A few months ago my family and I had the pleasure of welcoming Goose into our lives, our new German Short-haired Pointer puppy!! It has definitely taken some getting use to, but I can't imagine Goose not in my life today. And although he's pretty obedient now (jk he's still pretty crazy), I can promise you it was even more overwhelming at the start, and so, I decided to make a list of 5 helpful tips that I wish someone would have told me before getting a puppy! Hope this is helpful to anyone who, like me and my family, is dealing with a 3 month-old pup or who is getting a puppy in the near future!
(Goose's alien eyes tho...)
1. Be patient.
I cannot express this enough. Puppies are just like toddlers: they mean well, but sometimes their rambunctiousness can get the best of them, and can ultimately get them into trouble. Puppies are still young and still learning, so if they don't roll over and play fetch within the first few weeks, don't get frustrated! Be patient, they'll get it eventually.
2. Repetition is key. Repetition is key.
To repeat myself, puppies are learning and therefore, they might make a few (okay maybe a ga-zillion) mistakes before figuring out what's right and what's wrong. For the best results from your pup, try to repeat the same word, coupled with the same sound/tone over and over again. For example, when Goose does something right, I'll give a high-pitched, "Good job Goose!!". Conversely, if he ever does something bad, I'll give a quick, stern "No!". Providing repetition allows for puppies to better distinguish between right and wrong.
3. ALWAYS bring a poop bag!
I have admittedly learned this lesson one too many times. Even if you think that your dog just pooped, and there could therefore be no possible way that he would need to go again anytime soon, bring the bag. You do NOT want to be that girl (#me) who has to walk all the way home to grab a bag, and then trudge all the way back again to the scene of the crime. Just bring a bag, maybe even two! Trust me.
4. Buy tons of toys.
Puppies LOVE, and I mean love chew toys, so make sure to buy multiple! Chew toys are seriously so helpful, as they can distract your pup from chewing on more valuable objects (Goose chewed a big hole in my L.L. Bean duck boots #sadface). Also, puppies can go through numerous chew toys in a day if they're feeling up to it, so make sure to buy a whole bunch so that you won't run out.
5. Savor Puppy-Hood While it Lasts!
Although Goose is still consider a puppy, there's nothing quite like those first few days of having a teeny, baby puppy in your midst; you know the ones that are small enough to hold in your arms! Take lots of pictures because they certainly don't stay that size forever!!
I cannot express this enough. Puppies are just like toddlers: they mean well, but sometimes their rambunctiousness can get the best of them, and can ultimately get them into trouble. Puppies are still young and still learning, so if they don't roll over and play fetch within the first few weeks, don't get frustrated! Be patient, they'll get it eventually.
2. Repetition is key. Repetition is key.
To repeat myself, puppies are learning and therefore, they might make a few (okay maybe a ga-zillion) mistakes before figuring out what's right and what's wrong. For the best results from your pup, try to repeat the same word, coupled with the same sound/tone over and over again. For example, when Goose does something right, I'll give a high-pitched, "Good job Goose!!". Conversely, if he ever does something bad, I'll give a quick, stern "No!". Providing repetition allows for puppies to better distinguish between right and wrong.
3. ALWAYS bring a poop bag!
I have admittedly learned this lesson one too many times. Even if you think that your dog just pooped, and there could therefore be no possible way that he would need to go again anytime soon, bring the bag. You do NOT want to be that girl (#me) who has to walk all the way home to grab a bag, and then trudge all the way back again to the scene of the crime. Just bring a bag, maybe even two! Trust me.
4. Buy tons of toys.
Puppies LOVE, and I mean love chew toys, so make sure to buy multiple! Chew toys are seriously so helpful, as they can distract your pup from chewing on more valuable objects (Goose chewed a big hole in my L.L. Bean duck boots #sadface). Also, puppies can go through numerous chew toys in a day if they're feeling up to it, so make sure to buy a whole bunch so that you won't run out.
5. Savor Puppy-Hood While it Lasts!
Although Goose is still consider a puppy, there's nothing quite like those first few days of having a teeny, baby puppy in your midst; you know the ones that are small enough to hold in your arms! Take lots of pictures because they certainly don't stay that size forever!!
