Throughout your puppy’s life, you'll find there to be plenty of teachable moments — for both them and you. Between all the selfies, shopping lists and snuggles, there are opportunities to teach your pup valuable lessons that’ll promote good behavior as they grow up. Plus, you'll soon know your dog better than anyone else, which means you'll learn all the best ways to take care of them, too.
We’re inviting you to Fetch’s Puppy University. A week-long master class hosted on our Instagram (follow us @fetchpetinsurance) covering all things puppies. But luckily for you, our resources on The Dig are available all year round if you ever need a refresher.
Between navigating training and getting to know your new dog's health status, here are the most common questions new pet parents have about puppies:
Making sure your pup is healthy is always a top priority. Regular vet visits can likely catch if your dog is struggling with an underlying illness or condition — this way you can act fast to get your dog the help they deserve.
How to keep a puppy safe from parvovirus
Parvovirus, a disease of the stomach, small intestine, heart, bone marrow or lymphatic tissues, is one of the most significant health threats to pups. Talk to your veterinarian about keeping your dog safe from infection until they can get vaccinated — which usually happens around 6-8 weeks.
How to take care of a puppy
Some core vaccinations are necessary for puppies, like parvovirus, rabies or leptospirosis. But, there are some additional vaccines you can ask your veterinarian about that may be good for your pup depending on their lifestyle, family history or prevent common diseases based on where you live.
How to bond with your dog
Building a strong bond with your puppy will help to prevent them from developing anxiety in the future. Consistency, as well as positive reinforcement, praise and stability, are essential when it comes to cultivating a mutually trusting relationship with your dog.
RELATED: New puppy checklist — everything you need to know about bringing your dog home
Whether you’re struggling to convince your pup to love their crate or wondering how to get your pet to be a social butterfly, there are training tips to make these situations a little easier. Here are all the ways we’ll be there to help while you train your pup.
How to socialize a dog
Socializing your pup from an early age (after they’ve had their shots) will have long-lasting benefits throughout their life. Not only will they likely feel comfortable in new settings, but they’ll also make great playmates for other pets and people.
How to get your dog ready for daycare
Signing your pup up for dog daycare is a great way to socialize your dog, keep them stimulated, provide exercise and set up a routine — especially if you work away from home or can’t be the most attentive playmate during the day.
How to potty train a puppy
Did you know potty training your puppy sometimes boils down to basic mathematics? There’s actually a formula for determining how often you should take your dog outside to the bathroom.
How to crate train a puppy
Dogs are natural den animals, so their crate should act as their safe space. But, we understand that your pup may not immediately enjoy this alone time — but with the right training, it'll soon be their home.
How to teach basic commands to a puppy
Professional dog trainers are a great resource for new pet parents. Take Michael Hill, a Fetch-recommended dog trainer, for example. He shares his knowledge about basic commands and techniques with his clients to create better and stronger relationships between pets and their parents.
How to stop a puppy from biting
“Biting is very common in puppies because they're constantly using their mouths to explore and communicate,” Dr. Aliya McCullough, Fetch’s on-staff veterinarian, explains.
And while puppy biting is normal behavior, it’s not something pet parents should encourage as it could lead to more serious biting later in your pup’s life.
How to get a dog to stop barking
If you’re training your puppy to stop barking, leave shock collars out of their training plan. Instead, follow our on-staff veterinarian’s recommendations for curbing dog barking.
How to stop a dog from chewing
Puppies are known for tearing things apart while they’re young (they still use their mouths to explore). But sometimes, destructive behavior, like chewing, can lead to choking. Learn why your pup might be chewing things and ways to prevent them from doing so.
Do you want to learn more ways to be the best puppy parent possible? Visit The Dig for more puppy-related articles or follow along on our Instagram from July 18, 2022, to July 22, 2022, for the Puppy University campaign.
The Dig, Fetch Pet Insurance's expert-backed editorial, answers all of the questions you forget to ask your vet or are too embarrassed to ask at the dog park. We help make sure you and your best friend have more good days, but we’re there on bad days, too.
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