Dear Critter Corner: My partner and I just adopted a new pup that we adore. Both of us had childhood dogs, but this is our first dog as adults. What tips can you give us as first-time dog owners?
Congratulations on the new pup! There are many things you can do to set you and your pup on the right course. Here are a few things to know before and after bringing a new pup into the home.
If you haven’t done so already, you will want to have a vet picked out. Ideally, one that is close by and that has been recommended by pet owners in your community. Having a vet that you are comfortable with is key, as you will rely on them to care for your pup. You should also know the nearest emergency vet and enter the number into your phone.
Make a list of rules, ideally before the pup arrives. I suggest that you post the list somewhere visible so everyone in the home is familiar with it. Some common things to consider are: whether or not you will let them on the furniture; where they will sleep at night; and whether or not you will crate train them. I believe in having a stricter set of rules to start. You can always loosen up on them when your pup has shown they know what is expected of them.
Having a structured schedule to start is also helpful. This will let your pup adjust to the new home and learn all the rules, such as where to use the restroom, what time meals are, and when it’s time to get up or go to bed. As time goes on, you can become more flexible.
Look into enrolling your pup in obedience classes or setting up some one-on-one sessions if you are struggling with certain behaviors or can’t make class times. This will set a nice structure and is a great time to bond with your pup. How will you handle the midday potty break? Will you be home or will you need to hire someone?
This is just a small sample of things to consider when bringing a new pup into the home. Try to be as consistent as possible with what you expect from him. This will help speed up the training and make for a smoother transition for him.