Tips for New Dog Owners

Bringing a new puppy home is such an exciting time! The only thing that can make it better is knowing that you are fully prepared for them to join your family and have a good idea of what to expect for the first few weeks. Following these tips below can help you make sure you’re ready for your new addition:

Do your research- Puppies grow up to be dogs with their own personality and quirks. Make sure you know what type of breed will be best for your lifestyle and be ready to take responsibility for them. Consider what your dog will need physically, time wise, and who will take care of them if you go on vacation. For example, if you have kids or ever have children around, you’ll want to make sure you get a breed like an English Cream Golden Retriever which is known for being extremely gentle around kids and family friendly. Consider also that if you aren’t very active or outdoorsy, you may want a smaller, more sedentary dog as opposed to English Cream Retrievers who need daily exercise!

Keep Your Budget in Mind- Think about potential vet appointments for regular checkups and vaccines and keep in mind what your budget can afford. Dogs don’t need a ton of trips to the vet, but when they do, you’ll want to make sure it’s not a huge financial burden. They’ll also need food for the rest of their lives, occasional treats, flea, tick, and heart worm preventatives, a leash, a crate, chew toys, puppy pads, grooming supplies, poop bags, bedding, collars, tags, microchips, etc. Make sure that this dog is something you can take care of long-term.

Be Ready to Train- Responsible dog owners take the time to train their puppies and the sooner you begin, the better! You have the advantage with young puppies because you can nurture them into the kind of dog you want them to grow into by being consistent with training and socialization. There are lots of books and videos on how to train your dog, and English Cream Golden Retrievers catch on quick! They enjoy the bonding that training time provides, so make sure to make it part of your daily routine, even if just for a few minutes a day. Keep in mind that for at least the first few weeks you’ll need to take your puppy out regularly to go potty, be patient with accidents, and consistent with commands. They’ll catch on quick and soon be able to hold it for long periods of time!

Know What to Expect- Puppies can feel stressed and overwhelmed entering a new home. Give them time to sniff around, explore, and warm up to you. You’ll soon realize if there’s anything you need to puppy-proof in your home. Rather than get upset at a puppy who is too young to understand, just move things out of their reach or spray furniture with a chewing deterrent so teething puppies won’t be tempted. Punishment doesn’t work well on super young puppies, so just patiently redirect them to their chew toy or an active activity. Remember that small puppies also don’t need long walks in the beginning because their little legs are already getting plenty of exercise from just exploring. Let them explore, take lots of naps, and make sure they know they are safe and loved. As they get older, you’ll start to see them understand more, have more energy, and be more responsive to you.

Have Fun- Dogs bring so much joy to everyday life! Make sure to laugh and play with your dog and create positive memories together. This will create a bond that is sure to make your dog that much more loving and responsive towards you. Dogs are a lot of work, but the reward of their love and companionship is even greater! Enjoy your new best friend!