Lifestylewithlexblog

Introducing Archer, Our Sweet Puppy

Nick and I welcomed our puppy Archer into our home in August 2017. He's a Jack Russell Terrier and Beagle cross who came to us at only 8 weeks old — and funnily enough, his first name was Hubert. We chose Archer instead, inspired by the animated series on FX. We'd both grown up around dogs, but this was the first time we were raising one ourselves, and we soon discovered just how much work puppy parenthood takes.

You've probably heard the advice to get a dog with your partner before having a baby, and I completely agree. The level of responsibility surprised me: in the early days we were taking him out to potty every 30 minutes to an hour, keeping an eye on him nearly all the time, losing sleep over his frequent trips outside, and making regular vet visits. He depended on us for everything. There will be hard moments when you feel like throwing in the towel, but I promise the effort is worth it.

Hands-On Tips for Raising a Puppy

• Learn about your puppy's breed. Look into which food fits them best and how they usually behave around others. Understanding your pup and socializing them leads to clearer communication and a closer bond.
• Exercise. Puppies need daily activity. It helps reduce chewing, biting, excessive barking, and hyperactivity, and it introduces them to the world beyond your home.
• Patience. Patience matters more than anything. Training can test your nerves, but keep in mind your puppy is still new to the world. They rely on your guidance and will eventually adjust to life in your home.
• Make time for quality moments. Pets need love and affection, just like we do.
• Potty training. This takes a lot of time and patience. For a while Archer had trouble telling the difference between going outside and going inside. Our main approach was to reward him each time he pottied outdoors — we celebrated it to show him he'd done well. He's 9 months old now and seldom has accidents indoors. Teaching a signal, such as scratching at the patio door, also helps them let you know they need to go out.
• Crate training. This can be challenging depending on your pup. Archer disliked his crate at first — he'd bark until we let him out and would potty inside it too. Making the crate more inviting helped, like adding pillows and blankets that carried our scent. We also kept the crate open and gave him a treat whenever he went in on his own. Nine months later he's much more at ease, heading in on his own to sleep!
• Don't give up!
• Consistency. Try to keep your pup on a schedule — it helps them learn more quickly.
• Visit the vet. It's the best way to confirm your pup is healthy.
• Most importantly… stay happy, be thankful, and enjoy the journey of raising your puppy!

Common Questions About Raising a Puppy

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XOXO, Lex

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