If you’re thinking about becoming a puppy parent, you have a lot to consider. In addition to the excitement involved in choosing the right pup for you, you need to think about preparing for dog ownership. You’ll undoubtedly encounter some challenging situations and maybe even make some mistakes. From neglecting to enroll them in dog boarding to avoiding socialization, here are a few missteps to avoid.

5 Mistakes New Puppy Owners Should Avoid

1. Inadequate Socialization

Early socialization is part of raising a smart, well-behaved dog that handles new people and experiences without fear. Take your puppy to different locations and introduce them to people in your life. You can also enroll them in a dog boarding facility, where they’ll spend quality time with other pups.

2. Not Enough Exercise

A healthy dog exercises regularly and spends plenty of time outdoors. Starting at an early age will prevent your dog from gaining weight, which could stress their joints and ligaments and make movement difficult later in life. Go for frequent walks and change up the scenery by visiting different neighborhoods and beaches. At a dog boarding facility, your furry friend can also get a workout playing with other dogs.

3. Infrequent Sleep Sessions

As you’ll quickly learn, puppies love to jump, play, and run circles around you. While that’s excellent for their health, it eventually tires them out, which is when you need to enforce a sleep schedule for the rest they need. Encourage good habits by limiting strenuous physical activity before bedtime. If your pup has trouble sleeping, ask your veterinarian about giving them a safe dosage of melatonin.

4. Irregular Bathroom Breaks

Proper house training begins as soon as your puppy arrives home. Take your dog outside at least once every couple of hours for a bathroom break. Give plenty of praise when your dog is successful in going outside of the house so they’ll learn that is the proper place for doing their business.

5. Considerable Alone Time

It’s not a good idea to leave your puppy alone and unsupervised for hours at a time. Most of them aren’t ready for this until they’re at least a year or older. If you’re away during the day, enroll your puppy at a pet boarding facility, so they stay safe, entertained, healthy, and well-fed.

The staff at Alpha K-9 Kennels understands puppies can be a handful to tend to, which is why they will take exceptional care of them when you can’t be there. Based in Hakalau, HI, the dog boarding facility offers wonderful amenities on their eight-acre property that overlooks the ocean, including regular dog walking, healthy food, and optional grooming. Visit the website to browse their boarding rates available seven days a week, or call (808) 963-6000 to make an appointment for a tour.