essentials-2.myshopify.com/products/2-in-1-pet-grooming-tool-uv-light-hair-remover-and-detangling-comb

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6. Puppy Classes: The Socialization Station

Consider enrolling your puppy in a training class. This isn’t just to teach them to sit pretty (although that will be adorable); it’s essential for socialization. Classes help your pup learn how to interact with other dogs and people.

Why Puppy Classes?

- They provide essential commands and training in a fun environment.
- Socialization helps to prevent fear and aggression issues in the future.
- It’s a fantastic opportunity for you to meet other puppy parents—hello, new friends!

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7. The Hilarious Journey of Learning

Every day will be a new adventure filled with hilarious blunders and learning opportunities. Celebrate the small wins, like mastering “stay,” and be ready to laugh during the “oops, I just peed on the carpet” moments. Document this wild journey; one day you’ll look back and chuckle at those photos of your pup caught red-pawed in the act.

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Final Notes on Puppy Parenthood

Bringing home a puppy isn’t just about all the supplies you’ll need; it’s about the unconditional love and companionship that comes with it. Embrace the chaos, cherish the cuddles, and prepare for a lifetime of memories. Your home may never be quite the same, but with these essentials, you’ll be well on your way to navigating the beautiful, messy adventure of puppy parenthood! 

Happy training! 🐶

❤️ Baker & Co.