by Kimberly Davis Guerra
Everyone has seen it. The cute video of someone opening a big box (with holes on the side) and discovering an adorable, cuddly new puppy inside. Nothing melts the heart more than the thought of seeing a child’s face light up when they receive a new best friend for the holidays. What you don’t ever see is a video of the aftermath that follows when you have this happen!
Depending on the age of the child, and the age of the puppy, this can go one of two ways. Blissfully or horribly!
Fear not! To ensure that this doesn’t happen, all it takes is a little bit of planning. Enter our friends at Meadowlake Pet Resort & Training Center. Here are some tips that they offer:
Get Training!
There is nothing more stressful than trying to work with an animal who has no idea what your expectations are. Just like children, they need to be coached and trained to understand what your family’s rules are. Avoid tears, fights and sleepless nights by working with professionals who have the experience you may not.
Here are the top 3 things that Meadowlake’s expert trainers achieve for each of the families they work with:
- Teach dogs to obey verbal commands through a positive approach
- Help pet parents learn to maintain their dog’s positive behaviors and even improve them over time
- Ensure the training “sticks” through ongoing support and coaching.
Get Social!
It’s an important time for you and your new fur baby. Whether you are taking them to the park with the kids or just headed out for a walk around the neighborhood, you want to ensure that everyone has a good time.
Here are more tips from Meadowlake:
- From 8-16 weeks of age is the time when most puppies are adopted. Early socialization during this period is important because socialized dogs have better coping skills. A broad range of positive experiences will help puppies grow up to be well-rounded, stable dogs. Lack of socialization can lead to a dog that is afraid of people, new experiences and new places.
- How is a puppy socialized? By going to new places, meeting different people and experiencing new things. This early exposure helps a dog take new things in stride throughout his life.
- Once dogs are old enough and have all their vaccinations, doggie daycare also provides a great opportunity for dogs to socialize, which can ease anxiety, build confidence and promote plenty of healthy interactions and exercise.
Get Grooming!
I received a puppy for my 9th birthday when I was a kid and I was beyond thrilled. Max became my constant companion and I took him everywhere with me. I even put him in the basket on my bike and rode around the neighborhood with him! (He was mini Sheltie and loved the wind in his hair!)
One of the things I wasn’t thrilled about was grooming and feeding him. As he was my pet, I was in charge of feeding him every day and bathing/brushing him every week (Sheltie’s have a LOT of hair!). Although I wasn’t thrilled, it was a great teaching moment for me. Depending on the age of your child, you can incorporate a similar plan for yours. It will help them learn responsibility and the joy of caring for another living creature.
Other benefits of owning a puppy include:
- Relieving Stress
- Teaching Empathy
- Promoting Exercise
- Family Bonding
- Constant Companionship
We hope that your new bundle of furry joy brings a lifelong friend to your child. One that will provide many years of love and enjoyment for everyone in the family!
For more information on training, socialization or grooming, contact our friends at Meadowlake Pet Resort & Training Center.
Meadowlake Pet Resort
288 South Location
13500 Furman Rd.
Galleria Location
6393 Richmond Ave.
Phone: 713-413-1633
meadowlakepetresort.com
Services Offered:
- Dog Boarding
- Cat Boarding
- Dog Grooming
- Dog Day Care
- Dog Training
