So, we've prepared this guide to give you everything you need to get the new year with your new dog started off right! Read on for more!

Choosing a Breed

Step one in getting a dog is pretty obvious: choose your dog. Seasoned dog owners may already have a few preferences based on the breed or breeds they've owned previously, but what if you're a first-time dog owner?

The good news is that, with the right approach, most dogs are workable in most environments. However, you may want to keep some of the following in mind to make your life a little easier:

• Active vs. Chill: Are you always out on an adventure, or do you prefer to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon in front of the tube? Breeds like Huskies, Collies, and Jack Russell Terriers are known for their boundless energy, while Chihuahuas, French Bulldogs, and Great Danes may be more inclined to park it on the couch.

• Kid-Friendly: With the proper training, you can train the more curmudgeonly breeds, but choosing a family-friendly breed like a Golden Retriever, Labrador, or Beagle may make that job more manageable.

• Size Matters: Do you live in a mansion on a sprawling estate, or will you coop that pup up in an apartment? Mastiffs, Rottweilers, and German Shepherds may thrive in a big house, while toy and small breeds won't clutter the living space of an apartment quite as much.

Considering these factors before you pick the first breed that catches your fancy may save you hassle and headaches down the line. Once you've selected the breed you'd like, find a breeder, rescue, or shelter and meet your new pup!

Puppy-Proofing 101

You would never bring home a baby and let it have the run of your house, so why would you plop a pup down and leave it to its own devices?

Puppies are much more self-sufficient and independent than your average human baby, but they're still learning all the same. And they will get into everything and anything if you don't take away their ability to do so.

So, do yourself a favor and puppy-proof the place before you bring home your new best friend. Be sure to address the following:

• Keep them in a small area, gradually introducing more of the home as they get their bearings

• All electrical cables out of reach

• Your belongings, especially stuff like shoes and clothes, away from teething puppy jaws

• Small objects that present choking hazards should be removed

• No sharp objects where your pup can try to grab them

• House plants out of reach. Some plants can be poisonous to dogs

Remember: just because the place is puppy-proofed doesn't mean you don't have to supervise them! They'll still try to get a hold of things like curtains, couch cushions, the ends of your carpet—everything and anything! Be there to stop them when they inadvertently put themselves in harm's way!

Time to Train

Most trainers recommend immediately working with your new puppy to teach essential behaviors such as housebreaking, basic obedience, and socialization. The sweet spot is between approximately 8 and 16 weeks of age.

Keep training sessions short and sweet so as not to overwhelm your brand-new bundle of fluff and joy. You don't have to raise the perfect show dog, but commands like "sit", "stay", and "leave it" may keep them out of danger under the right circumstances.

Housebreaking should also be tackled during this time. This task alone can be daunting for new and first-time dog owners, but don't worry; with the right approach, you can get your dog to learn the ropes and potty outside after a few weeks of consistent attention.

Establish a Routine

Establishing a routine and sticking to it will help you immensely with housebreaking and managing your new pup's behaviors in general.

Sure, you may wind up with an adult dog down the line who's a little more "go with the flow," but puppies thrive when they know what to expect and when to expect it. So, establish a feeding schedule, a schedule for walks and bathroom breaks, playtime and training sessions, and even some downtime for kisses and cuddles.

Knowing what to expect will help your dog feel confident in its new environment and with you as its new parent and leader.

Visit the Vet

Most dogs loathe vet visits, but they're essential for ensuring your dog kicks off the year in pristine health and stays that way for the long haul. The American Kennel Club recommends several vaccines in the first year of your dog's life, including:

• Bordetella

• Distemper

• Canine influenza

• Leptospirosis

• Lyme disease

• Rabies

Discuss these important vaccinations with your vet to establish a schedule. You'll be seeing your vet a lot in that first year, but you'll only need an occasional visit thereafter.

Need Help?

As we said, the right approach makes all the difference in acclimating a new dog to your life. Dogs thrive if you give them love, support, and structure during that critical period in their lives.

But tell me: who's supporting you?

Your friends at Happy Paws Upstate understand that, as much as we love our dogs, we can't always make everything about them. We have jobs, kids, and other things to do.

So, we've got you covered. We offer the best pet services in Greenville County because we care. We're here to make sure they don't miss a walk or playtime session. Contact us today and find out what makes us the best!  

Happy New Year!