Puppies are absolutely adorable; there's no doubt. But they are TOUGH work. More than most people probably expect. There's so much to prepare for, including mentally for yourself. Here are some things you should keep in mind before welcoming a new furry member into your family:
1. Crate training will be brutal, but you have to get through the first week. Puppies have grown up with their littermates and their mom — so putting them alone in a crate will be a huge adjustment.
2. Puppies get up to pee in the middle of the night every two to three hours, so prepare for some sleepless nights.
3. But for some good news, they sleep roughly 18 to 20 hours a day.
4. To get your puppy more comfortable with the crate, feed them their meals in there. You can also throw in a Kong at night as their treat, add an old shirt with your scent on it, and a blanket with their mother's scent if you have that available.
5. Keep your puppy on a very consistent schedule. It's KEY to potty training.
6. Teething is VERY REAL. They will eat your furniture, your clothes, your toes, your calves, and anything that moves. Puppies are basically mini land sharks, and it can freakin' hurt.
7. Scolding your puppy will not help. Positive reinforcement is typically the trainer-preferred method.
8. Puppies need TLC just like human babies do. Brush their teeth, clean their ears, cut their nails, give them baths, etc.
9. Sidewalks and streets can be SCORCHING hot in the summer for dogs. If you walked on asphalt without shoes, you can guess it would burn your feet. The same happens with puppies.
10. There are several types of collars, harnesses, and leashes. Do your research on what's good for your pup!
11. Puppies need to exert their energy, but they also need mental stimulation. This could be done with training, puzzles, working for their food, etc.
12. Puppyhood lasts eight months, and this is when they absorb the most information. Train them consistently, every single day.
13. Experts advise against letting puppies go outside on the ground in public places until they have had all of their vaccinations, at around 16 weeks. Every owner needs to be cautious and do their research.
14. However, your puppy should also be well socialized within the first three months of life, or you could face issues down the road.
15. If you're curious as to how big your puppy will get, a common method is to double their weight at four months and add 5–10 pounds.
16. Puppies will make mistakes, they will annoy you, and they will infuriate you. Remember that they are babies. They will learn, but you have to be patient!
17. Puppies grow SO fast. Too fast. Cherish this time, take a million photos, and enjoy it.
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