Happy Puppy

As the chilly winds start to blow and the ground becomes a blanket of white, winter in South Jersey can be a wonderland for humans and canines alike. However, the cold season brings unique challenges for our furry friends, especially puppies experiencing their first winter. Here's a guide to ensure your puppy stays happy and healthy during these frosty months. Bundle Up and Keep Warm Just like us, puppies feel the cold too. While some breeds are more winter-ready than others, it’s important to assess your pup's tolerance to cold weather. A good rule of thumb is if it’s too cold for you, it’s probably too cold for your pup. Consider investing in a warm coat or sweater, especially for short-haired breeds. Don't forget the paws – doggie booties can protect your puppy's paws from ice, snow, and de-icing chemicals. Indoor Exercise and Play Outdoor activities might be limited, but that doesn’t mean your puppy can’t burn off energy. Indoor play is crucial during winter. Try puzzle toys, indoor fetch, or hide-and-seek to keep their minds and bodies active. Doggy daycare or indoor dog parks can also be a great option for socialization and exercise. Adjust Your Walking Routine Shorter, more frequent walks can be more beneficial in winter than long excursions, especially when it’s extremely cold. Choose the warmest part of the day for your walks and always keep an eye out for signs that your puppy is uncomfortably cold, like shivering or reluctance to keep moving. Winter Grooming Winter air can dry out your pup's skin. Reduce the number of baths during the winter months to prevent dry, flaky skin. When you do bathe your puppy, use a moisturizing dog shampoo. Also, keep their fur trimmed to minimize the clinging of ice and snow, especially around the paws and between the toes. Diet and Hydration Your puppy might need more food in the winter as keeping warm consumes extra energy. However, be mindful not to overfeed, especially if their activity level decreases. Always ensure they have access to fresh, unfrozen water to stay hydrated. Create a Cozy Den Ensure your puppy has a warm spot away from drafts to curl up in. A cozy bed with extra blankets is perfect. You can even get a self-warming pet bed or a safe pet heating pad for extra comfort. Beware of Winter Hazards Be aware of antifreeze leaks in driveways, which can be deadly if ingested. Also, wipe your puppy's paws after walks to remove any salt or chemical de-icers that can be harmful if licked off. Festive Fun Include your puppy in winter festivities! Whether it’s a photo session with a winter backdrop or a dog-friendly holiday event, there are plenty of ways to create special memories with your furry friend. Regular Health Check-ups Winter can exacerbate certain health issues like arthritis. Keep up with regular vet check-ups to ensure your puppy is in tip-top shape. Enjoy the Snow If your puppy is a snow lover, embrace it! Playing in the snow can be a delightful experience. Just be sure to monitor their time outside and dry them off thoroughly when you come back in.  Winter doesn’t have to be a downer for your puppy. With these tips, your furry friend can enjoy the season just as much as you do! Remember, every dog is different, so it’s important to pay attention to how your puppy reacts to the cold and adjust accordingly. Embrace the season and create a winter wonderland of fun for your four-legged companion!

Training your dog to walk on a leash is an important part of responsible pet ownership. It not only helps keep your pup safe, but also helps them learn how to behave in public settings. Here are a few tips to help you leash train your dog properly. 1. Start Indoors – Before taking your pup outside, it’s important to get them used to wearing a leash and collar indoors. Put the leash and collar on your pup and let them explore the house. Praise them for wearing it, and give them treats for good behavior. Once your pup is comfortable wearing the leash and collar, you can move on to the next step. 2. Go for Short Walks – When you’re ready to take your pup for a walk, start with short distances. This will give your pup time to get used to the sensation of having a leash attached to them. When you’re in a safe, enclosed area, let your pup wander and explore. When they start to pull, gently guide them back in the right direction. 3. Use Positive Reinforcement – Whenever your pup does something you want them to do, such as walking without pulling, give them a treat and lots of praise. This will reinforce the behavior and help them understand that they’re doing something right. 4. Be Patient – Leash training takes time, so be patient. You may need to repeat the same steps over and over until your pup gets it right, but eventually they’ll learn how to properly walk on a leash.  Training your pup to walk on a leash is an important part of responsible pet ownership. With patience and consistency, you can teach your pup how to walk on a leash properly.

House training a puppy is a massive challenge!  Follow these tips for faster success and a happier pup.

Your puppy's first visit to the vet should be at 6-8 weeks old