Thinking about a new puppy?

How much is that doggie in the window, you ask?  Bringing home a new puppy can be an event of great joy.  What fun a puppy could bring!  Think of all the good times ahead: hours of playtime, jumping up and down, rolling around and frolicking in the yard.

This precious being is yours to love and cherish, to raise and discipline, just like your very own child.  You can buy your puppy toys—the more sound the toy makes the more the puppy will adore it—and watch the bliss of playtime.  Cuddling up to its warm, fuzzy body, you are your puppy’s comfort and joy.  When the little guy gets scared, who’s he going to come running to with his tail between his legs?  You, of course, his guardian.  As you protect your beloved, he or she becomes the most loyal friend you’ve ever had. In time, the protector becomes the protected, and your puppy grows into a faithful dog who defends you.

Your puppy love has to be matched with doggie discipline, and a watchful parental eye.  Puppies tend to be on the reckless side, acting solely on instinct.  Their muscles are still developing, they bite and chew on just about everything, and you can expect to hear a lot of noisy barking when you bring a puppy home.  Foreign sights and sounds can confuse your puppy, and set off a cadence of barking.  It’s up to you to train your puppy, or take the initiative to place him or her in doggie daycare.  Puppies need training in etiquette and social skills as well as behavior.  How else is your little one going to know it’s okay to chase a squirrel, but its not okay to chew up your socks?  

The excitement factor is one of the most appealing things about adopting a puppy…but that excitement factor extends to eating.  Your pooch might get a little vigorous when the dinner bowl goes down on the floor.  You should talk to an animal care professional, and do your research, knowing what nutrition in what proportions your unique dog needs.

Naturally, there will be accidents until your pup completes potty training.  Henceforth, it is important to get to know your pet’s bathroom habits.  Just like with human babies, taking a glance at your dogs’ feces to monitor their health is a good habit to get into.  You can screen for signs of disease or internal damage. (And if your frisky puppy accidentally swallows a GI Joe, you need to make sure Joe gets through to the other side…)  

Be prepared for accidents and regular habits alike with dog poop bags, poop bags, or dog waste bags.  You’ll have that mess cleaned up with that foul smell gone in no time at all!