Puppies are favorite gifts for children all over the world.
Most children easily warm up to puppies and would often ask for them as gifts for their birthdays or for Christmas.
If you're thinking of giving your child a puppy for a gift, think of these guidelines below as the 8 commandments of dog care, which you could pass on to your child: 1.
A puppy is not a toy.
Your child must know that even though the puppy is given as a present, he is not an ordinary toy that your child can play with and then leave somewhere unattended later on.
Taking care of a puppy is a big responsibility.
Most parents would want to give their kids a puppy to teach them how to be responsible.
Well and good, but if you don't set rules on how your child should handle a puppy, you may end up frustrated and regretful that you got your child a puppy in the first place.
2.
Treat your new puppy as if he is a little baby.
He will depend on you for all his needs - food, water, shelter and most of all, care and affection.
If you have received the puppy while he is less than 8 weeks old, remember that he may be suffering from separation anxiety from his mother and so you would have to do your best to help him get used to his new environment.
3.
On your puppy's first day at home, make sure you had prepared a comfortable bed for him.
If you plan to let him sleep outside, make sure you have a weatherproof doggie house for him.
Let him stay in a place that is not too hot nor too cold.
If he is sleeping indoors, you can use a crate or a wooden box with a small door.
4.
Number one on your list should be how to housetrain your puppy.
Potty training is a critical issue and you need to get your pup started on this as soon as possible.
You must provide a regular schedule for him where he can go out to poop as well as a good place for him to do his thing.
Take him to his spot right after eating and within 2-3 hours before his next meal.
There may be some trips to the bathroom during the night as well.
Do not punish your puppy if he gets into accidents by hitting it or making him smell his urine or poop.
Instead, look for signs that he is about to go and take him to his special place when he looks like he's about to go.
5.
Give your pup a regular feeding schedule as well.
If your puppy is less than six months old, feed him balanced solid meals 3-4 times a day.
Let him finish what he can in 30 minutes and then give him water.
6.
Provide your puppy with a lot of chewing toys from your local pet store.
Your dog may resort to chewing when he's bored or when he's feeling some anxieties from his new environment.
A good chew toy will provide a better alternative than your sofa! 7.
Reward your puppy for good behavior.
Remember that part of teaching your dog to be obedient is the positive reinforcement in the form of treats, play time or a simple hug that should encourage him to repeat the desired action.
He will enjoy obeying you more knowing that there is a treat waiting for him afterwards.
8.
Finally, smother your new pup with affection and treat him like a new addition to the family.
Teach your kids not to rough handle your puppy whenever you're not around.
Let your kids remember that puppies need a lot of care and attention and that they are just as fragile as little babies.
If your puppy gets injured from rough play, treat him right away - remember that the responsibility of taking care of your puppy rests on you first, before your child's.
Most children easily warm up to puppies and would often ask for them as gifts for their birthdays or for Christmas.
If you're thinking of giving your child a puppy for a gift, think of these guidelines below as the 8 commandments of dog care, which you could pass on to your child: 1.
A puppy is not a toy.
Your child must know that even though the puppy is given as a present, he is not an ordinary toy that your child can play with and then leave somewhere unattended later on.
Taking care of a puppy is a big responsibility.
Most parents would want to give their kids a puppy to teach them how to be responsible.
Well and good, but if you don't set rules on how your child should handle a puppy, you may end up frustrated and regretful that you got your child a puppy in the first place.
2.
Treat your new puppy as if he is a little baby.
He will depend on you for all his needs - food, water, shelter and most of all, care and affection.
If you have received the puppy while he is less than 8 weeks old, remember that he may be suffering from separation anxiety from his mother and so you would have to do your best to help him get used to his new environment.
3.
On your puppy's first day at home, make sure you had prepared a comfortable bed for him.
If you plan to let him sleep outside, make sure you have a weatherproof doggie house for him.
Let him stay in a place that is not too hot nor too cold.
If he is sleeping indoors, you can use a crate or a wooden box with a small door.
4.
Number one on your list should be how to housetrain your puppy.
Potty training is a critical issue and you need to get your pup started on this as soon as possible.
You must provide a regular schedule for him where he can go out to poop as well as a good place for him to do his thing.
Take him to his spot right after eating and within 2-3 hours before his next meal.
There may be some trips to the bathroom during the night as well.
Do not punish your puppy if he gets into accidents by hitting it or making him smell his urine or poop.
Instead, look for signs that he is about to go and take him to his special place when he looks like he's about to go.
5.
Give your pup a regular feeding schedule as well.
If your puppy is less than six months old, feed him balanced solid meals 3-4 times a day.
Let him finish what he can in 30 minutes and then give him water.
6.
Provide your puppy with a lot of chewing toys from your local pet store.
Your dog may resort to chewing when he's bored or when he's feeling some anxieties from his new environment.
A good chew toy will provide a better alternative than your sofa! 7.
Reward your puppy for good behavior.
Remember that part of teaching your dog to be obedient is the positive reinforcement in the form of treats, play time or a simple hug that should encourage him to repeat the desired action.
He will enjoy obeying you more knowing that there is a treat waiting for him afterwards.
8.
Finally, smother your new pup with affection and treat him like a new addition to the family.
Teach your kids not to rough handle your puppy whenever you're not around.
Let your kids remember that puppies need a lot of care and attention and that they are just as fragile as little babies.
If your puppy gets injured from rough play, treat him right away - remember that the responsibility of taking care of your puppy rests on you first, before your child's.
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