Bark About! Blog

A puppy pile of dog information and stories

Is this Your First Time…with a New Puppy?

Published December 22, 2017
| Comments: 0

Remember your first dog? Not the family dog, but the first dog you picked out of the litter, rescued or was gifted to you. The first dog that had YOU as the point of contact at the veterinarian, had YOUR phone number on their dog tag, the first dog you bought dog food for, medicine, supplements, daycare, took to the dog park and told other proud owners, “that’s my dog”.

Remember when you got your first dog? Some of the mistakes you made? What you didn’t know?

How overly protective you were?

Like Bulldogs, Poodles and Chihuahuas, first time dog owners are a breed of their own. They enter parenthood much like a puppy enters the world; eager, but with a lot to learn:

Potty training

Puppies come with bladders they cannot control. Patience will be tested and consistency is the key to success. Regular potty breaks with praise for desired behavior works so much better than punishment for accidents.

To fix or not to fix

Puppies come with all the plumbing for making more puppies. Seven months is the standard age for getting puppies altered. There are many opinions, advantages and disadvantages to spaying or neutering. Personally, my first dog became aggressive at about three years old and got snipped soon after he bit me.

Research spaying/neutering and vaccines. Photo by Karsten Winegeart

Vaccinations

In California, dogs must be immunized against rabies. If they want to go to daycare, they may be required to have current distemper/parvo and bordatella (kennel cough) shots. Here is another topic with many differing opinions, advantages and disadvantages; so new owners must do their research.

Daycare/boarding

Any dog can benefit from socialization. Dogs are, by nature, social creatures and dog daycare gives them a chance to interact, learn from the pack, potty outside (if your daycare offers that), and spend some of that excess energy. Although it’s best to socialize dogs when they are young, some puppies may be more vulnerable to viruses when their immune system has not fully developed. Just like a playground for kids, being around others exposes them to viruses, even if all are immunized.

Dog parks are another great way to socialize your pup and introduce them to new sights and smells. Photo by Mathew Smith

Dog parks

A great way to bond with your pup, create memories and meet other dogs and dog owners. Dog parks can also attract aggressive dogs, non-vaccinated dogs and sometimes inattentive/irresponsible owners. Keep your dog close, never out of your sight and pick up after them. Don’t be “that” owner.

Conclusion

Being the owner of a dog daycare, we love first time dog owners. These are people who’ve chosen to make the sacrifice and accept the commitment of a dependent creature they will have for years. These people are usually very protective of their newfound love and it’s an honor to be trusted with their newest family member, share information about their dog, best practices and antidotes. New dog owners need to be coddled just as much as their dogs. We get it, that’s why we do what we do.

If you’re a new dog owner: be curious, ask questions, learn, and be your dogs’ best expert.

Remember, they’re counting on you and well-informed owners make happy, healthy, well adjusted dogs.

Recent Blog Posts

Is Your Pup Feeling the Back to School Blues?

It’s not just the kids who get back-to-school blues. Our dogs may also feel the blues, just for different reasons. After a summer with their people, filled with trips and fun outings, staying at home alone for longer stretches can be a challenge. In this post, we’ll...

Doggone Hot! Keeping Your Pawsome Pooch Cool and Happy This Summer

The summer sun sizzles and the pavement turns into a frying pan. It's time to talk about our furry friends' favorite season: summer! While dogs adore outdoor adventures, it's crucial to keep them cool and comfortable during the dog days of summer. So, grab a popsicle...

Does My Dog Watch TV?

These days, in the competitive pet care industry, some dog boarding businesses offer TV in their overnight suites. Usually, DOGTV or Animal Planet are the chosen channels. This assumes your dog is going to watch TV in the first place, which is meant as a calming tool...

Tips for hiking with your pup

Now that the colder weather is subsiding and spring is in the air, many people are ready to get out of the house and start enjoying the outdoors again. One great way to do this with your furry companion is hiking!  Hiking with your dog allows for extended one on...

The Emerging Science of Dirt for Dogs

A lot of us don’t spend much time thinking about dirt. And if you have a dog, you may not like the idea of dirt and dogs together. It could mean dirty paws, which might mean a dirty house…and bath time. Admittedly, mopping up after your dirty dog doesn’t sound fun....

How Did Wolves Become Dogs?

Do you ever look at your pup, who’s looking back up at you, hoping for a treat, and wonder: How did you ever descend from wolves?  Yet it’s true. All dogs, big and small, share a common ancestry. For a long time, we thought dogs were descendants of the modern...

How to Prevent Your Dog From Being Destructive When Left Alone

Do you worry every time you leave your dog at home? Are you hoping you won’t have to buy cushions a third time? You’re not alone. Maybe you’ve tried everything you can think of, and your pup still chomps the minute you’re out the door.  We’ll cover some ideas...

Comments

0 Comments

Recent Blog Posts

Is Your Pup Feeling the Back to School Blues?

Is Your Pup Feeling the Back to School Blues?

Are your kids heading back to school? Or maybe you’re heading back to the office for work? Your pup may experience some “back-to-school blues.” Learn some tips on how to help your dog as they adjust to a new fall routine.

read more