Bringing a puppy home is an unforgettable moment! Of course, taking care of a pet is a big responsibility. You may be wondering how to help your pup grow up to be a happy, healthy dog. Fortunately, your friends at Golden Paws Pet Resort & Spa are here to help!

 

Set Up Regular Mealtimes

If you leave a plate of cookies on the counter, you’re probably going to snack on them more than you should. That’s true of many dogs, too. That’s why we recommend scheduling a regular mealtime instead of leaving a bowl of food out. If your puppy is less than 12 weeks old, then you should feed them four times a day. After 12 weeks old, switch to three times a day.

Teach Your Puppy Their Name

Every time you call your puppy’s new name, give them a treat. You should also call their name before anything fun like a walk, dinner, or ear scratches. Soon, your pooch will associate their name with happy moments and begin to respond to it.

Schedule Their First Vet Appointment

You might not be able to make an appointment the first day, but it is important to introduce your puppy to their new veterinarian fairly quickly. Ideally, puppies should start receiving their immunizations between six and eight weeks old. You can also talk to your vet about other ways to protect their health.

Introduce Your Pup to New People and Situations

Once your puppy has spent a week with just your family and close friends, it’s time to take them out into the world. Introduce them to people of all ages, cultures, and professions. If they meet lots of different people as a little pup, they will be much calmer when they get older.

Join a Puppy Obedience Training Class

It’s essential that your puppy learns to behave nicely with all of their two-legged and four-legged friends. If this is your first dog, then you have a lot to learn, too. Consider joining a puppy obedience class!

When your puppy joins a class at Golden Paws Pet Resort & Spa, they’ll have the opportunity to meet other dogs while learning their manners. Learn more about our dog training classes and all the other high-quality pet services we provide when you call 609-259-1900!