House Of Paws
7-3850 Green Falls Drive, Regina Saskatchewan S4V 3T6
306.537.PAWS (7297) [email protected]
Are you counting down the days until you bring home your new furry family member? That mixture of excitement and nervousness you’re feeling? Totally normal! As a new puppy parent, you’re about to embark on one of life’s most rewarding adventures. Let’s make sure you’re fully prepared for the big day!
Think of preparing for a puppy like getting ready for a tiny, four-legged tornado of joy. They’ll turn your world (and possibly your furniture) upside down, but with the right preparation, you’ll both be set up for success. Trust me, your future self will thank you for taking the time to read this guide!
Your puppy’s gotta eat, right? Here’s what you’ll need:
Every puppy needs their own cozy corner to catch those adorable puppy Z’s:
Pro Tip: 🌟 Place the crate in a quiet area of your home, but not so far away that your puppy feels isolated. Think “cozy studio apartment” rather than “basement bachelor pad”!
Remember those baby-proofing commercials? Well, puppy-proofing is similar, except your “baby” has four legs and a remarkable talent for finding trouble! Here’s your room-by-room guide:
Your kitchen is basically Disneyland for puppies – so many exciting things to explore! Make it less “adventurous” by:
Time to channel your inner safety inspector:
Think of this as designing your puppy’s first apartment. They need:
Keep these important papers handy (perhaps in a folder labeled “VIP – Very Important Puppy”):
Let’s have a quick chat about money (don’t worry, it’s not as scary as it sounds!). Plan for:
Remember, it takes a village! Here’s who you need in your corner:
Remember, preparing for a puppy is like preparing for a marathon – except instead of running shoes, you need chew toys, and instead of energy gels, you need infinite patience and a good sense of humor! Take a deep breath, check your lists twice, and get ready for the most adorable chaos you’ve ever experienced.
Congratulations! After all that preparation, your furry bundle of joy is finally home. Those first few days are exciting, overwhelming, and yes, a little chaotic (kind of like bringing home a newborn, just furrier and with more tail-wagging). Let’s walk through everything you need to know to make these precious first days as smooth as possible.
Remember that tiny puppy in your passenger seat? They’re probably equal parts excited and nervous (and maybe a little carsick). Here’s how to start things right:
Pro Tip: 🌟 Skip the “showing off the puppy” tour with friends and family today. Your pup needs time to settle in without being overwhelmed.
Think of your puppy like a tiny tourist in a foreign country – everything is new and potentially overwhelming. Here’s your game plan:
Let’s be honest – the first night might be… interesting. Here’s how to handle it:
Pro Tip: 🌟 Resist the urge to respond to every whimper. It’s hard, we know, but staying strong now means better sleep for everyone later!
Puppies thrive on routine (and so will you!). Here’s a basic schedule to follow:
Those 3 AM crying sessions? They’re temporary! Try:
Some puppies get picky in a new home:
When your puppy treats their crate like it’s made of lava:
These first days set the foundation for your relationship:
Keep an eye out for:
Normal:
Concerning:
To keep track of your puppy’s adjustment:
Remember, these first days are just the beginning of your journey together. Focus on:
Stay tuned for our next article in the series, where we’ll dive deep into “Puppy Nutrition: Feeding Your Growing Friend” – because a well-fed puppy is a happy puppy!
We’re overjoyed to welcome Crumps’ Naturals to the Paw Privileges family! Known for their dedication to crafting wholesome, all-natural pet treats, Crumps’ Naturals has become a trusted name among pet parents who prioritize quality and transparency. Each treat is thoughtfully made with simple, nutritious ingredients to ensure happy tails and healthy pets. From irresistible single-ingredient snacks to long-lasting chews, Crumps’ Naturals delivers products pets love and owners trust. With this exciting partnership, Paw Privileges members can look forward to exclusive offers, special promotions, and access to some of the finest treats available.
Crumps’ Naturals is delighted to collaborate with Paw Privileges in their shared commitment to responsible breeding. We believe that by supporting breeders who prioritize the health, happiness, and overall well-being of their dogs, we contribute to a brighter future for pets and their owners.
Explore the world of Crumps’ Naturals and see how our alliance with Paw Privileges enhances your journey as a pet owner. We’re united in our commitment to ethical breeding and dedicated to providing pet owners with the essential tools for nurturing a thriving, healthy pet. Discover how our partnership can make a meaningful difference in your life and the well-being of your beloved pets.
If you’re a responsible breeder, we want you! Join the program and be rewarded for your choices and reward your owners too!
