When Do Puppies Get Easier? 8 Tips for New Puppy Owners

As a new puppy owner, I am sure you have thought to yourself, “When Do Puppies Get Easier?”.  I see these questions all the time whether in a social media group, at dog parks, from the blog readers, or just out and about talking to my neighbors. This is why I am happy to write a very informative blog post on “When do puppies get easier? 8 Tips for New Owners.” The first year of having your puppy is always the hardest and each year gets easier. Wes was probably about 2 when he started to calm down and by 6, he was a lazy couch potato!

If you’re a proud puppy parent but feeling overwhelmed by the challenges of raising your first puppy, you’re not alone. We understand that navigating through those early days and weeks can be demanding. However, fear not, because we’re here to provide you with valuable insights and practical advice to make the journey smoother. See below for the 8 tips along with why they are important and the benefits they will provide to new puppy owners.

1. Establish a Routine: Stay Consistent 
2. Start Training Early: Stay Consistent 
3. Socialize Your Puppy: Try a dog park!
4. Provide Proper Nutrition: Check out this blog post for a fun recipe
5. Puppy-Proof Your Home: It’s true, puppies do love to chew shoes
6. Be Patient: For your puppy’s and your sanity
7. Exercise and Play: A tired puppy is a well-behaved puppy 
8. Seek Support: Don’t do it alone

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1 – Establish A Routine

Why Establishing a Routine is Important for Your New Puppy?

Bringing a new puppy into your home is an exciting and joyful experience. However, amidst the cuddles and playtime, it’s crucial to recognize the significance of establishing a routine for your furry friend. Just like humans, dogs learn from habits and for them to learn them, we as dog owners need to stay consistent with a routine.

3 benefits to dog owners and their pups when they establish a routine:

1. Provides Consistency and Predictability: A routine provides a structured environment where puppies can anticipate daily activities such as feeding times, walks, playtime, and rest. This consistency helps your puppy feel secure, reducing anxiety and promoting a sense of comfort and well-being. A more secure puppy and less anxious puppy can help reduce all that chewing of your shoes and constant whining. It does not have to be 100% perfect and the same every day. Life does happen so remember to give yourself grace on those long work days, crazy weekends, or rainy days that you just can’t get out of the walk.
2. Gives a Smooth Transition and Adaptation: Bringing a puppy into a new home can be overwhelming for them. Establishing a routine helps ease their transition and aids in their adaptation process. By providing a structured schedule, your puppy quickly learns what to expect, reducing stress, confusion, and potential behavior problems. Your new best friend will thank you later as an adult dog for providing them with a smooth transition.
3. Enables Potty Training Success: Scheduled bathroom breaks help your puppy understand when and where they should pee or poop. By taking them out at regular intervals, especially after meals or naps, you reinforce the association between going outside and peeing and pooping outside vs on your new rug. This consistency speeds up the potty training process and minimizes accidents indoors. Just in case, make sure to grab this stain remover for the times your pup does have an accident. Because they will have an accident and that is okay! Another great option to help with potty training is Crate training your puppy. This allows your puppy to have their own space where they know is safe and they are unlikely to make a mess in it.

2 – Start Training Early

Why is starting to train your puppy early necessary?

Puppies are like sponges when it comes to learning. Their young minds are highly receptive, making it easier to grasp new concepts and behaviors. By starting training early, you take advantage of this critical period of their development and set the foundation for a well-behaved adult dog. If you teach you’re soon to be your 100-lb puppy not to jump, it makes for better first-time meets later on when they become that 100-lb dog!

3 Benefits of Early puppy training

1. Establishes Good Behavior: By teaching your puppy basic commands like sit, stay, and come, you establish a foundation of obedience. Expect there to be lots of doggy treats given to help with establishing this good behavior. You can always look into hiring a dog trainer as well if that fits your budget and time.
2. Build a Strong Bond: Through positive reinforcement and consistent training, you establish trust, mutual respect, and effective communication. This strengthens the bond between you and your furry companion, enhancing your relationship and creating a solid foundation for future interactions.
3. Prevents Behavioral Issues: By setting boundaries, teaching appropriate behaviors, and redirecting unwanted actions, you can nip potential problems in the bud. Early intervention can deter issues such as chewing, excessive barking, or separation anxiety, saving you from future frustration and the need for extensive behavior modification when they become adult dogs.

3 – Socialization

Why it’s important to socialize your puppy early

Early socialization exposes your puppy to different people, animals, and environments, allowing them to develop positive associations. This helps them become comfortable and confident in various social situations throughout their lives.

