Bringing a new puppy home can be very exciting. But if you’re a first-time owner - or never had a pup before - it can also be daunting.
It’s also a big change for the lovely little furball that’s only a matter of weeks, which is why it’s so important not to overwhelm him.
Many simple mistakes made during these early days can linger for longer and we could live to regret them.
To mark National Puppy Day today (23rd March), global pet brand PetSafe® has compiled this ‘ulti-mutt’ guide to the most common pitfalls to avoid when bringing home those four little paws – or when rehoming an older dog.
PetSafe Brand’s Rob Steele said: “National Puppy Day is a celebration of the unconditional love and affection puppies bring to our lives, but there are a number of easy steps that we can take to make the experience more enjoyable and easier – and bond stronger - for the whole family, especially the four-legged ones.”
For further information visit: www.petsafe.com/UK.
Many simple mistakes made during these early days can linger for longer and we could live to regret them.
![Crates are a popular means for dog owners to provide their pup with a comforting, cosy spot to relax and sleep – so make sure that’s the only way you use it. By sending him to his safe place for no reason – or when he’s being naughty – he’ll associate it with punishment, rather than his little comfy, quiet space he calls his own.](https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjlmMmU2ZTUxLTc2NTctNGM4Ny1hYjRlLTRkMzg1ZGVjZjdlMTozYzhiN2U0Ni1hMjc5LTQyMjgtOGVlNC1hZDFjYjFjMzgyN2Q=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=640)
5. Don’t confuse the crate
Crates are a popular means for dog owners to provide their pup with a comforting, cosy spot to relax and sleep – so make sure that’s the only way you use it. By sending him to his safe place for no reason – or when he’s being naughty – he’ll associate it with punishment, rather than his little comfy, quiet space he calls his own.Photo: Pixabay
![Minimize his stress - and unnecessary excitement - by asking visitors to let him settle, in peace, for the first few days. It’s very important that your puppy is socialised and gets used to house guests, but not straight away. Let him get used to his new family’s faces before adding more to the mix. Ask them to wait off for a week or two.](https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOmEzMzUxNDBhLWE2NmQtNDNkZi05NDQzLTQzZGRiZTYyYzIxYjphNzM0ZmQ2ZS01ZWFhLTQ1YWItODBkMS0zNGFhNzBlMjhkNGY=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=640)
6. Don’t invite friends and neighbours over to meet him straight away
Minimize his stress - and unnecessary excitement - by asking visitors to let him settle, in peace, for the first few days. It’s very important that your puppy is socialised and gets used to house guests, but not straight away. Let him get used to his new family’s faces before adding more to the mix. Ask them to wait off for a week or two.Photo: Pixabay
![Bringing home a new puppy is a lovely moment for the whole family -- including current family dogs – and it’s important to introduce them quickly, so that they can bond and learn to live together. But watch that the adult dog’s behaviour is appropriate towards the puppy. He may growl a little – which is fine - but if he becomes agitated, move the puppy away and try again another time. Also make sure his vaccinations are up to date before they meet so as not to pass on infections to the pup.](https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjAzMGZkYjkzLTRhNmUtNDJhNC1hYTFmLTU3NjVmYjU2Y2UzNDpjMjFhMDAxOS1jMzk2LTQxZTAtYWQ0OS0xMzRhMWVhZTc5N2M=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=640)
7. Don’t keep him away from other family pets
Bringing home a new puppy is a lovely moment for the whole family -- including current family dogs – and it’s important to introduce them quickly, so that they can bond and learn to live together. But watch that the adult dog’s behaviour is appropriate towards the puppy. He may growl a little – which is fine - but if he becomes agitated, move the puppy away and try again another time. Also make sure his vaccinations are up to date before they meet so as not to pass on infections to the pup.Photo: Pixabay
![Dogs don’t inherently know what to do and how to behave – they don’t know not to pull on a lead or bark when someone knocks on the door. Like people, they need to be taught.](https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOmNkYWVjZDJjLTc1MzYtNDc5ZC1iYjJhLWJkNmIxNzQ3NDU1MDo0Nzk2MTg3Ny05NTg0LTQyMmItODM1Ny05YzcxYzc5N2I4MzQ=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=640)
8. Don’t expect too much
Dogs don’t inherently know what to do and how to behave – they don’t know not to pull on a lead or bark when someone knocks on the door. Like people, they need to be taught.Photo: Pixabay