At Steadfast, we wholeheartedly embrace the philosophy of letting dogs and puppies roam freely as cherished members of our family. This enriching lifestyle not only enhances their lives but also ours! By allowing them this freedom, they develop essential social skills as they intertwine in our human lives while also navigating the dynamics of the pack.
While balancing the needs of multiple personalities is quite a challenge—especially when you factor in the hormonal changes of our intact breeding dogs—it’s a journey that’s absolutely worth our efforts. When puppies are raised in an environment where barking takes on meaning beyond mere excitement—where understanding cues is paramount—we believe they become more adaptable and confident adults.
Of course, raising dogs and puppies in a free-roaming household does come with its fair share of pandemonium. Throughout our journey, we’ve gained experiences and invaluable lessons worth sharing. Here are a few tips:
Preparing Your Home:
Don’t Underestimate a Refresh of Carpets! Cleaning your carpets before welcoming a new puppy can significantly impact your house training journey. With the possibility that previous occupants had furry friends of their own, it’s wise to think about the hidden scents lurking within the fibers. Even if you can’t see any stains, dogs have an exceptional sense of smell that might trigger them to perceive these lingering odors as signals for where to relieve themselves. By erasing these past reminders, you’re laying down a clean slate—one that encourages proper potty habits and gives your pup the best chance at success.
Once you’ve made it through the initial house-training phase and feel confident in your puppy’s potty prowess, scheduling another carpet cleaning is not just practical; it’s therapeutic. Steadfast puppies are reputedly 90% potty trained when they leave our home for yours, but accidents are an inevitable part of puppy parenthood. Knowing there’s a fresh start waiting afterward will help mitigate any worries about permanent damage to your home environment.
Worry Less, Play More: Benefits of a Dedicated Puppy Space!
Exercise pens are your friends! Creating a designated space for your puppy—like our Puppy Palace—can be a transformative decision in your new life together. With an exercise pen, you establish a safe haven where they can explore and play without the constant worry of mischief or accidents. This controlled environment allows you to step away for a moment knowing your puppy has enough freedom for play and discovery without the constraints of a crate yet is still happily contained and out of trouble. Enhancing this space with interactive toys or puzzle feeders can stimulate their minds and keep them happily occupied. Plus, consider setting up cameras to check in on them during those moments you’re not home. Modern technology allows us to observe without intruding on their independence; just be sure the cords are safely tucked away!
These versatile pens aren’t just useful at home; they’re also invaluable when traveling. Take them to a pet-friendly hotel to set up an off-leash area for potty breaks. And if you’re feeling extra creative, combine multiple pens for an expansive Puppy Palace that accommodates activities like playdates or training sessions. You can browse online images for design ideas and let inspiration guide you in crafting a sanctuary tailored specifically to your
Puppy Play Zone: Safeguard Your Home with Clever Floor Solutions!
When welcoming a puppy into your home, consider safeguarding your floor in your puppy play zone by investing in a linoleum remnant from retailers like Lowe’s or Home Depot. Just be sure to secure the edges with strong tape; puppies have an insatiable curiosity and love to nibble on anything they can reach. If they can get an edge, they’ll chew it to shreds!
For carpeted areas, consider a product like carpet shield; it acts as a barrier to prevent stains while allowing your pup the freedom to romp about without worry. With these protective measures in place, you can foster an engaging space that protects your floors while your puppy explores!
Puppies are natural explorers, and their instinct to chew is not merely a phase—it’s a fundamental way they interact with their environment! Think of your puppy as an enthusiastic little scientist, eager to taste everything in its path. Those seemingly mundane stair bannisters or enticing lamp cords aren’t just objects; they’re potential treasures waiting to be examined through the delightful process of chewing!
Rather than becoming frustrated, start by redirecting your puppy’s attention instead of wrestling with them over a forbidden object. Providing appropriate chew toys can redirect that exploratory energy into something safe and satisfying; it’s all about reshaping their instinctual behaviors into something positive for both them and your home!
