#

[Episode 25]

5 Tips to Survive Puppyhood     

  “Having a puppy is hard work. I feel like I’m training him all day long, it’s overwhelming.”

That’s what my friend said to me about her 4 ½ month old puppy, and she’s right, all of it is true. Having a puppy is a lot of work. Most people get consumed by the adorable little fluff ball when they decide to get a puppy. They picture themselves snuggling with that adorable little puppy and going on long walks. But the reality is if you let that little fluff ball get too close to your face, he’ll bite your nose with those razor sharp teeth. And walking, forget about it, he’s going to dart back and forth in front of you like a bumper car hitting the side of the railings. 

Today you’re going to learn 5 tips to survive puppyhood. Now these tips are good for adult dogs or rescue dogs too but our main focus is puppies.

Oftentimes we forget that these adorable little fluff balls are baby animals. They don’t speak English and they think biting our ankle is fun. But the truth is puppies ARE a lot of work, but don’t worry you can survive in one piece . 

Today you’re going to learn 5 tips to survive puppyhood in one piece 

 Tip #1.  Buy baby gates and/or an expen.

Puppies should not have full access to the house until they are completely potty trained and won’t eat anything they’re not allowed to eat. This brings up the next reason for baby gates and pens. You need to puppy proof your house. Puppies explore the world with their mouth. They also find their toys on the ground. If you don’t want your expensive shoes to be treated like a puppy toy, then pick them up and put them in the closet where it’s safe. 

Tip #2. Buy a lot of toys, long plush toys, interactive toy and chase toys, bully sticks. 

When I say a lot, I mean a lot!!  It’s better for the puppy to destroy the toy instead of your shoes or furniture. I recommend that you buy 12 plush todays and and 2 – 3 interactive food toys. My favorite toy in the Kong Chase It. Check out our Amazon store for our favorite today. 

 Tips #3. Take your puppy out on walks

This is one of the most important, yet most people don’t do this because they’re afraid…..afraid of what?? “My puppy doesn’t have all of his shots!” First of all, you need to know exactly what you’re afraid of and how these disease are spread. Once you do that I guarantee you’ll feel a little better. 

Next, it’s not healthy for a puppy to be on lockdown if there is little reason to worry. Do you live in an area where most dogs are vaccinated? If so, then you might not need to be concerned. The truth is, your puppy is more likely to develop a fear (aggression) problem from lack of socialization than get parvo. And let’s face it socialization (having a positive experiences with people, places, items, flooring textures, sights, sounds, people and dogs) happens outside. Walking your puppy regularly will also help with potty training, puppy biting, jumping, barking and general naughty behavior. I can’t tell you what to do, but if you’re anything like me, you like to weight the pro’s and con’s and make a smart decision.

Tip #4. Do Some Training

Positive reinforcement will tire your dog out because he’ll be using his brain. It’s exhausting for dogs to think and learn.. You go to work all day and you come home tired, right? You didn’t run a marathon, right? You’re tired because you were using your brain at work all day. The same is true for your dog. 

The Dog Academy is a great way to train your dog how to listen and be well-behaved. The Dog Academy is easy, convenient and cost effective. It’s perfect for puppies. Don’t you want a calm puppy that listens?  If so, scroll down and check out The Dog Academy. 

Tips #5. Stick to a routine.

1. This is the best way to get a well behaved dog. Start with a morning walk, then interactive toy for breakfast, then a nice 3 – 4 hour nap. Followed by a midday snack, some training and another nap. Then an early evening walk, dinner, a small training lesson and rest while you unwind before bed. 

BONUS. TIP #6 Give yourself a break

Puppyhood doesn’t last forever and it’s exhausting. There are going to be times when you’ve just had it with your puppy. Most likely, something else is triggering your frustration, not your puppy, that’s part of life. You don’t want to take out your frustration on your puppy, so recognize when you need a break. During that time, give your puppy a frozen kong and relax on the couch for a few minutes. Go on a walk without our puppy or maybe take them on an extra walk. Sit and the park and let your pup just look around. It’s going to feel overwhelming at times, it is and you’ll get through it. Recognize those time, plan a head for them and enjoy your puppy when he’s not biting your ankles.

Sadie, my 12-year-old Italian Greyhound was an active hyper and demanding puppy. There were many days where I gave her more than 2 interactive toys and/or bully sticks. She didn’t complain and we all survived nicely. Sometimes you gotta do what you gotta dog. 🙂

What’s your puppy survival tip?