Bringing a new puppy home is a lot like bringing a newborn infant home from the hospital.
You probably want to show off your new puppy to family and friends. You want to begin the socialization process so that your puppy grows up to be a well-behaved one that is welcome wherever dogs are allowed. But most of all, you want your puppy to have fun.
Where can you take the puppy? The following list offers a few suggestions for your puppy’s first adventures:
1. Many communities now have dog parks where your pet can run free (within a fenced in area) and play with other dogs. Some parks offer a special area just for puppies so that they are not underfoot of the larger dogs at play. Dog parks are a good place to meet other dog owners with whom you can exchange ideas.
2. A lot of puppies like to swim, so a creek, pond or lake can make a great destination. Let the puppy take to the water on his or her own time. Don’t force them. Try throwing a stick for the puppy to retrieve.
3. The city or town park can be a good destination. The puppy can begin to get used to being on a leash and there are lots of sights and sounds for them to investigate. It’s a good place to meet new people and learn social skills. Be sure your puppy is vaccinated against the diseases that are transmitted through contact with other dogs and their feces.
4. Hiking trails can be a fun destination for your puppy. Most puppies love to hike and the exercise is good for them. Make sure you are familiar with local leash laws and abide by them. If hunting is allowed on the trails, make sure you know when the seasons are. It is best to avoid hiking during hunting season. However, if you do go, outfit you and your puppy in bright orange safety attire. Vests are available in many pet stores for dogs of all ages.
5. Wooded areas make a great play area for puppies. There are squirrels, chipmunks, mice, birds and sticks to chase. An hour spent in the woods will leave a puppy tired and ready for a long nap.
As a responsible pet owner, it is up to you to clean up after your puppy no matter where you go. You don’t want to step in a pile of dog excrement and neither does anyone else. Be a good steward of these places so you and your puppy are welcome to return. Hopefully, other dog owners will do the same.
Pet stores sell handy bags you can carry with you to use for picking up piles of feces. Plastic shopping bags work well too. Simply put your hand in the bag, pick up the pile and turn the bag inside out and knot. Cleanup does not have to be difficult. Dog parks may even supply cleanup tools and disposal containers.
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