Hello everyone! I'm thrilled to take over Headbands and Bagels while Lizzy is off on her travels. Normally I write about all things handbags, but today let's chat about something near and dear to my heart: how to raise a puppy.
This is Kate Puddleton. She's a lab/dachshund/mutt from Bark n' Bitches, our local rescue. She's the cutest thing you've ever seen. She's also infuriating! But at the end of the day, she's the love of our lives. And she's taught me a thing or two about raising puppies.
Step 1: Pick the right puppy
When you go to the rescue, every puppy will call your name. They're adorable! But know what you're looking for. Do you live in an apartment? Consider a smaller dog, like a spaniel. Want the dog to run with you? Get a breed with a lot of energy, like a pit or a cattle dog. Know what kind of dog will fit your lifestyle, and don't let those big puppy eyes get the best of you!
Step 2: Puppy prep!
When we first brought Kate home, she was too small for even the puppy bowls we'd bought her! We had to improvise with a durable tupperware lid. Just like a toddler, your pup is learning the ropes and will test all the limits. Be prepared to follow her around for a couple of weeks. Pick up anything you might have stored at ground level, and know that she'll find what you forgot!
Step 3: Introduce your puppy to other dogs
After your pup has had all her shots, it's time to introduce her to other dogs. Start with neighborhood dogs you know. Your pup will pick up on your good energy, and the other dogs will be curious and friendly with the new addition.
If you're lucky enough to now have a two dog home, you may have already taken this step. We have a beautiful golden/chow mix who plays the big sister role.
Step 4: Leash training
Get your pup ready by letting her run around the house with the leash on, that way she'll be familiar with it the first time you go outside. Walk slowly but with purpose. You are the walk master (channel Mr. Miyagi here) so you call the shots. And when she goes potty outside for the first time, give her wild praise! The sooner she learns this, the more sanity you'll keep in your household.
Step 5: Treat training
Positive reinforcement is the name of the game! Every time your dog does something good, give her a treat. Start with sitting - every time she sits, say "good sit!" and give her a treat. Next, teach her to look at you when you say her name. Those two tricks are the basis for everything after.
Step 6: Be ready for some hiccups
Be ready, your puppy will throw you some curveballs. Kate got sick three days after we brought her home. Emergency vet sick. She was fine, but it was a scary moment! Be prepared for a few of those. One silver lining: they make awfully sweet faces when they're not feeling well.
Step 7: Play play play!
Be ready to play your heart out! Your puppy is a high energy machine of tumbling, jumping, and running. Even other dogs can't keep up! Be prepared by having chew toys, squeaky balls, frisbees, and any other plaything you can think of. Kate's favorite: an upside down plastic container.
Step 8: Sleep
After all that playtime, your pup will be exhausted. She'll sleep at random hours in unexpected positions. Take lots and lots of pictures, she'll never be this little again.
Step 9: Involve your puppy in everything
The more time you spend with your pup, the better. So involve her in everything! You can probably do this more than you think. For example, Kate likes to sleep next to me while I write.
Step 10: Enjoy the heck out of your puppy
Puppies are the best thing in the world. If you forget everything else, remember this: give your puppy the love she deserves, and you'll have a best friend for life.
Do you have a puppy? What would be your biggest tip?
Thanks again to Lizzy for letting me take over Headbands and Bagels today! Have a wonderful trip, we can't wait to see pictures!
