Puppy Parenting
It is so exciting to be bringing home your puppy! But I hear a lot about how scary it can be too. It’s a new baby in the home. It can be so overwhelming at times. I am here to help make it easier and rewarding for you and your new puppy. Let’s get started!
Your puppy has a microchip, as soon as you get your puppy home get online to activate it. Info on where to go online was given to you when you picked up your puppy.
When your puppy goes home, they will have had their first set of shots. And they have been de-wormed every 2 weeks. They will be ready for the next set of shots between 8—9 weeks. (A shot record was also sent home with you) So be sure to schedule that. Puppies are like newborn babies… they can get sick really easy. So please don’t bring to dog parks, or around unvaccinated dogs. Don’t put them down in public places or places that are unclean.
A puppy needs to be kept in a safe place while you are away. I recommend a crate, or a play pen. I start positive crate training when they are young. Make sure the crate or play pen is used during the day, and even at night, and not just when you leave or they will associate it with you being gone, which they might not like.
Our puppies are primarily indoor dogs. That doesn’t mean they don’t love being outside. Because they love to be outside to explore and play, and exercise. They love companionship and shouldn’t be left alone for long periods of time. They need play time and walks.
I like to send puppies home right before a weekend, so that they can bond with you and get started on potty training in your home. If you are able to take a few days off from work that is fantastic. A puppy shouldn’t be left in a crate all day. They have small bladders and need to be taken out to use the bathroom. If you are going to be gone for longer than 3-5 hours, then have your puppy in a play pen with the litter box and alfalfa pellets for them to be able to go to the bathroom while you are gone.
A puppy learns so much from 8-12 weeks of age. Work with them on obedience multiple times a day for short periods at a time (5 minutes each time). I also really encourage you to look into puppy obedience school. A well-trained puppy will make it much easier and enjoyable for you and your family.
We have cared for your pup for the last 8 weeks. So, going to a new place, and meeting new people they don’t know will be a little scary for them. Expect them to be anxious, or unsure. Lots of love and cuddles will help. The first few nights are going to be the hardest for them. I do recommend using a crate at night, until they get a little older. They are used to having their brothers and sisters and mom to cuddle with while sleeping.
Below are many more helpful tips that will keep your puppy healthy and happy!
Puppy Daily Schedule
When training your puppy, consistency and keeping a schedule are key! Our puppies have had an amazing head start at the Vogelsberg Family Farm, and it’s due to our strict schedule. As you implement your schedule it will create better habits and help them to understand exactly what you’re wanting.
We do 2 scheduled naps in their crates every day, they are used to having their crate covered (use a crate cover or blanket). Puppies need alone time and they enjoy their crate. If a puppy is acting up, it’s usually because they are tired. Continue to have a stuffed animal, toys, treats, etc. so they associate their crate with enjoyment.
On the farm, the puppies are in their crates at 9:30 pm and they wake up around 6-7 am. The first thing I do when they wake up is take them right out to the bathroom and prepare their breakfast. I give them their food and water for 15 minutes at each meal time and if they haven’t finished it, that’s ok, I still take it away. They will learn fast that meal time is time to eat, not play.
To help prevent accidents, stop all food 4-5 hours before bed time, remember they are toddlers! Before bed, I always make sure they have their play time, they need to get their energy out! Before bedtime, I also suggest a 10 minute session of training time, make this enjoyable so they know you are proud of them and they will be calmer when they go to bed (they just want to please you).