Bringing Home a Puppy: What I Wish I Knew Before Adopting Chester and Crumble

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Bringing home a puppy is one of the most exciting—and overwhelming—experiences.

As a first-time dog parent, I thought I was prepared. I had done the research, bought all the essentials, and imagined endless cuddles and tail wags. But nothing quite prepared me for the reality of sleepless nights, teething fangs, and the emotional rollercoaster of raising a puppy.

If you're thinking about getting a puppy or are in the thick of the first few weeks right now, here are the lessons I wish I had known before we took the leap.

Prepare for the 'Puppy Blues'

"Puppy blues" refers to the feelings of sadness, anxiety, or stress some people experience after bringing a new puppy home. No matter how prepared you are, adjusting to such a major life change takes time.

I never thought the so-called puppy blues would hit us. I was certain that adopting Chester and subsequently Crumble was the right decision, but those first few weeks were challenging. Sleepless nights, little fangs putting tiny holes in clothes and fingers, endless cleaning up after accidents, and unexpected frustration as our puppy learned what good behaviour meant.

We were incredibly patient (and totally in love with our new family member), but at times, even the calmest of dog owners can have their patience tested with a new puppy.

Dog 'Mum Guilt' is Real

While I don't have children of my own, I'm familiar with the term 'mum guilt'; the feeling of guilt, doubt, or anxiety many experience when they believe they are not doing enough or are not being a "perfect" parent.

Every dog parent knows that nagging feeling. You see someone posting about their dog's amazing adventure on Instagram and immediately think: "I don't walk my dog enough." Or you watch yet another video of dogs doing impressive tricks and wonder: "Should I be doing more training?" Sound familiar? You're not alone. Dog parent guilt is real, and it affects most of us.

What makes you feel guilty as a dog parent? Perhaps you:

• Don't let them off lead like "everyone else"

• Can't afford the latest enrichment toys all over social media

• Have to leave your dog at home while you work

• Don't have a massive garden for them to play in

• Don't have a fashion cupboard bigger than yours full of collars and leads for every occasion

• Can't take them on holiday with you

• Haven't taught them a list of tricks

  
  

The thing is that your dog doesn't know what they're "missing." They only know their life with you. If they're fed, loved, and cared for, that's enough.

Puppy Teeth and Claws are Sharper Than You Think!

When you think of a puppy, you probably imagine a sleepy, snuggly bundle of joy. But before they start walking outside or lose their milk teeth, puppies have incredibly sharp claws and teeth. This is something to keep in mind if you have young children or elderly family members.

In her first few weeks, Misha would (unintentionally) scratch and nip during play, even drawing blood a few times with her tiny claws. It was all part of her learning process, but it definitely caught us off guard!

Training Takes Time

When it comes to walking, socialising, and training a puppy, progress happens in baby steps. While both Chester and Crumble mastered toilet training quickly, teaching Chester to walk calmly without pulling was a challenge. He was a very happy puppy who wanted to explore without recalling! It took a few years to really get him to listen, walk calmly, and recall repeatedly.

On the other hand, Crumble was much easier in the walking department. She learned to heel off lead from a young age, but she gets overstimulated quickly, which we are still very much working on.

I remember feeling completely discouraged after weeks of training, convinced we’d never reach a point where Chester could walk 'nicely.' But then, almost overnight, when he was around three years old, something clicked. Suddenly, he walked perfectly as if all that training had finally paid off.

Puppies Can Be Fussy Eaters

Having grown up with family dogs who were obsessed with all foods, I didn't really think about it being an issue until Crumble arrived home.

Luckily, this wasn't an issue with Chester. He was—and still is—a foodie; whatever you put in front of him is gobbled up in seconds! However, Crumble was a different kettle of fish! She loved food but wasn't keen on eating larger portions. She was more of a grazer, and with other dogs in the house, if she left it, she lost it! More concerning was that she would refuse to eat for several meals, which was especially worrying when she was young.

After months of trying to get her into a routine, I figured she was allergic to poultry, and that was a game changer. She is now much more enthusiastic about mealtime, although I still worry when her appetite is low.

The Importance of Socialisation

Socialising your puppy is crucial for their development. It helps them learn how to interact with other dogs and people. I wish I had known how important this was from the start!

Taking Chester and Crumble to dog parks, puppy classes, and even just on walks around the neighbourhood helped them become well-adjusted dogs. They learned to be confident and friendly.

If you're unsure where to start, consider joining a local puppy training class. It’s a great way to meet other dog parents and share experiences. Plus, your puppy will have a blast!

Finding the Right Products

As a dog parent, you want the best for your furry friend. This means finding high-quality products that suit their needs. From food to toys, the choices can be overwhelming!

I wish I had known about the importance of researching products before buying. Some brands may look appealing but might not be the best for your dog. Always check reviews and ask fellow dog parents for recommendations.

For example, I found that Chester loves interactive toys that challenge him mentally. Crumble, on the other hand, prefers soft toys she can snuggle with. Knowing their preferences has made playtime more enjoyable for both of them!

Embrace the Chaos

Raising a puppy can be chaotic! There will be messes, accidents, and unexpected surprises. But amidst the chaos, there are also moments of joy and laughter.

I’ve learned to embrace the mess. Instead of getting frustrated, I try to find humour in the situation. Whether it’s Chester stealing a sock or Crumble getting stuck in a bush, these moments make for great stories later on!

Conclusion: Enjoy the Journey

Bringing home a puppy is a journey filled with ups and downs. It’s a learning experience for both you and your furry friend.

So, take a deep breath, enjoy the cuddles, and remember that you're not alone in this adventure. Every dog parent has been there, and we’re all just trying to do our best.

Is there anything else you wish you knew before you brought home your furry child?

Thanks for reading!

Sarah, Chester & Crumble