These little fluff of heaven are wonderful companions that one can find. They have nothing with them when they arrive in our home, but leave with a tremendous feeling which cannot be felt by visualization.
I saw many people looking at my pup and going, “Oh! I want one”.
One cannot simply wander into a pet store or rescue shelter for adoption without thinking these things in mind. This is a life form which you will be taking responsibility for.
1. Baby brought home
A newborn puppy are fragile beings. I got mine when he was near 2 months old. Their nutrition and development comes from mama doggo. That is required for their growth and prevention of infections. You have to think about keeping everything clean and tidy. Keep away shoes in a cabinet. Keep important papers out of sight. Nothing harmful should lie in the reach of this kid. That’s right, Puppy or Dog is your kid that grows dependent on you. Keep a small grill, which can prevent them from going in smaller areas.
2. Food
The requirement changes from the age they are at, their weight and current size. I usually gave him pedigree. Did try Royal canine, though mine got obese. Many people make food at home to feed, but I simply couldn’t. He does eat normal food, many times people aren’t aware that some foods are poisonous to animals. Fast food, Oily food, Chocolates, all the sugary things. Dogs cannot digest chocolate, which can lead to their death, so no chocolate. Other foods that are unhealthy to humans are unhealthy for dogs too. Milk cannot be digested by them, so dilution with water helps. Do keep trash bins closed because they might go eat from trash if it’s left open or may toss it over.
I frequently made a habit to feed him and then after 30 mins or in that time period he would go do his business.
3. Sanitation
They poop and pee a lot. I often kept newspapers on the area which were peed on and when it’s dry. Cleaning it with a disinfectant. Do keep the areas clean because you clean with soap and water the smell will still attract the pup and the next time that will be their spot. I would typically see when little puppers pooped. Initially that happened anywhere, then each time pup was about to go I would put the newspaper down. Easy-peasy, but to get there, one requires a lot of patience. Keep bathrooms closed or the washroom lid down, many dogs like licking or drinking the water. As gross as it sounds, you can prevent that from happening.
4. Bathing
It is important to wash your hands each time you handle your pup or dog. I can never understand people who eat the spoon they gave to the dog. Don’t do it. Bathing is a task because you should check the temperature of water. Draw in a tub of water if you can, it is not necessary but having a bucket or tub helps. Slowly make the puppy wet by pouring water on the body. Make sure it’s not too cold or too hot. Dogs can hate baths, everything requires patience. He or She may love getting dirty in mud. And in comes all the pests. Fleas or ticks are common in some seasons. Brush their teeth via a toy which they love playing, chewing it will clean their teeth on their own. Brushing will also prevent hair flowing everywhere and help you check for fleas.
5. Vaccination
When you adopt the puppy, make sure you get the important documents like whom did you get the puppy from, who were the parents, were they healthy. All the things in check so you can move to going to Vet. Vet will guide you when they require visits. Dogs require deworming, vaccination and supplementation if at all required.
6. Walking
As simple as the activity sounds, the more difficult for many to do. Walking the pup is not an easy task. They are like children on sugar rush when they go outside they are stimulated and most times I saw my boys bolting out the door when they saw it open. Never leave the door open.
Walk them with discipline, beware of neighbourhood dogs or your surroundings. Many dogs can aggressively attack. Keeping a stick in hand can help, but might not protect. Put leash on, make sure it isn’t tight enough for them to not breathe, isn’t too loose but snug enough for them to not slip out of it. They might not like the leash at first few times. Mine associated it with walks, so each time he brought the leash to me when he wanted to go out. Dogs are smart animals. I feel they are smart but need to be understood.
Never pull on the leash, if you pull, he or she is going to pull harder. Get help from a certified dog trainer if you have to help with walking.
7. Teaching self
Act from being a dog parent is knowing what is acceptable and not acceptable, not for them but for you. You shouldn’t yell or beat them if they dont listen. Mine has eaten rangoli, torn a lot of pages and shoes, also loves chewing wood. They are children, like most children they aren’t aware of what is right or wrong. Example: dogs graze their teeth when they are teething, they scratch a lot, one can be bleeding if not careful. This comes with every child. Just like they cry, throw tantrums, pull your hair, scratch your face. It’s the same. You must learn to encourage good behaviour and they will learn that good behaviour is rewarded. Sometimes rewards can spoil them so you have to keep changing tactics.
The key to raising a doggo is love, patience, and enjoyment.
Dog’s are those selfless animals who love you despite flaws, social status or even if you are broke, they will love you for whatever you are. They are extremely loyal, will protect you if they feel so. They are the most wholesome companions one can find. Fun happens after you have learning to take responsibility for them. Feeding them on time, giving them fresh water, having time to spend both indoors and outdoors.
All it takes is determination for you to be with them as their family. Experience the love of a dog and you will know what love feels like.
Thank you for reading.
Have a paw-nderful day.
Imperfect Lesions Of Life 