Raising a Puppy: Lessons From Our Jack Russell

Raising a Puppy: Honest Lessons From Year One With Archer

Welcoming a puppy into your home is a serious commitment, and those first weeks set the pattern for everything that comes after. Here you'll find our own story, hands-on advice, and fast answers for anyone starting out with a new pup.

What's Inside

Meet Archer, Our Sweet Puppy
Practical Tips for Raising a Puppy
Frequently Asked Questions About Raising a Puppy

Meet 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 mix who came to us at only 8 weeks old — and funnily enough, his first name was Hubert. We chose Archer instead, after the animated series on FX. We had both grown up with dogs, but this was our first time raising one on our own, and we soon discovered just how much effort puppy parenthood takes.

You may have heard the suggestion to raise a dog with your partner before having a baby, and I'm fully on board with it. The amount of responsibility caught me off guard: early on we were taking him out to potty every 30 minutes to an hour, watching him almost nonstop, losing sleep over his many trips outside, and making regular vet visits. He relied on us for absolutely everything. There will be tough moments when you feel like giving up, but I promise the effort pays off.

Everyday Puppy Care at a Glance

Practical Tips for Raising a Puppy

Get to know your puppy's breed. Research which food suits them best and how they typically act around other people and animals. Understanding your pup and socializing them builds clearer communication and a stronger bond.
Exercise. Puppies need activity every day. It helps curb chewing, biting, excessive barking, and restlessness, and it introduces them to the world outside your home.
Patience. Patience counts more than anything else. Training can try your nerves, but remember your puppy is still new to the world. They depend on your guidance and will eventually settle into life in your home.
Make time for quality moments. Pets need love and affection, just as we do.
Potty training. This takes plenty of time and patience. For a while Archer struggled to tell the difference between going outside and going inside. Our main strategy was to reward him every time he pottied outdoors — we celebrated to show him he'd done well. He's 9 months old now and rarely has accidents indoors. Teaching a signal, like scratching at the patio door, also helps them tell you when they need to go out.
Crate training. This can be tricky depending on your pup. Archer hated his crate at first — he'd bark until we let him out and would potty inside it too. Making the crate cozier helped, such as adding pillows and blankets that carried our scent. We also left the crate open and gave him a treat whenever he went in by himself. Nine months on, he's far more relaxed and heads in on his own to sleep!
Don't give up!
Consistency. Try to keep your pup on a routine — it helps them learn faster.
Visit the vet. It's the surest way to confirm your pup is healthy.

Above all… stay happy, be grateful, and savor the journey of raising your puppy!

Quick Answers for New Puppy Parents

Frequently Asked Questions About Raising a Puppy

What breed is Archer?

Archer is a Jack Russell Terrier and Beagle mix. He came into our family at 8 weeks old in August 2017.

How often did you have to take a new puppy outside?

At first we took him out to potty every 30 minutes to an hour, and we had to keep an eye on him almost constantly.

How did you potty train Archer?

Our main strategy was to reward him every time he pottied outside. We celebrated to show him he'd done well, and we also taught him a signal — like scratching at the patio door — to tell us he needed to go out.

What helped Archer get comfortable with his crate?

Making the crate cozier helped, such as adding pillows and blankets that carried our scent. We also left the crate open and gave him a treat whenever he went in on his own.

Why is exercise important for a puppy?

Daily activity can help reduce chewing, biting, excessive barking, and restlessness, and it helps your pup get familiar with the world outside.

What is the most important thing to remember when raising a puppy?

Patience and consistency. Puppies are still new to the world — they need our guidance, and in time they'll settle into life in your home.

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Bringing a puppy home is a serious commitment, and the first weeks set the tone for everything that comes after. A steady routine, plenty of patience, and regular vet checkups go a long way toward helping your pup feel safe and settled. Above all, enjoy the small wins along the way — they grow up faster than you think. © Lifestylewithlexblog

Raising a Puppy: What Our Jack Russell Taught Us