There's every chance that right now that you're being pestered, or doing the pestering, in order for you to get your very first puppy. But before you fall in love with a gorgeous puppy, we have some essential tips for you, to make Your Very First Puppy a fantastic experience.
In this article we give some fantastic advice on what to look out for when picking a new puppy, including avoiding puppies that are:
- Bossy
- Aggressive
- Shy and nervous
You can tell what a puppy will be like as an adult dog from what it is like as a puppy. Some other considerations before you should consider before choosing a puppy include:
- Size of your home. But remember, it isn't always a case of small dog being best for a small home. A Great Dane would be better for a smaller home than a Jack Russell!
- Grooming. Some dogs' fur need more attention than others and they can shed profusely.
- Exercise Requirements. Consider how much exercise will you be able give your new dog each day.
- Genetic Defects. Some dogs are more predisposed to certain health issues than others.
Once you have selected your puppy, it time for some fundamental steps to ensure it has a long and healthy life. Vaccinations are really important, as up until this point, their mum has been protecting them with antibodies in her milk. By giving them a vaccination between 6 and 8 weeks of age, you protect them from Parvovirus and Hepatitis Virus, both of which can be fatal.
Worming is another 'must do', so once you have your puppy home, worm them every three weeks until it is 16 weeks. You can follow up every three months after that.
In terms of what to buy your puppy, you should ideally purchase:
- Collar (with ID Tag)
- Lead
- Toilet pads
- Bowls
- Toys
- Treats
- Bed