Ask the PUPPY EXPERTS

If you’ve never had a puppy before, making sure your canine companion remains healthy and happy can be like trying to solve a difficult puzzle. But the great thing is you don’t have to do it alone. With PupStart, the free programme for puppy owners who have Animal Friends pet insurance, you get access to expert help and advice, as well as a whole host of other benefits, to give your puppy the best possible start in life.

From diet and nutrition to behavioural changes and socialisation, you’ll be able to get peace of mind on all aspects of your puppy’s wellbeing, with advice tailored to every stage of their development. You’ll even get free 24/7 access to online vet consultations!

Here, the team of experts at Animal Friends and their vet care partners, Joii, have answered some common questions they get about taking good care of a puppy.

Q IS GIVING MY PUPPY A WEE BIT OF MY FOOD REALLY A PROBLEM?

It really depends on which food; a little bit of chicken for example can be a great way to motivate your puppy during training sessions. Adding some fresh food to your puppies bowl every now and then provides a little bit of enrichment too.

But feeding human food too often may prevent them from getting all the nutrients they need, all puppies need a complete food to be happy and healthy. It’s also worth checking which human f oods are toxic to dogs, such as grapes, onions and chocolate.

Q HOW CAN I STOP MY PUPPY BITING AND NIBBLING ON HANDS AND FEET?

Puppy biting is completely normal, most pups will learn bite inhibition from their mothers and litter-mates; however some take longer than others.

Any time your puppy bites during play, you must stop playing. Try using the ‘3 Rs’: Redirect your puppy to an appropriate item to bite and chew instead Remove yourself from the room for a short time and

Re-engage with your puppy after a short while

Q MY PUPPY HAS STARTED GOING TO THE TOILET IN THE HOUSE, WHAT SHOULD I DO?

If your puppy had already been toilet trained and they’ve just started messing in the house again, it’s best to seek veterinary advice to make sure that they do not have any medical issues.

If your puppy hasn’t yet been toilet trained make sure you take them outside regularly to go, sometimes this might be as often as every hour in the first few weeks of teaching them. It is really important not to tell them off if they do have accidents, as this may only make the problem worse.

If you are really struggling you should seek veterinary advice and then a referral to a qualified dog trainer or behaviourist if needed.

Q I DON’T WANT MY PUPPY CHOKING OR SWALLOWING ITS TOYS, WHAT TYPE OF TOY IS BEST FOR YOUNG DOGS?

There are many toys that are puppy safe, from flirt poles to tug toys, but the Kong is by far the most robust and easiest to use, keep clean and introduce to your young dog as you can stuff it with food.

With all toys make sure that you check them regularly for loose bits and make sure they are kept clean.

Q I ALREADY HAVE A PET LIVING IN MY HOME, HOW CAN I INTRODUCE THEM TO THE NEW PUPPY?

Introducing your new puppy to other pets can seem like a really daunting task, especially when the puppy is full of beans but here are a few steps to follow:

1. Introduce them when they are both calm and relaxed 2. Don’t make a big fuss about each one being around each other

3. Try to distract them with treats and/or food during the introduction

4. Be aware if one wants a break and be ready to separate them when needed

5. Start off with small times of introductions and build up the time

It is really important to not make a huge deal and to take it very slowly when introducing pets to one and other.