Owning a puppy is an adventure filled with joy, challenges, and unexpected lessons along the way. Having recently welcomed a new puppy into our home, I’ve been swiftly reminded of the hard work and dedication it requires.
Our latest addition, a lively cocker spaniel crossed with a Labrador we’ve named Fig, has brought an end to our peaceful, lazy Sundays. Instead, our days are now filled with play biting, jumping, and the constant vigilance required for toilet training.
Our other dog, a 10-year-old of the same breed, offered us a reminder of what was to come, but nothing could have truly prepared us for the energy and mischievousness of a puppy. Despite the exhaustive research into both breeds and understanding their characteristics, the reality of raising Fig has been both challenging and rewarding.
With Fig’s intelligence being both a blessing and a hurdle, we’re eager to begin gun dog training. This is not only to improve her behaviour but also to provide essential mental stimulation. As a veterinary nurse, I’ve seen numerous new puppy owners come into our clinic, often anxious and questioning their methods. These past four weeks have made me reflect on my own practices, contemplating if I’m crate training her correctly, providing enough stimulation, and managing her time adequately with our older dog.
Navigating puppy ownership with a partner inexperienced with dogs adds another layer to the challenge. Much of the training (for both the puppy and my partner) has fallen to me. Yet, it’s a journey we’re on together, learning and growing as a family. The play biting phase, in particular, has been a test of patience, teaching Fig that biting means the end of playtime, in hopes she’ll learn to stop.
Toilet training has also presented its hurdles. Fig’s reluctance to signal when she needs to go outside, especially if she feels confined, has required us to be exceedingly vigilant. Recognizing the signs that she needs the toilet—after sleeping, playing, or when overstimulated—has been crucial.
After her second vaccination, we’ve begun taking her for walks, where she’s shown enthusiasm and curiosity. Our proactive approach in exposing her to the sounds of cars and motorbikes during her early weeks has paid off, with Fig showing confidence around these noises. She’s still wary of larger dogs, but with each day, her confidence grows.
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Reflecting on these past weeks, despite the hard work, sleepless nights, and occasional tears, we wouldn’t change a thing. Fig has brought an indescribable amount of joy into our lives, and we look forward to the many adventures ahead. Our hope, like many new puppy owners, is for a bit more sleep as she grows older and settles into life with our family.
