Happy New Year! Is a puppy joining your household for 2022? Congratulations! This is going to be a pretty big year for little Fido. Your canine buddy has some important things on his agenda! Here, a Rancho Santa Fe, CA vet lists some resolutions for puppies.
Grow
The number one thing on your furry friend’s agenda? Reaching his full adult size. That growth spurt happens very quickly, and can put a lot of stress on your dog’s body. Proper nutrition is crucial at this stage. Ask your vet for specific advice.
Figure Out The Brakes
It never gets old watching puppies figure out how to, well, be a dog. One thing little Fido sometimes struggles with? Quick stops. Take time to play with your furry best friend, and help him work on his coordination.
Learn New Things
Petucation is also on your canine pal’s agenda for the coming year. In addition to housebreaking, little Fido will need to master important doggy commands, such as Sit, Stay, Come, Heel, and Lay Down. Make time to work with your fuzzy buddy every day.
Make Friends
Socialization is crucial to your canine companion’s mental and emotional growth. If Fido doesn’t get used to meeting new people now, while he’s a baby, he could grow up to be wary of strangers. Puppy parties, trips to the park, and doggy daycare can all help with this.
Taste All The Things
Dogs are very curious, and they tend to investigate things by tasting them. This can backfire in some very dangerous ways! You’ll need to keep anything that isn’t safe for little Fido out of paws’ reach. For more guidance on raising a well-behaved and healthy puppy, check out our article on ‘Responsible Dog Ownership: Puppy Edition‘. That includes things like toxic plants; wires and cords; personal items, like socks and cell phones; plastic bags and ties; and anything small or sharp. Ask your vet for recommendations.
Make My Jaws Strong
Chewing is often considered bad behavior, but it’s actually completely natural for dogs. While your four-legged friend will always enjoy gnawing on things, he’ll be almost obsessed with it at this stage. Make sure to provide plenty of suitable chew toys.
Be A Good Boy
Man’s Best Friend really does thrive on attention, and he loves being praised and rewarded. Treats, compliments, and ear scritches are all great forms of positive reinforcement.
As your trusted animal clinic in Rancho Santa Fe, CA, we’re here to provide comprehensive veterinary care for your furry friend. Our ‘Veterinary Wellness & Pet Vaccinations’ services are designed to keep your puppy healthy and protected as they grow and develop. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for any of your puppy’s veterinary care needs.
