Were you someone who got a dog during the pandemic? You are not alone – many people decided that they wanted some animal companionship to get through some of the trials that the pandemic presented. However, as things begin to open up and we return to work, you need to make sure that your puppy will be taken care of properly. Here are some of our top tips to help you keep them as happy as possible.
Keep the Basics to a High Standard
Firstly, you need to make sure that you are taking care of your puppy’s basic needs properly. They need to be on the right diet – whatever you might choose for them to have. You also need to ensure that the puppy is walked the right amount. Remember that breeds that were bred to be working dogs will need significantly longer and more intense walks than others.
You might also want to consider taking out pet insurance. Petsure offer a range of insurance for pets, and this will help to ensure that your puppy is properly protected. The first few years of your puppy’s life will always come with a lot of vet trips and bills. Pet insurance can help with some of the financial strain you might feel during this time.
Get Your Puppy Used to Being Alone
A dog with separation anxiety is just going to be miserable from the moment you step out of the door. You need to take steps to ensure that your dog does not have any separation anxiety so you can be sure that they will be alright no matter how long you leave them at home for. Even if you are allowed to take your dog into the office, there is no guarantee that they will be able to stay by your side for the entire day.
Start by leaving your dog at home for small time periods each day. It can be as little as five minutes at first, but you need to ensure that it slowly builds up. You can get a spy cam if you want to check on them throughout your time apart. If your dog does show signs of separation anxiety, work with them to eliminate it.
Socialise Your Puppy Properly
If it has just been you and your puppy for the pandemic so far, you need to change that as soon as you can. A well-socialised dog is a happy dog, and you can rest easy knowing that they won’t show aggression to dogs or other people when you are out and about together.
Try to introduce your dog to as many people and other dogs as you can – preferably on a leash so you have some control over them. Have a look to see if there are any meetups in your local area. They could be for dogs of the same breed as yours, or just for dog owners in general. It can be a great chance for your puppy to play, and will also allow you to swap tips with other dog owners to help make you a better owner.
A pandemic puppy needs to be taken care of just like any other dog. One of the big risks here is that they could be unsocialised, so you need to make sure that they are the bright and friendly animals that you know them to be no matter who you are with. Take the time to care for your pandemic puppy properly, and you will find yourself with the perfect furry companion.
