Puppy parenting can be a full-time job. Thankfully their cute little tongues and side stares help. However, when it comes to being a new puppy parent, there are a few things you need to know. Like hiding the food up high. But it’s much more than that.

As a pet parent, there are key rules to remember when it comes to keeping your puppy happy, healthy, and husky. Here are the top six training tips to help you get through the trying puppy phase.

In the first year of your pup’s life, prepare to visit the vet regularly. Sometimes puppies need more care when they are younger, compared to an adult dog. It is your responsibility to make certain all necessary vaccinations and check-ups are complete, as well as ensuring flea and tick medicines are taken when needed. Unless you’re planning on breeding, neutering and spaying should be completed within the first year. Your vet can help you determine the right time to do so. Getting your dog “fixed” provides many health benefits. According to ASPCA, neutering your male companion helps prevent testicular cancer and some prostate problems, and spaying your female pet will help them live a longer, healthier life.

Who let the dogs out? Hopefully you! Puppies need plenty of exercise and play. Your pup will probably be quite active on their own but try to provide them with an extra outlet to get all their energy out. Incorporate regular walks, playing fetch, or throwing the ball around outside. Find any fun activity to get your rascal up and running…a tired dog is a good dog! Plus, this means you will be more active too. As stated by NPR, dog owners on average walked 22 minutes more per day compared to people who didn’t own a dog. And yes – it counts as exercise for you, too.

Your new puppy will be growing quickly and have twice the nutritional needs of the average adult dog. Provide a proper diet specially formulated to meet their nutritional requirements for normal growth and development. This will help their bones, joints, and muscles mature. Look for quality food that provides all the vitamins and minerals a puppy needs to be as healthy as possible. Our latest pet food ingredient innovation — TruMune™ —supports both immune function and digestive health for optimal pet health and wellness. The bioactive compounds in TruMune work naturally with the biology of the animal to maintain immune strength, support digestive tissue integrity, and promote a healthy microbial balance. Providing pets with proper nutrition throughout their early stages of life can have a huge influence on their well-being and immunity. Now that you know what to feed your new best friend, keep in mind these common foods you should never give them.

Puppies should never be fed:

• Chocolate
• Raisins
• Grapes
• Macadamia Nuts
• Avocado
• Onions, Garlic, Chives

Remember the phrase, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks?” This couldn’t be more true. Although you can start to train your dog later in life, it is going to be far more difficult. Reinforcing good habits and a routine will help your puppy flourish in his or her new home and foster a strong bond with you. Here are some key training tips to keep in mind:

• Potty train as soon as you bring your puppy home. Your dog needs to understand quickly where they are supposed to go and do their business. Puppies cannot hold their bladders as long as adult dogs, so make sure you are taking them out every couple of hours in the first few weeks. A good idea is to keep a bell by the door you want them to go out. This way, they can learn to ring it when they need to go.
• Set house rules. Can your puppy go on the couch, furniture, or in the bed? Make sure everyone at home is on board and knows the rules so your pup doesn’t get confused.
• Sit, down, and high-five. Teach your puppy basic behavior skills such as these, with positive reinforcement. Whenever they do a command correctly, reward them with a treat to encourage good manners.

The final, and perhaps most important training tip when it comes to your new puppy is, have fun. A dog really can be man’s – or woman’s – best friend. These little fluffs grow up faster than you realize. Now is the time where they are the most trainable, and perhaps the most squishable. Enjoy the challenges, laugh when you can, and take plenty of pictures. Have fun with your new best bud. These days are the steppingstone for your relationship to come. Start it off on the right paw!

Here are the things experts might not warn you about. Do you have a pen and paper ready? You might want to write these down. Here we go!

• Everything is a toy.
• Puppies can be clumsy – that favorite thing you have, might become that favorite thing you had.
• Zoomies are a real thing.
• Puppies are farts with fur.
• Forget shark week. Puppy teeth are a whole new animal.
• Naps are everyone’s best friend.
• There might be a few carpet stains.
• That smell might be something that won’t make you happy…think bodily excrement.
• For some reason, puppies tend to like dishwashers.
• Your socks will go missing.
• We are serious about the farts with fur thing.