Sign-up for our email Newsletter

Ads on this Site

Please excuse the ads that keep this site free !

Mobile Devices Note:

There's more to this site! Go to the bottom of the page for a list of posts or click "View Web Version" to see the whole site. Please excuse the Ads that keep this site free for you!

Find More Lessons and Articles

To see all the dog training posts (Over 260 pages)
Scroll down to the bottom of the page for the list and most popular titles.

SEARCH Family Disaster Dogs 260+ pages

Sunday, November 26, 2017

Are Your Being The Best Puppy Parent You Can Be?



Animals are wonderful creatures. But it’s definitely easy to underestimate just how much work they can be to take on full time. There’s a reason why animals shelters exist! It’s sad, but true. So many people commit to taking on a pet, then realize that the commitment is so much bigger than they expected and then back away. And it’s the pet that’s then left to suffer. This is especially the case when it comes to puppies. Because puppies are so commonly bought as Christmas presents, and then forgotten about far too quickly. Dog ownership is a blessing; one that you need to know that you’re ready for.

But just because you own pets, it doesn’t mean you’re going to find it hard. Because when you get yourself into the right rhythm, it’s not hard at all. In fact, you can actually be an incredible puppy parent, if you just know what to do. If you’re thinking of getting a puppy, and you want to be sure of what you’re taking on, or you’ve had a dog for a while, and you want to check that you’re doing everything you can for their health and happiness, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s take a look at what you can do to make sure that you’re the best puppy parent you can be.

Show Them Love

The very first thing you should look to do as a dog owner is shower them with love. This doesn’t mean that you have to overly smother them and go as far as treating them like a baby, but you do need to show them some affection - just as you would a child. Be sure to pet and stroke them often. Dogs want to be loved, and a good old belly rub will never go amiss. So when you’re relaxing in the evening, be sure to have them with you and cuddle up. Affection is one of the best things you can give to your dog.

Interact With Them

From here, you’re then going to want to think about interacting with them a little too. Some people will think it's crazy to talk to your pet, but as a good puppy parent you know that assumption is nonsense. Because your dog understands you, and they respond when you talk to them. So be sure to talk to them daily, let them know what you’re doing, where you’re going, and what you need them to do, whether it’s sleep or fetch, and they’ll understand you.

Play With Them

And, of course, you’re going to want to play with them too. Dogs love to play, especially puppies. But don’t just assume that they’ll be happy playing on their own. You should definitely look to get involved and play fun games with them too. Try out different versions of fetch and even teach them to use their sniffing skills to search for toys that you’ve hidden. It will be a lot of fun for you too, promise!

Keep Them Active

You also have to be sure that they’re as active as they need to be. You should speak to your vet about the activity levels they will need, as this varies by breed, but above all else, make sure you are walking them daily. They won’t be getting the exercise they need otherwise. Plus, it’s great for you to get out and walk with them too.

Book Regular Vet Visits

Next up, you’re going to want to make sure that you’re able to book in regular vet visits. Because you know your dog need them. As a puppy, they will need to go more frequently for checkups and shots, but when they’re over a year old, they should be going at least once a year. That way, you can actually check that they’re healthy and aim to detect any health issues early too.

Keep Them Protected At Home Too

But don’t just rely on the vets to keep them healthy, because you need to make sure that you do your bit too. From dental products to Pet-Lock flea and tick treatment, there’s a lot you can do to do your bit. Just be sure that you’re stocked up with the right protection products and administer them as needed.

Feed Them Well

A dog’s diet is important. So you need to be sure that you’re doing everything you can to ensure that they’re eating well. Of course, you can use specific dog food for this, but you need to be sure that it’s the healthiest option for their breed. And at the same time, if you do choose to feed them “human food”, keep it clean. Do not give them sugary snacks under any circumstances!

Include Them

And be sure to include them in whatever you’re doing. They’re not just a sideline in your life, they should be part of the inner circle. So if you’re going away, take your dog with you too. Whether it’s to visit family or on vacation, make sure that they’re included. It’s mean to leave them out!

Treat Them

Definitely also feel free to treat them too. Because everyone needs treats. Just like you might like a bar of chocolate or a beer as your treat, they need something too. But they need to have their treats safely to make sure that they stay healthy. So look into some healthy dog treat options, or even choose something that’s not food-centric, like a fun day out somewhere or a walk with their doggy friends.

Ensure They Are Part Of The Family

And remember, they are part of your family! You need to be treating them as you would your kids. So that means caring for them, cleaning them, loving them, and generally appreciating them. At the same time, if kids do come into the equation, don’t overlook them. They have to still remain a priority in your life. As long as you’re happy to treat them as you would any other integral part of your family, you’ll make an excellent puppy parent.

Author Amber Higgins

Author Amber Higgins
Click Pic to Visit my author page

Welcome UK and Worldwide Visitors

Welcome UK and worldwide visitors and friends to Family Disaster Dogs online! Although I'm an American author and dog professional the worldwide web has given me the opportunity to connect with some wonderful folks who have contributed pictures for my books. The "Start Mantrailing" book features RRI K9 North Scotland trained Search and Rescue Dog "Amber" on the cover and her teammates training in the book, plus American dogs using my training methods. A portion of sales of the Start Mantrailing book or copies were donated to RRI North Scotland. The children's picture book "My Puppy Can Find Me" has my daughter and bloodhound as illustrations by UK cartoonist Scotty King. You can find the books on Amazon UK or use the contact page to order from me. When you click the links will take you to your own county pages of this site.

Start Mantrailing Free Preview on Audible, Kindle and Paperback

Featured Lesson

Tips and How to Evacuate with Your Dogs Help

 How to Evacuate with Your Dog's Help click above to see my book! If you live in an area that is prone to natural disasters, such as hur...

Popular Posts

My Children's Picture Book

My Children's Picture Book
Click the Image to see the Book

Past Posts and Lessons

To see all the lessons and dog care articles on this site:

Look at the dates listed below and click one date to bring up all the articles and lessons published at this site in one page for each date.

There are well over 200 pages that have been published here at Family Disaster Dogs since 2011.

New lessons or dog care articles continue to be posted weekly.

The list below is the easiest way to find all the information here.

Enjoy the search and follow that dog!

Blog Archive

Let's Share on Social Media !

Let's enable each family to respond

and do something while waiting for help

during neighborhood emergency and disaster incidents,

extreme weather and terrorist attacks.


Good Luck and Be Safe !

Read a Free Preview or Buy !

Help Keep Free Books Free for everyone-Donate Today!

Dog Bug-out Bag book

Free Preview

Read and Review my books on Goodreads

Family Disaster Dogs

Advertising Disclosure

Disclosure: Some of the links on this site are affiliate links that I have reviewed and approved. Additionally links to products such as at Amazon are products I have personally used. Affiliate links means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase. The proceeds earned are not much and used to keep this Family Disaster Dogs website free to the public. Thank you for your support.

Purchases from affiliate links help Keep Family Disaster Dogs Site Free!

Check this deal out and support us! Thanks

Sign up for Audible Plus, an all-you-can-listen membership that offers access to thousands of titles, including the Family Disaster Dogs audiobooks and a vast array of other audiobooks, podcasts and originals that span genres, lengths, and formats.