Becoming a dog parent, whether it's the parent of a six-year-old dog or a three-month-old pup, can be completely scary. You go from focusing on yourself all the time and doing whatever you want to having this beautiful little animal depending on you for everything. It's the closest you can get to having a kid without having one, and it's going to change your life for the better.
You're going to be stressed.
Whether it's over the fact that you can't keep up with your new furbaby or the fact that you think he's going to hurt himself because he's a little daredevil, I promise you, it'll be okay. It's okay to stress because you and your pup are adjusting to a new lifestyle but you will figure it out. Just remember how much your little munchin makes you happy and all the stress will go away.
Laugh at the little things.
Yes, when your furbaby is ripping things to shreds or peed a little bit out of excitement when you came home, it can be easy to get caught up and get upset. These are the things that you'll look back on and laugh at one day, so try to think of that or remember it in the moment and laugh. Your pup doesn't always understand that he's doing something wrong and you need to teach him right from wrong, but always show him love.
Go to puppy classes.
It doesn't matter if your pup is three months or eight years old, going to puppy or "basic" classes helps bond you and your dog! You might be the absolute best dog trainer in the world, but going to classes where your dog is not only socializing and interacting with other dogs, but is learning how to interact with you around other dogs is so important to creating that bond and trust that you need with them.
Keep training them even when they're trained.
It doesn't matter if that pup graduates puppy classes, it's always good to train constantly with you dog so you're solidifying that bond and keeping them active. It helps them to learn different environments where you are working with them, as well as keep your bond strong with them. It helps them feel comfortable with you and you with them.
Cherish every moment.
While you're getting to know your pup and your pup is getting to know you, so many things are going to happen because you're a new puppy parent and your pup is knew to being your furbaby. They will get confused, have little quirks, and constantly keep you guessing what they're thinking and what they're going to do next. It's the cutest and some of the best times because you're learning about each other.
Take millions of photos and videos.
Screw the people who say you're obsessed or that you're taking too many photos or videos and posting too much about your baby. This is such an exciting time for you and you should do every little thing to remember it. Having photos of your baby, and especially videos, will make you smile for years to come.
Getting a furbaby is the. best. thing. in. the. world. You're going to love every single second of it and you should be so excited. Good luck on this adventure and don't forget to show your new pup all the love in the world!
