Did you know instantly that your dog was for you as soon as you saw them? When I first met Hannah at Richmond Animal Care and Control, I knew we were meant for each other! We saw a couple dogs first, who didn’t seem to be a good fit. Right before the shelter closed the volunteer said she had one more for us to meet. In walked this medium sized beagle mix. I definitely wasn’t thinking about adopting a hound. But, something seemed different about her. We went home to sleep on it and I couldn’t stop thinking about her all night. As soon as I woke up I told my husband I wanted to go back to get her. So, we got there as soon as they opened and the rest was history.

Our first few months together flew by. Just like all new dog parents, those early puppy-love days with Hannah were exciting. We made lots of wonderful memories, which set the stage for our life together.

Here are some of the things I did (and some I wish I did) to celebrate those first few months and develop our lifelong bond.

Tip #1: Set a routine that includes fun and exploration

Routines aren’t just when your pup sleeps, eats, and goes potty. Schedule time for snuggles and fun or a weekly adventure, so togetherness grows as your puppy grows, too.

When we first got Hannah we lived right next to a big park. So, twice a day we would explore the park. In the evening I would usually play with her after getting home from work. Playing with stuffed toys is a big love language for Hannah. Now as she’s older she won’t play alone with her toys. She wants me to play with her ( it’s adorable). In your routine, think about all the unique ways you can bond with your dog, like including a quick game of tug after a potty break. Set aside time for morning or evening walks, playtime after dinner or cuddles before bed. By making routines less “routine,” you and your puppy can infuse joy in more minutes of the day, and set a bond-forming habit for life.

Tip #2: Build a training foundation so you speak the same language

Proper training early on will help your puppy make sense of the world, and you both can bond over those joyful ah-ha moments when you discover you can communicate! The first thing I started with was potty training Hannah! Even though she was older when we got her, she had never lived in a house before. It was a little rough going at first, but she eventually learned that she should go outside. She also eventually learned what not to chew and destroy (pillows, shoes etc.). I was able to train her myself, since I have a little training background. However, it’s typically much easier to have professional help if you haven’t trined a dog before. Richmond has some great trainers. Just google dog training. I have heard good things about the Richmond SPCA and Paul over at Dog training elite is great too.

Having a solid training foundation is super important to you bond with your dog as well as their happiness. You and your puppy learning to understand each other is the key to a long and successful relationship. 

Tip #3: Adventure together for puppy socialization 

Get out there and enjoy life! I remember taking Hannah with me most places dogs are allowed (here is a blog I published with dog friendly places around Richmond). The first time we did an overnight trip with her was to the Lake Anna area at a bed and breakfast for a friend’s wedding. I was SO glad to see Hannah do so well with traveling. We discovered that Hannah absolutely loves hiking. So, now I try to take her often. Weekly adventures help your puppy grow into a happy, comfortable adult, and build your own lifelong habit of seeking out new experiences together.

Have fun, but don’t overwhelm your puppy with too much stimulation or with frightening situations. Pay attention to how your dog is responding to new sights and sounds, and take a break if you see any signs of fear or stress like pulling away, anxious barking, showing the whites of their eyes, or excessive yawning. Places where there is a lot of commotion or a lot of dogs may be overwhelming (especially if it’s new to them). Also, if it’s summer and you’re on black top check the temperature, as it can get too hot for their paws.

Tip #4: Keep a journal or memory book

I wish I had kept a first year journal after I got Hannah. That would have ben fun and helpful to remember things. Other things you could do would be start an instagram page, blog or scrapbook to document photos, fun facts, stories and milestones.

The goal is to capture the firsts, the best moments, the fun times and wonderful silliness of your puppy as they happen. In addition to weekly highlights, track their growth, the food and treats they like (or dislike) and anything that will be interesting to remember (and helpful for your veterinarian, too). Trust me. You’ll enjoy revisiting these moments in the future, when you and your now-grown dog are having quiet time on the couch. You’ll be surprised to read how much you both have changed and grown together.

Tip #5: Schedule a Professional Photo Session.

Professional photos are a MUST because I can capture their personality, along with the best angles. Puppies can be hard to photograph. But, no matter how active they are, I know how to get amazing photos. An experienced pet photographer will be able to capture the love between you and your pup. Even if you are camera shy, I will make you look great. You’ll have a record of the beginning of you and your dog’s journey together. Not to mention, they grow SO fast! If you truly want to remember these puppy years, a puppy subscription (or single session) is the perfect way to do that.

I had professional photos taken of my, my husband and Hannah. I am so glad I did. Of course, being a pet photographer I have way too many amazing photos of Hannah by herself. But, having photos of us as a family is super meaningful. Ten years down the road I will cherish these immensely.

The best option is a puppy’s first year subscription! Imagine documenting their growth (we know how much they change in just a few months). Then at the end of the year, we will create a memory book and meaningful artwork. This is how to TRULY capture that puppy love forever!

Ready to schedule your puppy’s first photo session?

LET ME KNOW!