This isn't my first rodeo with a puppy. However, it is my first time raising a puppy without the help of my parents.
This past month, my boyfriend and I got a puppy. He's a cute little Boykin spaniel. We already have one adult dog, but having a puppy is a whole other experience.
Here are just a few things we learned within the first month of raising a puppy.
1. They will steal your heart instantly.
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Just one look into their eyes and they will make you fall in love.
2. You can't be afraid to clean up their accidents in the house.
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Puppies can't control their bladder. They need to be taken out at least every two hours or so. If you can't do that for some reason, pee pads might help.
3. Their teeth are razor sharp.
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I can't wait till the pup gets his adult teeth!
4. They need lots of attention.
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I spend most of my day cuddling him and playing with him.
5. They're smarter than you think.
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In less than a week, my pup learned to climb over his playpen. Many puppies learn fast and are very smart. Even though they may only be a few months old, they know a lot!
6. Consistent training is key.
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Training is an essential part of any dog's life with humans.
To have successful training, it must be consistent. You can't reprimand them for one thing one day, and the next let it go. They'll get confused and not know what you want.
7. They will test the limits.
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Puppies will test you just like a kid. My pup will do something bad just to see if he can get away with it.
8. They can get sick easily.
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Puppies don't have all their vaccines so they are prone to sickness.
Just like a kid, you have to be careful about what they put in their mouths. Puppies can get sick just by licking or eating something outside or in the house.
9. They sleep a lot.
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Just like a baby, they need their sleep. They will play for a solid 30 minutes straight and then sleep for an hour. Our pup takes so many naps in one day.
10. However, they might not sleep throughout the night.
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Puppies may cry in the middle of the night, especially the first few nights.
They also will need to go potty a few times during the night. They may not get a lot of sleep, and you may not either.
11. They grow like a weed.
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The first two weeks we had our pup, he was only about eight pounds. Two weeks later and he's now 13 pounds. His paws are getting bigger and he's becoming a lot stronger.
12. Puppies are a lot of work, but they will become your best friend.
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No matter how bad they can be or how crazy they are, they will love you unconditionally. They will be your best friend that you will have for a very long time.
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