There is no doubt that puppies are some of the cutest creatures on Earth. Floppy ears, soft fur, adorable wide eyes and that sweet puppy breath are hard to resist. But they do come with their own set of challenges. After all, they are just babies and need someone to help them navigate their big new world. If you’ve recently adopted or thought about adopting a new puppy, then you’ll need to know some of the biggest obstacles you will face as a puppy parent.
The Top 4 Challenges New Puppy Owners Face
1. Housebreaking and crate training
Having a dog that does not mess in the house is usually a top priority. It takes a lot of time and patience, but it is definitely worth it. While it is true some puppies are easier to housebreak than others, it still takes time and diligence to accomplish. Just keep in mind that all of the carpet cleaning and early morning potty breaks will eventually pay off.
Another part of housebreaking a new puppy is crate training. It’s important that they have their own quiet and safe space in the home. It can be a little hard to start crate training, but it usually ends up being their favorite spot in the house. You want your new family member to feel safe and happy. Having their own spot is the perfect way to incorporate that into their lives. At first, they may whine when being put into the crate, but stay consistent with your training and make it a happy comfortable place for them.
2. Socialization and basic behavioral training
Socializing is a very important part of being a new puppy parent. Just like humans, puppies don’t come into the world knowing exactly how to act in social situations. They need to learn what behavior is allowed and what behavior is not allowed. However, it is important to take this step slowly. If you force a naturally fearful or antisocial dog into situations it may make give them more anxiety and cause the training to backfire.
Along with socializing you need to go ahead and start teaching them basic commands such as sit-stay-come. Not only do these commands make your life easier at, they also are great for safety. If you are out walking and they get off leash or you run across a loose dog or animal, having your dog know a few basic commands will help keep them safe.
3. General destruction from chewing and teething
Puppies tend to chew on things…a lot. It is natural for them to explore their world with their mouths. However, it can become quickly frustrating if they are destroying your shoes, furniture or other items around the house. One of the easiest ways to combat this behavior is through exercise. A tired puppy simply won’t have the energy to explore and chew.
You can also purchase pet-safe bitter deterrent sprays that can help. It’s usually odorless and safe for fabric, but it tastes terrible. Also, make sure rules are clear and that you are consistent with training and having them follow the rules that are in place.
4. Veterinarian care and vaccinations
Starting around 6-8 weeks of age puppies need to start getting their immunizations. Then they will still require their booster shots until they are about 16 weeks old. These vaccinations and shots keep them safe from diseases like rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and other issues.
You have to make sure that before you commit to raising a new puppy that you have the time and financial stability to give them the care that they need to grow into healthy and happy older dogs.
A new puppy is a wonderful addition to any home, but there are definitely going to be some challenges along the way. Knowing what to expect goes a long way. If you have a loose plan in place of how you’re going to train and savings for care then both you and your puppy will have a lot more time and energy for fun and snuggles.
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