Over 63 million American households are home to at least one dog. Are you about to add your household to the list?
Getting a new puppy is so exciting! If you have sweet English cream golden retriever puppies coming your way, you’re about to have new little friends. But how do you take care of them?
Taking care of puppies can be frustrating, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Let’s talk about it. Read on to learn how to care for your new family pet and give it a good life.
Give the Puppies Proper Nutrition
Nutrition is a crucial aspect of caring for your English cream golden retriever puppy. Feed a high-quality puppy food specifically formulated for large breeds, and divide their daily ration into three to four meals until they are six months old. Monitor their weight and adjust their feeding schedule as needed to prevent overfeeding or underfeeding.
It’s also important to make sure that puppies always have access to fresh water. Change the water frequently to prevent bacterial growth and keep them hydrated.
Give Puppies Plenty of Exercise
Exercise is also vital, but be gentle and gradual. English cream golden retriever puppies have a lot of energy, but they also crash hard. You don’t want to overwhelm them too much.
Provide regular short walks and playtime until they are six months old, then gradually increase the duration and intensity as they mature. Avoid excessive exercise, which can lead to joint issues later in life.
Try to play with your puppy often. This will encourage better behavior in the house because you’ll be tiring the puppy out and providing a stimulating environment.
Schedule Routine Vet Appointments
Vet appointments can be expensive and troublesome, but they’re an essential part of responsible dog care. If you care about your new family pet, don’t skip a visit to the vet.
Regular health check-ups with the veterinarian are crucial for monitoring your puppy’s health and catching any potential issues early. Schedule check-ups every two to three months, and monitor for signs of illness or injury.
As the puppy gets older and you learn how to spot issues, you can decrease the number of vet visits per year. The American Kennel Club recommends that healthy adult dogs visit the vet once per year for routine check-ups and any necessary vaccinations or treatments.
Groom Your Puppy
Grooming is also important for your new family dog. English cream golden retrievers have a thick coat that requires regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling. If there’s too much matting, you may have to get the dog shaved.
Get your puppy used to brushes early on. Many puppies will try to bite or play with a brush, so getting them into the routine as early as possible will make grooming time a lot easier.
Bathe your English cream golden retriever about once every month (or every other month) or as needed, and trim their nails regularly.
Train Your Puppy Early
Training is vital for developing good behavior and preventing unwanted habits. The earlier you start training your puppy, the better. Young puppies can have a lot of playful energy and be difficult to train, but their brains are malleable and they’re always learning.
Start housebreaking and basic obedience training early. Try using positive reinforcement techniques rather than negative ones. Be patient with your puppy and remember that it’s still a baby, and it’s learning so many things even outside of your training.
Focus on simple and necessary commands that keep the puppy safe rather than tricks. For example, “sit” and “stay” are far more important than “roll over” because those commands can stop your puppy from getting itself into trouble.
Get Social With Your Puppy
Socialization is so important for puppies. After you adopt an English cream golden retriever, make sure you start socializing it as soon as you’re able to.
Socializing your puppy extensively will prevent anxiety and fear-based behaviors. Try introducing them to new people, places, and experiences as often as you can. Expose them to various environments, sounds, and situations to help them become confident and well-adjusted.
If there are dog-friendly stores or restaurant patios nearby, try taking your puppy with you once it starts adjusting to easier social situations. You can also go to dog parks or take the puppy on walks through normal “people” parks so it can see other dogs and people from a distance.
Socializing your puppy young will keep it calmer and happier in the long run. You won’t be as likely to deal with any aggression.
Keep Your Puppy Safe
Safety is a top priority for your new canine companion. Think of your puppy as a toddler. It will be prone to getting itself in trouble, especially at first.
Puppy-proof your home by removing dangerous items and securing toxic substances. Get rid of anything loose on the floor, like scrunchies, rubber bands, or small toys your puppy could swallow.
Supervise interactions with children and other pets, and prevent escape by securing doors and gates. Never leave a new puppy outside unattended.
Crate training can also help with housebreaking and reduce separation anxiety by making your puppy feel safe. Use a crate to help your puppy feel secure and comfortable. Leave the crate open and available at all times and don’t use the crate as punishment. This will let your puppy see the crate as a safe place rather than a bad thing.
Enjoy Your English Cream Golden Retriever Puppies
English cream golden retriever puppies are so adorable and they make fantastic pets. These tips will help you give your new furry friend all of the care and attention it needs in its formative years. With the right care and training, your puppy will blossom into a friendly and well-behaved dog.
At Woodlot Companions, we pride ourselves on ethical and responsible breeding practices. We want all of our puppies to be happy and healthy when they get to their new homes.
If you’re interested in a new puppy, see what we have available today.
