Did You Get a Puppy for Christmas?

What's the plan?

Whether or not getting a puppy was expected or simply a surprise, you need to know what to do with him. Will the little guy be part of your family? Or would you not be committed enough and just take him to the shelter or give him away?

Research.

They are cute, they are fluffy, but other than that, what else do you know about your dog's breed? If you've decided to keep them, you have to know their genetics, specific needs, temperament, instincts, lifestyle requirements and a lot more. Remember not all dog breeds are the same. Some are more needy than the others.

According to Dogtopia, you should opt to get your puppy from a trusted breeder and not from puppy mills. Sadly, puppies from puppy mills are most of the times inbred, not properly socialized, and are more vulnerable to genetic health problems like allergies, hip and joint issues, or behavioral difficulties like excessive barking, chewing and aggressiveness. 

A knowledgable, principled and responsible dog breeder will make sure their dogs will not have these issues. They will also ask about you and what your needs are, to determine the best match for you and your family. 

Set up routines early.

Puppies are fast learners so it's best to start them young. If you opt to let your puppy sleep in their crate or on their own dog bed, then don't start off by allowing them to sleep beside you on your bed, as it will be confusing when they get older & can no longer be on your bed. If you want them to stay off the couch, then make them stay off the couch from the get-go by not allowing them up there right from the beginning.

Puppy-proof your house.

Your new pup may love to explore, and can be a little mischievous, so it is better to puppy-proof your house to lessen the possibility of a disaster. 

Keep vaccines updated.

Your pup will be susceptible to illnesses all year round but there are illnesses that your dog can be most prone to especially in the winter time. Puppies are fragile since their immune system is still building up. Keeping vaccinations updated is the best step in being able to prevent certain diseases.

Socialize.

It's important to be able to socialize your dog with other dogs and other people. This will help your pup develop his manners. Early socialization will help your dog have better coping skills. Positive socialization experiences will make your puppy a stable dog. If he's not well-socialized, he'll always be afraid or aggressive towards new dogs, new people and new places. Ensure he is a well-rounded pup that gets a long with any new dog or person that he crosses by socializing him right away and consistently.

You can decide whether or not you'll housebreak your pup by eliminating outside or inside (by the help of pee pads). Learning takes time so have patience if your pup has accidents and never ever punish him. Punishments will only make your dog scared of you and the potty training more difficult.

Use dog diapers.

Prior to potty training, if those little accidents are driving you insane, dog diapers will surely come in handy. They are easy to use and there are a wide variety of dog diaper/belly band sizes and you will surely find the right fit for your pup. These diapers can prevent it from happening inside your home and avoid messy indoor accidents.

It’s definitely easy to get carried away with adding a new four-legged family member, but don’t let the cuteness overwhelm you. Getting a dog for Christmas is not just for the holidays but a lifetime of commitment and patience.