Puppy Parent like a Pro!

Our tips for saving you money and stress!

Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting and rewarding experience. As your new family member grows, it’s crucial to lay the foundation for positive and stress-free interactions, especially when it comes to essential veterinary tasks like grooming, nail cutting, and handling. Teaching your puppy these skills early on not only makes future visits to the vet easier (and cheaper!) but also strengthens the bond between you and your pup. At Parkes Street Vet, we believe that patience and consistency are key in helping your puppy become comfortable with essential care routines. 

Here are our ultimate tips for puppy parenting to ensure you and your pup are on the path to success! 

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1. Handling the Face and Ears 

A puppy’s face and ears are sensitive areas, and learning to be comfortable with gentle handling is important for future health checks and grooming. Begin by gently stroking their face, holding their muzzle briefly, and massaging their ears. Gradually introduce them to having their ears gently pulled and examined. Use positive reinforcement such as treats and praise to help your puppy associate these actions with positive experiences. 

Tip: Make sure to be calm and gentle. If your puppy shows signs of stress, stop and try again later, building up the duration and intensity gradually. 

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2. Tableting  

Administering medication can be a daunting task for both pet owners and their puppies. It’s best to start this early to prevent anxiety and resistance in the future. Begin by offering your puppy small, soft treats and gradually progress to placing the treat in their mouth. If you're administering a pill, make sure to wrap it in a tasty treat or use a pill pocket to make the experience more pleasant. 

Tip: Be sure to reward your puppy with praise and treats after each successful pill administration to reinforce the positive behavior. 

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3. Nail Cutting 

Keeping your puppy’s nails trimmed is essential for their health and comfort. We have an overwhelming number of dogs that do not tolerate nail clipping without an injectable sedation which is a costly process! Start by getting your puppy used to having their paws handled. Gently touch their feet and nails and provide lots of positive reinforcement when they stay calm. Once they’re comfortable, begin introducing the nail clipper by allowing them to sniff it and hear its sound. Start by trimming just a small amount and always make sure to stop if you notice any signs of discomfort.  Another tip is cutting uncooked spaghetti sticks next to your puppy so they get used to the sound. 

Tip: If you're nervous about cutting their nails, you can take your puppy to the vet or groomer for assistance and advice on how to safely trim nails at home. 

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4. Grooming and Brushing 

Regular grooming is not only important for keeping your puppy looking their best but also helps maintain a healthy coat and skin. Start by introducing your puppy to a gentle brush. Begin with short sessions and gradually increase the time as your puppy becomes more comfortable. Praise your puppy throughout the grooming session, and use positive reinforcement to make the experience enjoyable for them.  If they have a longer coat get them used to the noise of clippers.  A groomer may be able to do this for you by doing short “tidy up” sessions once the puppy has had its vaccinations. 

Tip: Always be gentle when brushing sensitive areas, such as the belly or legs, and make sure to use a brush that’s suitable for your puppy’s coat type. 

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5. Basic Obedience Training 

Before diving into more specific tasks like nail cutting and grooming, ensure your puppy is comfortable with basic obedience commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “leave it.” Teaching these skills can help maintain control during more complex tasks like grooming or vet visits, ensuring your puppy remains calm and cooperative. 

Tip: Keep training sessions short and fun to avoid overwhelming your puppy. Gradually increase the difficulty level as your puppy masters each command. 

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6. Crate Training

Crate training is an essential skill that will benefit your puppy both at home and during trips to the vet or groomer. A crate provides a safe, comfortable space for your puppy to relax and can be a helpful tool during grooming or medical procedures. Introduce the crate in a positive way, offering treats, toys, and comfort inside. Make sure the crate is never used as punishment to prevent negative associations. 

Tip: Slowly increase the amount of time your puppy spends in the crate, always ensuring they feel safe and secure. 

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Conclusion 

Teaching your puppy these essential skills lays the groundwork for a lifetime of healthy care and well-being. By introducing your puppy to face handling, nail cutting, grooming, and other veterinary procedures early on, you can help ensure they remain calm and comfortable during future visits. At Parkes Street Vet, we’re here to support you through each step of your puppy’s journey, offering advice and assistance in making your puppy’s care routine as smooth as possible. 

Remember, the key to success is patience, consistency, and lots of positive reinforcement. With these skills under their belt, your puppy will be well on their way to becoming a happy, healthy companion.