5 Things To Expect When You Get A Puppy
My first own dog, a long awaited standard schnauzer puppy called Velho, arrived in this world in May, and in my home in July. I had a fair idea of what it would be like because I’ve been so prominently in the life of my sister’s two-year-old schnauzer. Nevertheless, once the reality of being a “single mother” of a rambunctious little furry fellow hit, there have been things that have surprised me, both in positive and negative ways. Every single puppy is an individual and all breeds have their own specific traits, of course, but here are five things you should expect when you get a puppy:
1. You’ll be tired all the time
I’m not saying it’s like having a baby, but I’m saying it’s probably like a distorted mirror image of having baby. The puppy probably won’t know how to sleep nicely through the night from the get go. I remember the night when Velho woke up at 4 am, gave a concert and then pooped twice on the floor. A tedious cleaning process and a trip outside (just in case) ensued, and it was a while until I got to bed again. It will also take a while for the puppy to learn not to wake up – and demand you wake up too – super early every morning. So after badly slept nights, you’re going to be spending your days training, playing with, entertaining, keeping a constant eye on, and trying to tone down the antics of the puppy when they’re not asleep. When they are asleep, you’ll most probably feel too tired to do anything very productive. Not to worry, this will pass eventually, the puppy will grow and learn things and you will develop a routine together.
2. You will lose your temper sometimes even if you swore you wouldn’t
None of us is perfect. You might have all these nice thoughts of only training with positive reinforcing methods and never losing your temper with your puppy no matter what they do, but sometimes we just have bad days and bad moments and if the puppy decides to test your temper like crazy at that moment, you might just end up tugging them from their leash and cursing at them. Or something like that. (Obviously not condoning actual abuse here).
3. You will be going outside all the time
A given with a puppy. I depends on the puppy when they will be houseproof, for some it might take even up until they’re a year old. Some rare puppies might be naturally houseproof already when they arrive, but I wouldn’t be holding my breath for that. I got quite lucky with Velho, as he was practically houseproof already at 3-4 months but I know that doesn’t happen with everyone. In any case, at first you will probably spend at least weeks going outside every time after the puppy has woken up, eaten and played. If you live in an apartment building, it gets especially tedious (especially if there is no elevator, and especially if it is winter). Plus, the puppy will do their business inside occasionally anyway, no matter how often you try to take them outside. Luckily this, too, shall pass.
4. Everything is new for the puppy
I mean, everything. All the things you never even thought about, like a grate type platform in front of the doors to a store. The loud beeping sound a truck makes when it backs up. Places, people, dogs, vehicles. A good breeder will have done some socializing with the puppies already before selling them, but, nevertheless, most of the socializing will fall on you. The puppy will have to learn everything from scratch. Hopefully you’ll have a courageous puppy but they still won’t be magically used to everything unless you teach them. Wherever you go with your puppy, you’ll always have to remember that practically everything you encounter is a new thing to them.
5. You will get unconditional love
The puppy will learn to trust and love you from the start. No matter what happens, they will always love you. No matter how bad your day has been the puppy will always be excited when you come home. They will always be ready to give and receive snuggles and kisses. And that’s the most important thing. Even if puppy time is a lot of work in many ways, you will get away with a companion that gives you their complete and unconditional love and devotion for the rest of their life. And that is something.
