Thinking of buying your first pooch? This will make your experience a lot easier as we have created 5 top tips for first time dog owners.
We know from experience; it can be scary bringing your first pup into your family. With having over 10 dogs over the years and currently occupying a 13-week-old Labrador, we have some top-tips we would love to share with you all at MNC.
Toilet training-
When it comes to toilet training it can be very difficult and frustrating in some cases. You need to give it time, you need to think it’s just like teaching a toddler potty training. From personal experience try and get your pup straight out in the garden so they can get familiar with their surrounding and feel more comfortable. Whenever you see them start to sniff around after having a nap take them out. Stay with them until they have done their business, make sure you praise or treat them after, so they understand it’s a good thing to do.
Using puppy pads in the house is personally up to you. I think this depends on the flooring in your home to be honest. We have lots of tiles and wood floor, so we don’t tend to use them. But if you have carpets, I would suggest them.
Crate training-
As a dog owner myself I’ve always found it best to use a crate to start with. Our little pup Pol went in her crate if we left the house a couple of hours or for bedtime. This was just so we knew she was safe, and as we have 2 other dogs we didn’t want to go straight into the deep end. Pol has been out of the crate for a while now and she sleeps a lot better.
Again, it’s personal preference, some people keep their hounds in crates every night and while at work. If you’re using a crate, it’s best to keep a puppy pad inside as you don’t want their bed to be getting wet and soggy.
Fully vaccinated/microchipped
It’s very important to have your furry friends fully vaccinated. By doing this it will prevent them from catching highly contagious diseases and infections. You can then take your dogs out for walks without worrying they will catch anything off the ground.
With micro chipping dogs can have this done any age, but its more comfortable for them to get chipped around 7 or 8 weeks old. Under the new microchipping law that came out into effect on 6th April 2016 ‘All dogs and puppies must be microchipped and registered by the age of eight weeks.’ This is a legal requirement in England, Wales, and Scotland.
Toys-
Toys are definitely a must have with pups! This is to stop them chewing, puppies LOVE
to chew so you want to try and distract them with other things like dog toys, ropes and squeakies!
Furthermore, dog toys will stop your dog getting bored. Which is ideal if you’re working or busy, as they prevent your pooch from developing certain problem behavior.
Food/treats-
You need your dog to have nice nutritious food when they are still growing. Some great food alternatives to give your pup as well as dry biscuits; Rice pudding, raw meat soaked with dog biscuits, cut up veg. This isn’t a must, but it’s just something to change up their normal dry biscuits.
With dog treat’s it’s important that you don’t over feed your pup with them, lots of packet treats don’t have the right amount of goodness in them. Other great options for treats; apple, cracker, hotdog, ham, raw carrot, broccoli, and lots more. It’s also important to get some dental sticks for you fluffy friends as it’s great on their little teeth and keep them clean.
I hope these 5 top tips for a first-time dog owner helped. If you have any questions, please drop us message on 07956654474 or 07765521703 we would be happy to help.
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