Is there seriously anything better than puppies?
They’re ridiculously cute, full of curiosity, and eager to live a Zesty life. So… basically perfect? No wonder why everyone wants one!
For puppy parents, there’s no greater joy than being there for every first of your bestie’s new life. That’s why we’re here to make your pup-parenting journey easier with five tips to prepare you for your furry bundle of joy.
Let Them Be a “Momma’s Pup”
We know you can’t wait to parade your precious puppy around to all your loved ones… and who can blame you? It’s practically a crime to keep all that cuteness to yourself!
However, the best course of action is to let your puppy spend the first few weeks (or even months) of life around their mother, if possible.
When puppies are born, handling by humans should be kept to a minimum so that their mother can feed and nurture their puppies the old-fashioned way. The mother’s first milk, colostrum, is a great way to get your little one ready to grow up healthy and happy. Depending on the scenario, you can also try our veterinarian-formulated Puppy Milk Replacer as another yummy option!
If you’re getting your fur-baby from an experienced breeder, they will likely give you a heads-up about this whole process. However, if your puppy’s mother isn’t in the picture for whatever reason, we suggest visiting a veterinarian to determine the best course of action for your pup.
Spark Their Curiosity… But Slowly
After about 3-4 weeks, your puppy’s eyes and ears will be open and ready to take in all the sights and sounds of life. Yes!
But, here’s the thing.
Although this phase is super exciting for us hoomans, it can be kind of overwhelming for our fur-babies.
Think about it… what if you used your eyes and ears for the first time today? Imagine how strange it would feel to observe colors, sounds, people, buildings, and sunshine? Sensory overload!
That’s why it’s best to take things slow with your puppy. Start with simple little tours around your home, one room at a time. Let them look, listen, and sniff around to help them get acquainted with their surroundings at a comfortable pace.
Puppy-Proof Your Living Space
As your puppy becomes (slightly) more self-sufficient and adventurous, that’s your cue to make your home puppy-proof before they stick their snouts in places it doesn’t belong.
Whether it’s shoes, cords, TV remotes, or decor, your puppy is going to love investigating everything around your house… to a fault! So, we strongly suggest storing your important items in bins, high shelves, cabinets, or other hard-to-reach places.
This might seem like an obvious tip, but trust us. Sometimes, the items you least expect are the most fascinating to a pup. So, prepare well and you (and your favorite pair of socks) will be glad you prepped early.