Did you know instantly that your dog was for you as soon as you saw them? When I first met mine, I knew we were meant for each other! Even though Sterling was not available at the time and Nickel I was determined to not pick until 8 weeks.
Our first few months together flew by. Just like all new dog parents, those early puppy-love days were used to make lots of memories and set the stage for our life together.
Here are some of the things I did (and some I wish I did) to celebrate those first few months and develop our lifelong bond.
Capture sweet moments with your smartphone
I’m so glad I have photos to remind me of that time.
Monthly milestone pics of important moments will be precious to you as your dog grows. Puppy faces change to gray muzzles so quickly. My biggest tip is to pick out your favs and back up the rest of your puppy pics each month, so they don’t get lost or deleted. Afterward, you can safely remove outtakes from your camera roll so you have plenty of room for new photos and can avoid the dreaded “out of space” message.
Set a routine that includes fun and exploration
Routines aren’t just when your pup sleeps, eats, and goes potty. Schedule time for snuggles and fun or a weekly adventure, so togetherness grows as your puppy grows, too.
In your routine, think about all the unique ways you can bond with your dog, like including a quick game of tug after a potty break. Set aside time for playtime after dinner, cuddles before bed, and morning walks. By making routines less “routine,” you and your puppy can infuse joy in more minutes of the day, and set a bond-forming habit for life.
Build a training foundation so you speak the same language
Proper training early on will help your puppy make sense of the world, and you both can bond over those joyful ah-ha moments when you discover you can communicate!
Having a solid training foundation is essential. You and your puppy learn to understand each other. Communication is the key to a long and successful relationship.
Keep a journal or memory book
The goal is to capture the firsts, the best moments, the fun times, and the crazy silliness of your puppy as they happen. In addition to weekly highlights, track their growth, the food and treats they like (or dislike), and anything that will be interesting to remember (and helpful for your veterinarian, too). Trust me. You’ll enjoy revisiting these moments in the future when you and your now-grown dog are having quiet time on the couch. You’ll be surprised to read how much you both have changed and grown together.
Adventure together for puppy socialization
Get out there and enjoy life! Weekly adventures help your puppy grow into a happy, comfortable adult and build your own lifelong habit of seeking out new experiences together.
Have fun, but don’t overwhelm your puppy with too much stimulation or with frightening situations. Pay attention to how your dog is responding to new sights and sounds, and take a break if you see any signs of fear or stress.
Take the time to ensure puppy memories aren’t forgotten
I still think about our first months. I’m so glad I took the time to absolutely fall in love and build a deep connection. Most importantly, I’m glad I saved the times we shared in words, pictures, and traditions. I wish I’d saved even more of them!
Did you do something else meaningful in the early days that you think more puppy parents should try? How did you capture those puppy moments? Shoot me an email and let me know or tag me on Instagram @hart4pawstraining