Is your puppy’s bowl setting them up for success? In this comprehensive guide, we’re diving deep into puppy nutrition – from choosing the right diet to enhancing their meals with seasonal additions. Let’s create a foundation for your puppy’s health that will last a lifetime!
At Paw Privileges, we’re proud to partner with Big Country Raw to promote species-appropriate nutrition. Here’s why we’re passionate about raw feeding:
Pro Tip: 🌟 Big Country Raw’s dinner blends are specifically formulated for growing dogs, taking the guesswork out of raw feeding!
While raw feeding is optimal, we understand it’s not for everyone. If choosing kibble, here’s what you need to know:
Whether you’re feeding raw or kibble, our exclusive PAWS Recipe Collection helps you add variety and nutrition to your puppy’s bowl. This comprehensive guide includes:
During colder months, puppies need extra support. Our Winter Survival edition features:
Raw Feeding:
Kibble Feeding:
Truth: Properly sourced and handled raw food is safe and natural.
Truth: Raw meaty bones are nature’s toothbrush.
Truth: They need appropriate nutrition, regardless of marketing.
Your well-fed puppy should have:
Watch for:
Ready to optimize your puppy’s nutrition? Get our complete PAWS Feature edition, including:
Order your copy and give your puppy the gift of optimal nutrition!
Remember, the nutrition choices you make now shape your puppy’s future health. Whether you choose raw feeding with Big Country Raw or a high-quality kibble, focus on real, whole ingredients and consistent feeding practices.
Ready to transform your puppy’s nutrition? Order your PAWS Recipe Collection today and join thousands of pet parents who’ve discovered the power of proper puppy nutrition!
Your new puppy is home, and between those adorable puppy eyes and tiny paws, you might be wondering how this little bundle of energy will ever learn to become a well-behaved adult dog. Don’t worry – you’re not alone, and with the right approach, training can be one of the most rewarding experiences you’ll share with your new family member.
Think of your puppy’s brain as a brand new computer – it’s ready to be programmed, but what you input now will determine how it functions in the future. Those first few months of life, particularly the critical period between 8-16 weeks, create the foundation for your puppy’s future behavior and personality.
During this golden window, your puppy is naturally primed to learn about their world. They’re like tiny scientists, conducting experiments with everything they encounter: “What happens if I chew this?” “What if I jump on that?” “How does my human react when I do this?” Your job is to guide these experiments toward positive outcomes.
Gone are the days of dominant-based training and harsh corrections. Modern puppy training understands that positive reinforcement isn’t just kinder – it’s more effective. When you reward behaviors you like, you’re not just training your puppy; you’re building a relationship based on trust and understanding.
Think about it this way: if someone only told you what you were doing wrong, never acknowledging your successes, how motivated would you be to learn? Your puppy feels the same way. When training focuses on rewards and success, your puppy becomes an eager participant in the learning process.
Before diving into fancy tricks or advanced commands, focus on these fundamental skills that form the backbone of good behavior:
Name Recognition: This is your first building block. Your puppy needs to learn that their name means “pay attention to me.” Make it fun – say their name and reward them with treats and praise when they look at you.
Coming When Called: Perhaps the most important command you’ll ever teach. Start in a quiet room, call your puppy’s name followed by “come,” and reward generously when they reach you. Gradually increase distance and distractions as they improve.
House Training: This requires patience and consistency more than anything else. Establish a routine, reward successful outdoor business generously, and remember that accidents are learning opportunities, not failures.
Here’s what many new puppy parents don’t realize: it’s not about having the perfect training technique – it’s about being consistent with whatever technique you choose. Your puppy learns through patterns and repetition. If jumping up sometimes gets attention (even negative) and sometimes doesn’t, you’re sending mixed messages.
Timing is equally crucial. That treat or praise needs to come within seconds of the desired behavior. This is where many people struggle – they fumble for treats or wait too long to reward. Keep treats easily accessible (a treat pouch works wonders) and be ready to mark good behavior instantly.
While sit, stay, and come are important, true puppy education goes beyond basic commands. Socialization – exposing your puppy to new experiences in a positive way – is arguably even more important than formal training.
Take your puppy on adventures, but make them positive experiences. Let them meet friendly, vaccinated dogs, experience different surfaces, hear various sounds, and meet different types of people. The key is to pair these experiences with good things – treats, praise, and play.
Every puppy parent has moments of frustration. Maybe your puppy seems to have forgotten everything they learned yesterday, or perhaps they’ve discovered the joy of chewing furniture. Remember this: regression is normal, and consistency is key.
If you’re struggling with a particular behavior, take a step back and ask yourself:
Sometimes, the answer is simply that your puppy needs more time and practice. Other times, you might need to adjust your approach or seek professional guidance.
