Getting a puppy!! Any advice?

Question

I went on waiting lists for breeders last year. With all the delays I was told next year would be the earliest I could get a puppy. But I just got word that there is a puppy for me! I put a deposit down (!!) and I’ll pick him up when he’s 12 weeks old. I’m so nervous now. I’m scared I won’t be a good enough dog mom lol. I had dogs before but this is the first time having one on my own from puppyhood. I’ve read up on everything I could and I’m going to start buying supplies, finding a vet, etc. I will be doing puppy training. Any advice or words of wisdom? I’m scared and excited!!!

Answer

Be prepared to be tired! Lol. They are a lot of work at first but with consistency and patience they make the best friends. Use positive reinforcement ONLY. Never yell, hit or rub their nose in accidents. Negative reactions to unwanted behaviors actually makes it worse. Crate training is a great idea but it doesn’t mean they have to use one forever. Make the crate a warm and comfortable place, never use it as punishment. 
Don’t feed cheap food with corn, wheat and soy in the ingredients. Meat should be the first ingredient (no meat by-products). Check dogfoodadvisor.com for an unbiased review of any food you’re thinking about feeding. (Victor is what we feed and an affordable, high quality brand but there are many others.) Don’t follow the feeding directions on the food bag, ask your vet or join a breed specific Facebook group and ask what amount your pup should eat according to their weight and activity level. I.e. our bag of food suggests to feed our dogs 2 cups, 2 times a day- they get one cup, twice a day due to their weight and activity level and their breeds’ metabolism. Research the grooming needs of the specific breed and follow them. If it’s a double coated dog like a husky, German shepherd, Aussie, etc NEVER shave the dog. Their coats regulate their body temperature like insulation on a house and also act as sun protection.

Answer

Don't be afraid to make their own bed known, and establish your ground so they don't take over, experience here, I regret letting my dogs on my furniture and bed now! Reward them when they listen and give them lots of love! Keep a schedule for feeding, it helps with potty training! Feed breakfast, lunch and dinner, then take them out shortly after! Have fun:)

Answer

Avoid giving it people food! I always feel bad for pups when their parents share food. So many things we can eat are toxic to dogs. And even if they're not, it can upset their system. I know everyone thinks they're being great parents for sharing something delicious but even though the pup enjoys the bite, they can get very sick. Stick to healthy, yummy snacks made specifically for dogs or find recipes you can make for it with ingredients that are healthy for your pup. Google anything before you feed it to your dog. You'd be shocked at some things you think are no-brainer healthy that aren't. And congrats and good luck!

Answer

What kind of puppy?

Answer

Don't worry about making mistakes. Dogs don't judge you.

Answer

Definitely do a lot of research on the breed if you haven't already! Make sure you understand breed specific behaviors and needs. It will help you know how to communicate with them.

Answer

Adopt don’t shop. Prepare to be tired. Puppies are lots of work

Answer

Following. I’m also getting a puppy (Mini Aussie) in October! He will be our first puppy, but we do have a 10 year old Goldador. I’m a bit nervous as we both work during the day, so I need to keep him busy.

Getting a puppy!! Any advice?

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