Before you go pick up your new puppy, here are some important things to keep in mind. Puppies are a big responsibility and can cause serious damage to your property if left unchecked. Here are a few things to know when getting a new puppy.
They Have Endless Amounts of Energy
This might sound like common sense, but if you’ve never had a puppy before, you’re likely underestimating just how much energy they have to burn. This is particularly true with working or herding breeds—these dogs are bred to run and do tasks, so sitting in your home all day will leave them bored.
When puppies get bored, they damage things. There is no telling how many shoes, pillows, couches, or table legs your new puppy can chew. This is why it is so important to take your puppy out on walks and run them as much as possible. Give them toys they are allowed to chew on and tear up.
I know it can be annoying to sweep up stuffing from shredded toys but trust me, it’s better than coming home to find a hole in the arm of your couch. (I still need to patch mine…)
They Socialize Best When They’re Small
Socializing dogs is important for teaching them to get along with other animals. This is extremely important if you currently have or plan to have other animals in your home. Dogs that were not socialized properly can be aggressive with other animals, sometimes hurting or even killing cats or small dogs in the worst-case scenario.
This is why it’s so important to teach your new puppy how to act around other animals. Even if you only plan to have one pet at a time, you won’t be able to board your dog at any reputable boarding place if they’re aggressive to other animals. This can severely limit your options when it’s time to plan a vacation!
It’s Better To Train Them Young
Maybe you can teach an old dog new tricks, but it’s much easier to teach a young one. Especially when it comes to potty training, you’ll want to start as soon as they come home.
But training extends to much more than housebreaking. “Sit,” “stay,” “come,” and other basic commands can improve your dog’s behavior by giving them mental stimulation and even protecting their safety. Knowing that your dog will come to you or stay away without question is incredibly important when life happens. For example, these skills are invaluable when your dog slips their leash and moves toward traffic or when your dog comes to investigate a dropped glass in the kitchen.
The great news is that there are countless resources for getting help with training your dog. You don’t need to have all the answers; after all, one of the most important things to have when getting a new puppy is patience.
