Guide to a Stress-Free Summer with Your Puppy
Summer flies by and there is so much you want to catch up on. Sunbathe, swim, go to flea markets, visit family and friends, maybe travel. It is also in the summer that many people take the opportunity to get a puppy. You match the holiday with the puppy's arrival in order to have time for a good start. The first time can be turbulent for the little one, and it can become overwhelming if one's new family is simultaneously trying to maximize summer fun. This article about balance, the importance of rest and recovery.
Adaptations that welcome the puppy
Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting experience. A wide-eyed, tumbling, lively, and alert little furry friend. It is important to be prepared to adapt to the puppy's needs during those first few months. This may include canceling a trip if your puppy is prone to motion sickness or shortening the day at the beach to prevent overwhelming your puppy with too many impressions. You may also need to carry your puppy while visiting crowded places.
Good advice that makes life welcoming for your summer puppy:
1. Keep the schedule light and stress-free for the puppy
Avoid overbooking your schedule. Although puppies sleep a lot initially, your new friend needs you around. A busy schedule full of activities, trips, and events can lead to overstimulation, resulting in behaviors such as barking, whining, biting, difficulty settling down or concentrating, fear reactions, and leash pulling. In optimal circumstances, puppies should be harmonious, occasionally wild and energetic, but not hyperactive and crazy.
2. Create safe everyday routines for the puppy
Establish daily routines for your puppy's food, rest, sleep, bone chewing, play, and light exercise. Stick to these routines even if you go camping, take a trip with the mobile home or visit a friend. Set routines make your puppy feel secure as she/he knows when she/he needs will be met. For more on how you can have a safe and harmonious puppy, please read about Sleep and rest, essential for a harmonious puppy .
3. The importance of sleep and rest for the puppy
Young puppies sleep a surprising amount, initially between 16-20 hours per day. To avoid your puppy being left behind while the family is on the move, prepare to help your puppy sleep on a regular basis throughout the day, not just in the evening. In the beginning, try to figure out the optimal sleeping time and place for your puppy and make it happen. Please read The important rest.
4. Calm and composed introduction of new things
Introduce your puppy to new experiences gradually, one thing at a time. Start by letting your puppy settle into their new home and pack. When new introductions are made, ensure your puppy is content, full, and rested. Please read about Calm dog in all situations and Environmental training the right way . Take introductions at your puppy's pace, giving them time to interact and process the experience.
5. Avoid overexposure and stress in the puppy
Early socialization and environmental training are essential for a confident puppy, but don't let it stress you. Allow your puppy to get to know your neighborhood and your inner circle of friends and family before expanding their horizons. Short, calm sessions are more effective than many long sessions which often end up being overexposure, leading to stress. Avoid busy places, lively dogs, kids, or people that can overwhelm your puppy.
6. Recovery: a key to puppy well-being
Rest and recovery are as important as sleep. Puppies burn a lot of energy and need to unwind and refuel. Add moments of rest and recovery to your puppy's daily schedule. Give a few portions of energy- and nutrient-rich food throughout the day instead of serving a big breakfast and dinner.Pause often and let your puppy come close, feel your deep breaths and sit safely with you while the outside world carries on. Let your furry friend chew bones and enjoy life as a carnivore. Don't skip naptime. Rest and recovery are critical to your puppy's well-being.
7. Adapt to the puppy's developmental phases
Puppies develop at a rapid pace, and their needs and abilities change just as quickly. It is important to keep up with your puppy's maturity phases and adjust their feeding, rest, activation, exploration, and training accordingly.At around 12-14 weeks old, your puppy's curiosity about the outside world and socializing with other dogs is at its peak. Take advantage of this time and let your puppy explore and meet new people and friendly dogs in moderation.
Need between four and seven months
Between four and seven months of age, your puppy becomes stronger, and her/his stamina increases. The need for sleep decreases slightly, and most puppies go through two major growth peaks during this life phase, which can lead to increased hunger. Moreover, a significant emotional change takes place, and your puppy may require extra support and protection during this time.
Manage the transition to the young dog period
Around six to seven months of age (depending on the size of your breed), many puppies reach adolescence and puberty. Hormones can cause a roller coaster ride of emotions, and your puppy may become more sensitive to high demands, while $dog_gender_2$ impulse control may decrease. At this stage, your furry friend needs your patience and understanding. Please read about the puppy's different maturation phases - important information for everyone with a puppy .
Avoid problem behaviors due to overtiredness
An overtired puppy can behave like a Tasmanian devil. It may be hard to believe that a hyperactive dog is tired, but it is usually the case. A puppy that doesn't get enough sleep risks developing stress-related behavioral problems.
Written by: Caroline Alupo
Caroline Alupo is Petli's co-founder. She has a master's degree in ethology and is also a trained dog trainer and dog psychologist. She has 19 years of experience as a professional dog trainer. Read more about Caroline here.
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