Written by Niki Clark
Puppies! You cannot say that without smiling. Getting a puppy can be great, but it does come with a couple challenges, and for those who work outside of the home, arranging your schedule can be a challenge. There is the chewing phase, the endless amount of energy, and oh yea, the potty training.
Every new pet owner has a list of questions running through their mind. We will cover the 3 main ones here:
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- Exercise and Stimulation
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- Food
- Potty Breaks
First, let’s define the age range for a puppy. This is anywhere between 3 months and 2 years. The younger they are, the more they need to play, socialize, have stimulation, go out for a potty break, stretch their legs, and have interaction. This doesn’t mean you need to leave work every hour to rush home and make sure your puppy hasn’t destroyed the couch cushions, you just need to be a bit more strategic in your planning. VIP Pet Services offers a great puppy service for just this instance, as well as many other options that would best fit your situation.
Exercise and Stimulation
Puppies are full of energy. They absolutely must get plenty of activity and interaction. When left alone or in a crate for too long, destruction can happen. This is where the one hour per month rule can help. For example, if your puppy is 4 months old, he can be left alone for 4 hours. You want to make sure your puppy is getting plenty of exercise. Hiring a dog walker is a great idea for your new puppy and it allows more time in your schedule. Dogs also need mental stimulation. There are some great dog toys on the market that help keep your pup occupied. KONGs are widely popular especially filled with their favorite treats mixed with peanut butter. Other suggestions are Nylabones or ropes.
Food and Nutrition
Growing pups are hungry pups. The American Kennel Club has created a great feeding guideline to help determine the right amount and how many times you need to be feeding your puppy. The main thing to remember is that puppies require special formulated food for puppies and more of it throughout the day, so you need to make proper arrangements to make sure he is getting his proper nutrition. However, with frequent meals, comes frequent potty breaks.
Potty Breaks
The favorite topic when discussing puppies. How many times does a puppy need to go potty? This is where the one hour per month rule comes in handy again. It is also a good time to start a routine, especially for younger puppies. A common practice is to take your puppy out right after a meal and praise them when they go. This is where VIP Pet Services can step in to help with drop-in visits for those quick potty breaks.
Whatever your pet care need is, VIP Pet Services is here to help in any way we can. We are true animal lovers and thoroughly love what we do. Contact us today!
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