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Pre-Puppy
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Pre-Puppy

What’s better than puppies? That’s right: your own puppy. So, what do you need to know before you take the plunge into pet parenthood?

0-2 months
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0-2 months

Welcome to the world little one. It’s all grow-grow-grow for your puppy right now, so there’s many things to prepare.

2-3 months
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2-3 months

Your puppy is ready to come home and turn your world upside down. It’s time to put your preparation into practice – and remember to take it all in!

3-6 months
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3-6 months

You’re entering a period of immense growth, lots of learning and new adventures. Bring on the play date with the big wide world!

6-12 months
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6-12 months

Your fur-baby is nearing adulthood. Can you see their grown self coming through? Sigh…they grow up so fast, don’t they?

12-18 months
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12-18 months

Your puppy has turned one and they might not be so little anymore. Make sure to book their first annual check-up.

18 months - 3 years
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18 months - 3 years

Your dog is one an established family member now. Enjoy who they have become and the bond you now share at this special stage.

3 - 8 years
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3 - 8 years

Your dog is a full-grown adult now. They understand where their place is in your home and the wider world.

8+ years
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8+ years

Just like many senior citizens, senior dogs have some extra needs. Learn to look after your best friend and support their health as they grow older.

Anxiety About a New Puppy - You May Be Overthinking It

Anxiety About a New Puppy - You May Be Overthinking It

Don’t over-think it: relieving YOUR anxiety about a new puppy

Written by Dr Kate Mornement, Animal Behaviourist

Getting a puppy is such an exciting time but it can also be stressful at time. What if my puppy doesn’t sleep? What if they pee all over the house? Will they whimper and howl when I leave them alone? If you’ve recently brought home a puppy or you’re thinking about getting one and the unknowns are causing you some anxiety, try not to overthink it! Let’s work through some of the common concerns for new puppy parents and how to manage them.

Toilet training

One of the first things to teach a puppy is where to go to the toilet. Some puppies may have been taught this by their breeder before they go to their forever home. But for most puppies, you’ll need to teach them. You can even teach your puppy to toilet on command. To do this, take your puppy outside regularly throughout the day. Every half hour is a good starting point. When you see them go to the toilet, say “do wees” (or “go toilet” or whatever you choose to say). Repeat the phrase as the puppy toilets. As soon as they finish reward them with praise and a tasty treat. Repeat every time you take you puppy out to toilet. Soon your puppy will learn to toilet on command, and where you want them to.

More information and tips for toilet training are here.

Sleeping

Puppies are similar to new-born babies when it comes to sleep. They’re used to having a close connection to their mother and littermates when sleeping.

When a puppy first comes home they can get stressed at night when sleeping alone for the first time.

They may whine or howl which is how a lost puppy would alert it’s mother to come and find it. Your puppy will get used to sleeping on their own, however this can take several days. Giving your puppy a nice warm bed to sleep in and a comfort toy to cuddle up to can help them transition to sleeping on their own. Some puppy owners can’t resist bringing their puppy into bed with them. This is perfectly fine if you always plan to let your dog sleep on your bed. However, if you want your dog to sleep on their own bed it’s best not to confuse things, and to do this from the start.

Separation training

Puppies are social animals and can experience distress when separated from their family. It’s important to gradually get your puppy used to spending time on their own. This can be done by feeding them meals or giving them fun toys and treats outside or in another room away from you. Start with short separations that your puppy tolerates well and then gradually increase them. Give your puppy a meal, or a long lasting occupy treat along with their favourite chew toy whenever you leave them to help create a positive association with being separated from you.

You can read more about managing separation anxiety here.

Getting a puppy really is one of life’s great joys. Yes, there will be a learning curve and some hurdles along the way for both you and your pup, but the benefits of sharing your life together far outweighs any negatives.

Their unconditional love, companionship and the absolute pleasure they bring us over the years will make any anxiety you may have felt at the start seem like a distant memory.

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