If distraction alone isn’t going to cut it, consider harnessing the power of diluted Angry Orange. This natural citrus spray serves dual purposes: deterring unwanted chewing and adding a refreshing scent to your home. Just be cautious with its potency; diluting it correctly will prevent overwhelming their sensitive noses. Apply it strategically; don’t spray it when your puppy is standing nearby – it can trigger a sneezing fit as your puppy tries to evacuate his offended nostrils!
Another affordable solution to consider is covering those troublesome wooden legs of your table or bench in PVC pipe. While it may not win any design awards, the reassurance this quick fix provides is truly invaluable. Check out my video where I demonstrate how I’ve used this clever solution to safeguard the puppy-free zone bench we have for our mama dogs in the puppy palace. Plus, this bench is a fantastic spot for us humans to enjoy time together as well!
Ultimate Convenience: Litter Box-Ready Puppies Are Here!
Your new Steadfast puppy arrives litter box-trained! Having a litter box-trained puppy opens up a world of convenience. No longer are you tethered to the outdoor routine, especially during inclement weather or those unpredictable days when you’re delayed at work. Maintaining a litter box isn’t just about practicality; having an indoor option makes life comfortable for both puppy and owner.
However, it’s essential to be aware that using a litter box might slow down outdoor potty training. While it provides immediate relief for both pups and owners alike, young dogs may lack motivation to hold it before heading outside. By recognizing this balance between convenience and training needs, embracing a dual approach allows for smooth transitions outdoors as they mature.
As you evaluate whether a litter box is right for your household, consider the long-term benefits it brings—not just in terms of convenience, but also enhancing your puppy’s comfort and confidence. Imagine this: instead of feeling overwhelmed by unfamiliar surroundings, your puppy can find solace in a designated spot that feels like home right from the start. By using the little bag of used litter we supply—yes, it may sound unappealing at first—you’re providing an important sensory cue that helps your puppy recognize where it’s acceptable to relieve themselves. Mixing soiled litter with fresh material creates a sense of familiarity amid all the changes, making it easier for them to transition from old habits to new experiences. This simple tip can really ease them into smoother potty training within their new space.
Vaccinations 101: Take Your Pet’s Health to Heart
A trip to the veterinarian is an essential first step, and it can set the tone for their future experiences with medical care. This initial visit is about vaccinations and health checks, but it’s also an opportunity to start building a positive association with the vet’s office. Consider bringing treats or toys to create a more relaxed environment. The sights, sounds, and smells in veterinary clinics can be overwhelming, so support and encourage your puppy to relax and consider it a place of comfort.
Take the time to ask questions about your puppy’s growth milestones and your vet’s recommendations regarding preventive care. It’s important to share that you got your puppy from a breeder who emphasizes waiting until 18 months of age for spaying or neutering. Highlight the values of a holistic breeder who prioritizes your puppy’s well-being by avoiding over-vaccination, premature spaying or neutering, and most major brand kibble diets. Establishing open communication with your veterinarian lays a solid foundation for their lifelong health journey. Steer clear of veterinary practices that have succumbed to compromising pet health for a more revenue-generating business model!
Remember that your puppy isn’t fully vaccinated yet, so it’s crucial to keep them off the ground in public areas where other dogs have been. This is especially important if you’re flying home with your puppy because you should avoid dog parks and designated dog zones at airports and parking lots. Instead, we’ll send you off with puppy pee pads and poop bags for your trip. Try carrying your puppy until you reach the area where you want them to take the opportunity to relieve themselves. Near the dog zone or near a trash can away from foot traffic works best.
Feeding Puppy Right: Essential Diet Decisions
Please read my previous blogs about kibble and the raw diet that your puppy is currently eating. It will make a world of difference for you to understand their dietary needs – especially as they transition from our house to yours!
Okay, that’s enough reading, so now you may be ready to shop. I have dozens of product recommendations that I’ll share with you separately. Eventually, they’ll all be on our website, but who has time for website modifications when I’ve got a litter of puppies and beautiful weather waiting for us outside?
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