Training doesn’t end after puppyhood – it’s a lifelong journey. The good news? The strong foundation you build now will make future learning easier. Focus on making training a positive experience, celebrate small victories, and remember that every puppy learns at their own pace.
Most importantly, enjoy this time with your puppy. Yes, there will be challenges, but there will also be countless moments of joy, breakthrough, and connection. These early months are setting the stage for years of companionship to come.
Remember, at Paw Privileges, we’re here to support you on this journey. Whether you need advice, encouragement, or just want to share your successes, our community of puppy parents understands exactly what you’re going through.
Bringing a new puppy into your home is an exciting and transformative experience. As a new puppy parent, you’re not just welcoming a pet but a new family member who will rely on you for guidance, care, and love. Understanding the basics of puppy care is crucial to setting a strong foundation for your puppy’s growth, health, and behavior.
Caring for a puppy involves meeting their physical, emotional, and social needs. This includes proper nutrition, regular health checkups, safe and enriching environments, and training to help them grow into well-behaved adult dogs. The goal is to ensure your puppy feels safe, loved, and understood as they navigate their new world with you.
Puppies go through several key developmental stages that will shape their temperament, behavior, and physical health. Understanding these stages will help you provide the right support at each phase of their growth.
The first two days with your new puppy are pivotal in helping them adjust to their new environment. It’s important to approach this period with patience and care to ease any anxiety they may feel in their unfamiliar surroundings.
Building a strong bond with your puppy is crucial for establishing trust and setting the stage for a lifelong, positive relationship. Trust is developed through consistency, care, and spending quality time together.
Puppy Go-Home Day: What to Expect and How to Prepare for the Transition
Puppy Go-Home Day: What to Expect and How to Prepare for the Transition
Puppy Go-Home Day: What to Expect and How to Prepare for the Transition
Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting milestone for both you and your new furry family member. After weeks of anticipation, research, and preparation, the big day has finally arrived: it’s time for your puppy to come home! However, this day marks just the beginning of an important transition period. To help your puppy adjust to their new environment, it’s crucial to understand what to expect during these first few weeks and how to create the best experience for your pup.
On the day your puppy comes home, emotions will be high—excitement, joy, and maybe even a little nervousness. While it’s an incredible moment, it’s important to keep in mind that your puppy is leaving behind the only world they’ve known: their mother, littermates, and familiar surroundings. This change can be overwhelming for a young puppy, and their reactions may range from excitement and curiosity to uncertainty and fear.
Here’s what you can expect on Go-Home Day:
The first 48 to 72 hours are key to helping your puppy settle into their new home. While it’s tempting to introduce them to all your friends and family immediately, it’s recommended to keep the number of visitors to a minimum during this time. Allow your puppy to explore their new surroundings at their own pace and focus on creating a calm and structured environment.
It’s essential to understand that puppies need three to four weeks—not just a few days—to fully acclimate to their new home and environment. During this period, it’s important to give your puppy time and space to settle in, build trust, and learn the routines of your household.
Here’s what to expect and focus on during these critical first weeks:
As the adjustment period winds down, your puppy will start to become more confident in their new home. This is when you’ll really see their personality come to life. While they may seem settled by the end of the first month, it’s important to keep reinforcing good habits and focusing on their long-term development.
Bringing home a puppy is a joyous occasion, but it’s also an emotional and demanding process. Just like your puppy, you’ll be going through a period of adjustment too. There will be moments of frustration (especially during potty training!) but also lots of joy as you watch your puppy grow and learn.
Patience, consistency, and love are the keys to helping your puppy transition smoothly into their new life with you. By understanding what to expect during the go-home phase and the weeks that follow, you’ll be setting the foundation for a happy, healthy, and well-adjusted adult dog.
The excitement of bringing home a puppy is just the start of a rewarding and life-changing journey. Remember, every puppy is different—some may adapt quickly, while others may need more time and patience. The most important thing is to provide a supportive, calm, and loving environment as they transition into their forever home.
By allowing your puppy time to acclimate, sticking to a routine, and offering lots of love and encouragement, you’ll give them the best start to their new life. Before you know it, they’ll be fully integrated into your family, and those early adjustment weeks will be a fond memory!
Pumpkin & Greek Yogurt Puppy Treat Recipe:
As a bonus to your puppy’s go-home day, why not treat them to a homemade, nutritious snack? Pumpkin is great for digestive health, and Greek yogurt is packed with probiotics to support a healthy gut.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
These treats make for a refreshing and healthy snack as your puppy adjusts to their new home!