Welcoming a puppy into your home and officially becoming a dog parent is both exciting and overwhelming at the same time. You gain the ultimate companion – a furry family member who thrives when spending time with you and loves you unconditionally. You also begin to feel a new sense of purpose, as you’re now responsible for more than just yourself.
Along with all the fun changes coming your way, though, not every second of dog motherhood is diamonds and rosé. As a new puppy parent, you’ll face a lot of big decisions and challenges. You’ll find these thoughts running through your mind:
How the heck do I get this dog to stop peeing all over the house?
Will he ever sleep through the night?
Ouch! Stop biting my fingers!
Darn it … another accident!
To crate or not to crate? That is the question!
Why is walking with a leash so hard?
Am I feeding my puppy the right food?
What’s in your mouth? Drop it!
Consider the book Becoming a Dog Mom your ultimate puppy survival guide. This read is filled with hundreds of must-knows for first-time pet parents, or anyone with a young pup on their paws.
The many tips, tricks, and hacks packed inside will help you successfully pet-proof your home, create a daily schedule, master basic commands, survive the teething phase, gain a clear understanding of first-year veterinary needs, choose quality pet food, make DIY dog treats and toys, and so much more.
Broken into bite-sized reads so you can come and go as you please, this book is written for the modern puppy parent looking to live their best life with a happy and healthy dog by their side.
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Take a Peek Inside
Chapter 1: So, You’re Getting a Puppy
Before you bring your puppy home and start adjusting to your new life, there are some important tasks to check off your to-do list. From selecting the perfect puppy name to puppy-proofing your home, and loading up on new puppy essentials, this chapter will help you prepare for your new furry family member.
Chapter 2: Your First Night Together
The first 24 hours with a new puppy is an emotional roller-coaster. At first, you’ll say: “OMG, A PUPPY! LOOK HOW CUTE!” Then, after the first few accidents and a sleepless night, you’ll ask yourself: “What the heck did I just do?” This chapter will help you prepare for some of the challenges to come and successfully get through your first night together.
Chapter 3: A Dog Mom’s Secret Weapon for Success
Filled with scheduling tips and a sample daily schedule that you can customize to fit your unique needs, the advice packed inside this section will help put you on a path that will set your puppy up for future success.
Chapter 4: Who’s a Good Pup?!
The best time to start training your new puppy? Immediately! This chapter covers crate training, potty training, leash training, clicker training, and basic command training using a positive approach. After following the many tips shared, you’ll be telling young Fido: “You’re such a good dog!”
Chapter 5: Puppy Biting: This Too(th) Shall Pass
One of the first things that come to mind when I think back to the puppy stage: Those razor-sharp teeth. Puppies love to explore the world with their mouths and play-bite. Plus, they’re teething. So, it’s pretty common for them to sink their 28 little daggers into practically anything, and I’m not just talking about dog toys and bones. That anything also includes your hands, feet, shoes, furniture, wall molding, etc. Discover tips to survive the teething phase and properly care for your pup’s adult teeth so they maintain good dental health throughout their entire life.
Chapter 6: Lookin’ Spiffy
Just like we carve out time each day to wash our bodies, comb our hair, and brush our teeth, our canine companions need some regular primping too. This chapter is filled with guides to correctly clip dog nails, give baths, use a doggy blow dryer, and even give home haircuts. Planning to take your pup to a professional groomer? You’ll also gain tips to help you find a reputable and trusted professional!
Chapter 7: Yappy Hour
What your dog learns as a young puppy will stick with him for the rest of his life … and socialization is key. Discover how to socialize your pup, even when they don’t have all of their puppy shots yet!
Chapter 8: A Trip to the Vet
From finding a trusted veterinarian to navigating appointments, this chapter is filled to the brim with must-know info. Gain a clear understanding of parasites, common diseases, core vaccines, non-core vaccines, titer testing, spay/neuter surgeries, microchipping, and even paying for vet bills. *This chapter has been reviewed and approved by a licensed veterinarian!
Chapter 9: Doggy Dining: What’s on the Menu?
Just like newborn babies grow, develop, and mature at a pretty rapid speed, so do young puppies. It’s amazing to watch their progress week after week. But as their teeth, bones, muscles, and organs continue to develop, one thing is clear: Puppies need sufficient nutrients to help them thrive. With that said, deciding what (and how) to feed your new puppy can feel overwhelming. This chapter gives you a closer look at how puppies eat from the time they’re born, all the way up until they hit their first birthday. You’ll also discover common dog food marketing tricks to help you select the healthiest food possible.
This chapter also features a reference guide of “human foods” dogs can and can’t eat, along with 10 healthy dog treat recipes … because every good pup deserves a tasty reward!
Chapter 10: Puppy Exercise: Mind & Body
Just like with people, regular exercise is essential to canine wellness. But how much exercise do puppies need? And is there such a thing as too much movement? This chapter answers a lot of common exercise-related questions. Plus, discover the importance of mental stimulation. You’ll find several DIY enrichment dog toy tutorials here!
Chapter 11: Cleaning with Canines
Yes, it is possible to keep your home free of muddy paw prints, nose smudges, and shedding pet hair! Get an easy and stress-free cleaning schedule to keep your place sparkling. Plus, this chapter also includes guides to properly clean up puppy pee accidents (you’re welcome!).
Chapter 12: Traveling With Dogs
When they say to only pack the essentials, that means your dog! If you’re a travel-lover and dream of having your dog tag-along for great adventures then I’ve got some great news: Today, there are plenty of pet-friendly cities, activities, events, restaurants, and hotels. So, a fun-filled getaway with your pooch is totally doable! In this chapter, you’ll get tips for traveling with your dog … whether you’re hitting the road for a long trip or hopping a plane and soaring through the sky.
Chapter 13: Pup-arazzi
While documenting your dog’s journey through photos isn’t going to prolong their lifespan or make navigating dog parenthood any easier for you, capturing memories through photographs is still important! Find out how to prepare for a professional puppy photoshoot and how to take better photos of your dog … so you can have keepsake snaps you look back on for years to come!
Get Your Paws on a Copy of Becoming a Dog Mom
Becoming a Dog Mom is available in paperback and ebook at most online book retailers. Some top shops: