It’s not much of a surprise to say that the Happy Dog team and DogBuddy have a common goal; we want dogs everywhere to get the best possible care – in every way. So, if you’re preparing to greet a new doggy friend this Christmas, here are some top tips from the Happy Dog team to welcome your new friend and make him part of your family!
House training
One of the biggest challenges you can face as a new dog parent is teaching your bundle of fluff that your expensive woollen rug is not his toilet! As seasoned dog owners, we have found that the best way to achieve this is through consistency and firmness. A reputable breeder will have already laid down the basics with your puppy and it’s important that you just keep going until the accidents stop. It takes different dogs differing amounts of time to master the art of peeing outdoors, but keep going – it’ll be worth it!
Training on walks
Walking with your dog is one of the most enjoyable elements of dog parenthood and so it’s important to get your dog into good walking habits from a very early age. Puppies should only be walked for small amounts of time whilst they are growing, but even during this time you can start to instil walk ‘rules’ such as walking to heel, not pulling on the lead, being sociable with other dogs and learning to respond to your commands both on and off lead.
House rules
Dogs are definitely part of our families and which parts of your home they call their own is purely down to personal choice. However, to avoid confusion and so your dog knows what is expected from them, consistency from the beginning is essential. If upstairs is out of bounds ensure your dog knows this. If lying on the sofa when you’re out of the room is not acceptable – make sure they know the boundaries; don’t be afraid to be strict from the very beginning.
Pro-tip: it’s also a good idea to let your dog sitter know what your house rules are – this way you can ensure you’re on the same page and your pup won’t come home with bad habits! For more tips on how to prep for dropping your dog off with a dog sitter, check out this neat sitter kit idea.
Holiday care
There will be times when you can’t be there for your dog due to work and family commitments. And, whilst we recognise that life does get in the way sometimes, it is also worth noting that dogs do need company and can become grumpy, withdrawn and destructive without the human interaction. This is where DogBuddy [link: https://uk.dogbuddy.com] comes in – helping you find a sitter to provide doggy day care and boarding – someone to give your dog the affection, comfort and attention of a second family.
Vets and vaccinations
Register your dog with a vet straight away. It’s a good idea to follow the advice of your vet, too – they are the professionals in dog health care, after all! Flea, worm and vaccinations need to be carried out regularly; you can agree a schedule with your vet. It’s well worth keeping up with your pup’s vaccinations throughout their lives to ensure they enjoy good health.
Insurance
Vet’s bills can be expensive and should your dog have an accident, fall ill or develop a ‘for life’ condition you may find that a monthly premium pales into insignificance in comparison to the potential amount a vet’s bill may incur. Good research into the market is advised as policies can wildly differ in cost and cover.
Puppy preparation
- Choose a name carefully; consider that you’ll be calling it in the park for years to come.
- Ensure your pup has a place in your house to call home – a refuge for peace and quiet and somewhere they know is their bed.
- Speak to your breeder and ensure you have the same food available for your puppy.
- Be prepared in terms of cleaning materials – you may need to stock up in case of accidents.
- Be excited, happy and patient and above all enjoy all the elements of dog ownership – investing time and effort into correct training when your pooch is a puppy will give you a happy, well-behaved dog for life.
Big thank you to the Happy Dog team for these prepping for puppies #ProTips.
Want to get your hands on some Happy Dog Food? We’ve teamed up to bring you 25% off Happy Dog Africa. It’s made with ostrich meat, so it’s naturally nutritious.