What should I be concerned about as a pet owner (new dog owner, help!)
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Yikes, I don't know where to start. I've had dogs my whole life and currently have a puppy, but I'm no expert. I'm sure others can give you more detailed advice, and you can search throughout the forum for information on each topic.
#1 Health
Where did your get your pup (breeder, rescue, etc.)? They should have given you some health history, but I always play it safe and take my pup to the vet immediately. The pup will need to be vaccinated.
#2 Training
We immediately enrolled our pup in "puppy preschool". They do some basic commands but it's extremely helpful with socialization. Socializing a puppy to new places, people and dogs and at young age is very important. But, be cautious until your pup has been fully vaccinated (around 4 months). Housetraining should probably be one of your first priorities. I would also highly recommend crate training. There's tons of information on this site regarding training.
There's so much more! I would suggest focusing on a particular topic and searching on the forum or asking a specific question. If you enroll in training your trainer can also provide guidance.
#1 Health
Where did your get your pup (breeder, rescue, etc.)? They should have given you some health history, but I always play it safe and take my pup to the vet immediately. The pup will need to be vaccinated.
#2 Training
We immediately enrolled our pup in "puppy preschool". They do some basic commands but it's extremely helpful with socialization. Socializing a puppy to new places, people and dogs and at young age is very important. But, be cautious until your pup has been fully vaccinated (around 4 months). Housetraining should probably be one of your first priorities. I would also highly recommend crate training. There's tons of information on this site regarding training.
There's so much more! I would suggest focusing on a particular topic and searching on the forum or asking a specific question. If you enroll in training your trainer can also provide guidance.
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In my opinion at first the most important thing is bonding. Make sure to take some time to start developing a bond with your dog and it will make things in the future a lot easier. I'd also start being consistent with house rules, etc and enforcing appropriate behavior.
is there a specific tool that can help me?
The advice given thus far is basic, but essential. I agree with having your dog checked out by a good vet. Regular visits, to include vaccinations, will help deal with and solve a lot a potential problems later on.
All dogs look for love and attention--as much so as they give in return. This is the beginning of the bonding you need to develop. Actually, setting the "house" rules is a part of that bonding. You need to let your dog know what is allowed and what isn't. In contrast to that, your dog should have a "king's X" or "safe" space where they know they won't be bothered. Often this area will be where their prime bedding is located . . . they can sleep most anywhere, but will have one favorite spot. If the furniture is off limits, they need to know that area is not appropriate for them. So, for some of your bonding activity, you will also be training your dog.
As was previously stated by another member, training is essential, and it can be a laborious and time consuming task. Train your dog well early, and you'll reap tons of love and companionship over the years. Failing to adequately train your dog early will give both of you pain and anguish.
Dogs are, in my humble opinion, 100% unconditional love, when you show them you love them too. They tend to give back far more than they receive . . . so, give a lot to your puppy now, and then enjoy the rewards of lots of love back over the years.
Good luck!
All dogs look for love and attention--as much so as they give in return. This is the beginning of the bonding you need to develop. Actually, setting the "house" rules is a part of that bonding. You need to let your dog know what is allowed and what isn't. In contrast to that, your dog should have a "king's X" or "safe" space where they know they won't be bothered. Often this area will be where their prime bedding is located . . . they can sleep most anywhere, but will have one favorite spot. If the furniture is off limits, they need to know that area is not appropriate for them. So, for some of your bonding activity, you will also be training your dog.
As was previously stated by another member, training is essential, and it can be a laborious and time consuming task. Train your dog well early, and you'll reap tons of love and companionship over the years. Failing to adequately train your dog early will give both of you pain and anguish.
Dogs are, in my humble opinion, 100% unconditional love, when you show them you love them too. They tend to give back far more than they receive . . . so, give a lot to your puppy now, and then enjoy the rewards of lots of love back over the years.
Good luck!
Having fun with the pup.
There are no good vets in your area. I guarantee it. They're all on the take. Skip it unless you have an emergency.
Crate train the puppy but it is more important to have fun than to train obedience. My two year old kids learned the ABC's and letter sounds but they could have waited until Kindergarten and they wouldnt' have been any "dumber"
The training you need to do is simply setting your authority/leadership with the pup which has nothing to do with obedience commands and neither is it greivous. It has to do with simple things like showing your pup that you are its source of food, potty relief, fun, play and direction in all things.
So:
Food, water, fun
wow I was going to write a book and sell it for $14.95 but I guess I ran out of advice too soon. I'll have to invent some nonsense.
There are no good vets in your area. I guarantee it. They're all on the take. Skip it unless you have an emergency.
Crate train the puppy but it is more important to have fun than to train obedience. My two year old kids learned the ABC's and letter sounds but they could have waited until Kindergarten and they wouldnt' have been any "dumber"
The training you need to do is simply setting your authority/leadership with the pup which has nothing to do with obedience commands and neither is it greivous. It has to do with simple things like showing your pup that you are its source of food, potty relief, fun, play and direction in all things.
So:
Food, water, fun
wow I was going to write a book and sell it for $14.95 but I guess I ran out of advice too soon. I'll have to invent some nonsense.
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What do you mean by 'tool'? Just get your dog and spend the first while developing basic manners and potty training, etc, while being sure to take some time to have fun with it and build up a relationship with it.
Bad idea. It is best to have a vet check over any new dog or puppy soon after getting them.
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Consistency.
Reward behavior that you want. Ignore or redirect behavior that you don't want.
Get all vaccinations on schedule. Don't take puppy where other dogs may have been until fully vaccinated. (This is the most important thing, to me. You can't do any training/bonding with a dead dog).
Reward behavior that you want. Ignore or redirect behavior that you don't want.
Get all vaccinations on schedule. Don't take puppy where other dogs may have been until fully vaccinated. (This is the most important thing, to me. You can't do any training/bonding with a dead dog).
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My two favorite puppy books for the new pet owner are Ian Dunbar's Before and After You Get Your Puppy and Patricia McConnell's The Puppy Primer. McConnell's book just came out in a new edition so it's very up-to-date and not only is she brilliant, she's a very enjoyable writer.
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