3 Benefits of socializing your puppy early

1. Reduces Fear and Aggression: By exposing your puppy to different stimuli, they learn to adapt and remain calm in new or potentially challenging situations. This reduces the likelihood of fear-based reactions or aggression later on. 
2. Improves Behavior in Public: They are less likely to be fearful or reactive towards strangers, other dogs, or unfamiliar environments. This makes outings and interactions with others more enjoyable and stress-free for both you and your puppy.
3. Enhances Trainability: Through exposure to different people and animals, they learn to focus and respond positively to commands and cues. This makes training sessions more effective, as they have already developed a level of comfort and confidence in various social situations.

Wes went to doggy daycare from a very early age. He was surrounded by big and small dogs with all different personalities. I really believe this helped him to become calm in almost any situation. Read here why doggy daycare is an amazing option for your fur baby in this blog post here.

4 – Providing Proper Nutrition

Why is providing proper nutrition for your new puppy important?

Proper nutrition is crucial for new dog owners to ensure their puppies’ healthy growth, development, immune function, cognitive abilities, skin and coat health, digestive health, dental health, and long-term well-being. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the best diet and feeding plan for your puppy’s specific needs.

3 Benefits of providing your new puppy with proper nutrition

1. Promotes Healthy Growth and Development: Puppies have specific nutritional requirements to support their rapid growth and development. A balanced and nutritious diet provides the necessary nutrients, including proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, to support healthy bone formation, muscle growth, and organ development. Proper nutrition during this critical stage lays the foundation for a healthy adult dog. Check out this fun puppy food here and see if it’s a good fit for your new puppy.
2. Helps Develop a Strong Immune System: Proper nutrition plays a vital role in building and maintaining a strong immune system. A well-nourished puppy is better equipped to fight off infections, illnesses, and diseases. Essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants support immune function, helping your puppy stay healthy and resistant to common health issues. There are lots of great options to ensure your puppy gets the proper nutrition. This multivitamin is a great addition to their nutrition plan.
3. Ensures Digestive Health: Proper nutrition is crucial for maintaining a healthy digestive system in puppies. A balanced diet with high-quality ingredients and appropriate fiber content promotes proper digestion and nutrient absorption. This helps prevent gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea, constipation, and upset stomachs, ensuring your puppy’s overall well-being. It is never fun if your puppy’s tummy is rumbling or you are trying to pick up diarrhea out on a walk from your neighbor’s yard. Midnight vomit cleanup is not fun either and dogs tend to vomit on carpets and rugs vs hard surfaced floors. We used this a lot when Wes started to have accidents in the home on our new carpet and it smells pretty decent too!

5 – Puppy Proof your home

Why is it important to puppy-proof your home?

Puppy-proofing your home is an essential step for new puppy owners to ensure the safety and well-being of their furry friends. By identifying and removing potential hazards, you create a secure environment that minimizes accidents, protects against toxic substances, prevents choking or ingestion of foreign objects, safeguards household items, facilitates house training, teaches boundaries, and provides peace of mind. 

3 Benefits to dog owners when they puppy-proof their Home

1. Prevents Accidents and Injuries: Puppies are curious and naturally inclined to explore their surroundings. Puppy proofing minimizes the risk of accidents and injuries by removing or securing potential hazards. It creates a safe environment where your puppy can freely roam without the risk of ingesting harmful substances, getting stuck in tight spaces, or falling from heights.
2. Protects against Toxic Substances: Many common household items and plants can be toxic to puppies if ingested. Make sure to read this post on which plants are toxic to dogs. Puppy proofing involves identifying and safely storing toxic substances such as cleaning products, chemicals, medications, and certain houseplants. By removing these hazards or keeping them out of reach, you prevent accidental poisoning and potential health emergencies. A great home cleaning supply brand that is safe for dogs is this one here.
3. Protects Household Items: Puppy proofing helps safeguard your belongings and prevents damage to household items. By keeping valuable or sentimental items out of your puppy’s reach, you reduce the risk of them being chewed on or destroyed. Puppy proofing also involves securing loose cables, hiding or covering exposed wires, and protecting furniture from scratches or accidents. I fell asleep one time on the couch when Wes was just 12 weeks old for only 20 minutes. I woke up to my entire phone chewed to pieces. Learned my lesson and never left my phone on the ground again.

6 – Be patient

Why it’s important to be patient as a new puppy owner

Being patient with a new puppy is essential for their learning, training, bonding, emotional well-being, effective communication, building positive experiences, and overall enjoyment of the journey. Patience enables you to be a supportive and understanding owner, creating a strong foundation for a loving and lifelong relationship with your puppy.

3 Benefits of being patient with your new puppy

1. Establishes Trust and Bonding: Patience allows you to build trust and establish a strong bond with your new pup. Dogs are sensitive to human emotions, and by being patient, you create a safe and nurturing environment where your pup feels secure. This fosters a deeper connection and strengthens the bond between you and your furry friend.
2. Reduces Stress and Anxiety: New environments and experiences can be overwhelming for puppies. By being patient, you help your pup adjust to their new surroundings at their own pace. This reduces stress and anxiety, allowing them to feel more comfortable and secure in their new home. 
3. Helps you to Enjoy the Journey: Being patient allows you to savor and enjoy the journey of raising a new pup. Puppies grow and develop quickly, and by being patient, you can appreciate each stage of their growth, from their adorable puppy antics to their milestones. 

7 – Exercise and Play

Why is it important for new dog owners to exercise and play with their new pups?

Regular exercise supports physical health, provides mental stimulation, releases energy, strengthens the owner-puppy bond, aids in behavior management, offers training opportunities, enhances overall well-being, and helps prevent health issues. By incorporating exercise and play into their daily routine, new puppy owners can provide their pups with a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life.

3 Benefits of Exercising and Playing with your puppy

1. Promotes Physical Health: Exercise and play contribute to the physical well-being of both the puppy and the owner. By engaging in activities like walks, jogging, or playing fetch, you and your pup get the necessary physical exercise that promotes cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles, and helps maintain a healthy weight. It also improves overall fitness levels for both you and your pup. Just like humans, overweight dogs exist too. This can lead to high vet bills for health issues that develop from overweight challenges in dogs.
2. Provides Mental Stimulation: Exercise and play provide important mental stimulation for puppies. Through interactive play and training exercises, you engage their minds and challenge their cognitive abilities. Mental stimulation helps prevent boredom and promotes overall mental well-being for your puppy, leading to a happier and more content pet.
3. Enjoyment and Fun: Above all, exercising and playing with your new puppy is enjoyable! It allows you to engage in activities that bring joy and laughter, creating memorable experiences. It enhances the overall quality of life for both you and your pup, as you share moments of happiness and build a positive and fulfilling relationship.

Be sure to read about the fun activities you can do with your pup here and all these fun chew toys that your puppy will love.

8 – Seek Support

Why is it important for a new puppy owner to seek support?

Seeking support when getting a new puppy is crucial for knowledge acquisition, emotional support, problem-solving, training guidance, veterinary care, networking, long-term planning, and confidence building. It empowers new puppy owners to navigate the challenges of puppy ownership and provides them with the necessary tools and resources to raise a happy, healthy, and well-adjusted dog.

3 benefits to seeking support as a new puppy owner

1. Provides Knowledge and Guidance: New dog owners may lack experience or knowledge about dog care, training, and behavior. Seeking support provides access to valuable information and guidance from experienced individuals, such as veterinarians, trainers, or experienced dog owners. Not everyone knows how to take care of a puppy but there are so many resources out there, just like this new puppy checklist, to help you on your journey to make it manageable and fun!
2. Gives Emotional Support: Caring for a dog can be emotionally demanding, especially for new owners. Seeking support from friends, family, or online communities allows new dog owners to share their experiences, ask questions, and receive emotional support. A lot of people will experience Puppy Blues when they first become pet parents. The good news is that you are not alone in this and there are many resources for you to adjust in the early weeks of your new puppy journey.
3. Assists with Training and Behavior: Proper training and behavior management are crucial for a well-behaved and well-adjusted dog. Seeking support from professional trainers or attending dog training classes provides structured guidance and expertise. Trainers can help new owners understand training techniques, communication methods, and positive reinforcement strategies, leading to better behavior outcomes and a stronger bond between the dog and the owner.

Summary

As new puppy parents, we want what is best for our fur baby. Bringing a new puppy into your home is an exciting and joyful experience, but it can also be challenging and requires a lot of hard work. As a new puppy owner, you may wonder when things will start to get easier. In this blog post, we’ve compiled eight essential tips to help you navigate the early stages of puppyhood and make the journey smoother for both you and your furry friend. From establishing a routine and starting training early to providing proper nutrition and socializing your puppy, these tips will set you on the path to success. Additionally, we discuss the importance of patience, puppy-proofing your home, exercising and playing, and seeking support as a new puppy owner.

By following these tips, you can create a strong foundation for a happy, healthy, and well-adjusted adult dog. Remember, with time, consistency, and love, you’ll soon find that puppies do get easier, and the rewards of puppy ownership are immeasurable.

Also, remember that you can always foster a puppy from your local shelter or dog rescue. This will allow you to adjust to having a puppy to make sure it’s the right thing for your home. We never would want you to have puppy regret or feel like you are unprepared for this new experience. Adopting an older dog is also a great way to have the companionship of a dog but not the tough times that a puppy is known to bring. A new puppy is a lot of work, but it’s also a great experience Just remember the first year is the toughest age but there is an amazing community of puppy and dog lovers to help you on your journey.

Comment below with a funny puppy story you have!