Please note that some posts contains affiliate links & I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links Find out More

5 Quick Tips for Saving Puppy Love Memories

by | Feb 2, 2023 | Dog Training & Care | 0 comments

5 Quick Tips for Saving Puppy Love Memories

Did you know instantly that your dog was for you as soon as you saw them? When I first met Bravo-Dawg, I knew we were meant for each other! Out of a huge litter, he was the only red boy and the smallest at 30 pounds at 12 weeks old. Bravo sat on my lap during the car ride home—and vomited all over me. Yep, we were meant for each other.

Our first few months together flew by. Just like all new dog parents, those early puppy-love days with Bravo were joyous and frustrating, as we introduced him to Karma-Kat (thank doG the cat loved dogs!), and dealt with a pony-size pup. We didn’t know our life together would only last a few short years, so I still treasure all the memories of those early days. And we have a memory garden to honor our pets.

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.

Shadow Bravo Bones

My favorite puppy pic of my dog is with his new puppy friend, Shadow-Pup. The little baby showed up when we humans–and his brother Bravo-needed him most. I’m so glad I got it to remind me of that time.

I pray you’ll have many more years together with your furry wonders. Monthly milestone pics of important moments will be precious to you as your dog grows. Puppy faces change to gray muzzles so quickly. Here are some milestones you might want to document — and if you post to social media, you’ll likely get reminders of these fun memories, too.

  1. Gotcha-Day experiences.
  2. Meeting the other pets (safely, please!)
  3. Puppy training classes
  4. Meeting the vet
  5. Play dates with other dogs, puppies, or kids (again, SAFETY please!).

My biggest tip is to pick out your favs and back up the rest of your puppy pics each month, so they don’t get lost or deleted. Afterward, you can safely remove outtakes from your camera roll so you have plenty of room for new photos and can avoid the dreaded “out of space” message.

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.

Shadow-Pup goes outside every morning, and he REMINDS me about every 2 hours that I need a break, too. He keeps me emotionally engaged and healthier by bringing his toys to the office for play sessions. Of course, for new pups especially during house training, you’ll need to schedule frequent potty breaks.

Set aside some intentional cuddle time, maybe during evening TV time. 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.

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! As a certified animal behavior consultant, I have access to all the latest training techniques, plus I can call on colleagues for help with challenging issues. I’m a huge fan of clicker training because it teaches puppies (or cats, horses, dolphins, spouses!) to WANT to choose to do the right thing! LOL! An eager learner offers the best possible student.

Having a solid training foundation is vital, and builds puppy confidence, and enriches the bond you share. You and your puppy learn to understand each other is the key to a long and successful relationship.

Adventure together for puppy socialization

Get out there and enjoy life! 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.

Dog paw

Preserve your puppy’s paw print when they are small to compare when they are grown!

I wish I had made paw prints of Bravo’s puppy feet. They weren’t tiny…but they got so much bigger, by the time he reached 126 pounds.

Recording a paw print every few weeks to chart their growth is a fun way to keep track of physical development. You can also use paw prints in art projects or to make keepsakes like holiday ornaments, or a memory box. Be sure you are using a non-toxic medium. You can find kits online like this ink-less paw print option. Or you can cast the paw print for a 3d keepsake. Non-toxic paint works too. Avoid homemade salt-water-flour dough. It can make your dog very sick if they chew up the finished craft.

Take the time to ensure puppy memories aren’t forgotten

Bravo lost his cancer battle at just over 3 years old, and Shadow-Pup now is his age. I still treasure those early months with them together–keeping love alive and everyone smiling and wagging no matter what. I’m so glad I took the time to absolutely fall in love and build a deep connection with all my furry wonders (including Karma-Kat). Most importantly, I’m glad I saved the times we shared in words, pictures and traditions. I wish I’d saved even more of them!

Did you do something else meaningful in the early days that you think more puppy parents should try? How did you capture those puppy moments? Share a comment below or tag me in a Facebook post!  

YouTube Button

I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered? Do you have a new kitten and need answers? Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book giveaways and appearances related to my September Day pet-centric THRILLERS WITH BITE!

Amy Shojai, CABC is a certified cat & dog behavior consultant, a consultant to the pet industry, and the award-winning author of 35+ pet-centric books and Thrillers with Bite! Oh, and she loves bling!

 

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Categories:

Recent Posts

Cat Fight! What to Do

How do you stop a cat fight? And how do you know if the cat fighting turns serious—rather than just kitten play? Shadow-Pup thinks it’s great fun to chase and wrestle with Karma-Kat. We supervise, of course, and interrupt the play should one or the other object.

If you’re looking for help with dog aggression, go here.

There are many kinds of cat aggression, and many are perfectly normal behaviors. Certainly, it’s not fair to you or the cats to allow cats to fight. Learn how to recognize the potential and reasons behind cat aggression and fighting cats, and what you can do.

Welcome Trinity-Kitty: New Kitten Baby Makes Three!

On Monday September 11, 2023, a tiny speck of a kitten made her presence known with very loud MEWS and a personality way bigger than anyone expected. Hungry, full of fleas, and the expected roundworms (and probably tapes because…fleas), her eyes and ears looked too big for her delicate wedge-shaped face.

Now, I get alerts about “found” kittens all the time, and sadly, can’t take any of them. This baby proved different in so many ways–only some of which I can share. While at the grocery picking up kitten food, my husband called and I explained my next stop at church—Trinity Lutheran—where I hoped to find a forever-home for the baby with a family who tragically lost a beloved kitty. And I told him if that didn’t work out, we likely had a third furry wonder for our home.

My friends at church, not yet ready to welcome a new pet, meant that the kitten came home with me. It seems that the Higher Being with whom all things are possible, made sure she found her way to us. He knew we needed her as much as she needed us.

How to Read Dog Poop: Normal Dog Poop to Dog Poop Problems

How to Read Dog Poop: Normal Dog Poop to Dog Poop Problems

Everyone who shares a home (and heart) with a dog at some point must deal with dog poop problems. Learning what’s normal, to yellow colored stool, or learning how serious blood in dog’s stool diarrhea may be helps get your dog help. While it may not be the most appealing topic, learning about your dog’s “creativity” offers important insight into his health.

Not only his food, but also your dog’s environment and emotional state, affects how his body works. Fear, anxiety, and stress can change a dog’s behavior, but also can disrupt digestion and cause enteritis. That in turn affects his poop.

Recognizing healthy elimination helps pet owners alert to abnormal eliminations. That way, when necessary, you can get your dog prompt medical help to diagnose and treat problems before they become worse.

BREAKING NEWS! Amy’s Book Sales Direct–Discounted Thrillers & Pet Nonfiction

I created an online store to sell my digital and print titles DIRECT TO YOU! In today’s world, with so much up in the air, many authors now make direct book sales available, because we control the price (and can DISCOUNT to you!), and because … well, I have control over Amy Shojai’s books.

Yes, you can still find all of my titles on the various platforms (Amazon, B&N, Kobo, Apple, GooglePlay, Audible, Chirp and more). This way, though, I earn more on each sale while offering you, dear readers, a better deal than other retailers. That means I can write more books, update existing titles, and keep providing you with what you need.

Read on to learn more about Amy Shojai Books Direct!

Why Dogs Look Guilty: Do Dogs Feel Guilty or Embarrassed?

When your dog meets you at the door, head low with ears slicked back and eyes averted, is that a canine apology? Does your dog look guilty? The behaviors certainly mimic what humans associate with feeling shame or apology.

We know dogs can feel grief, but whether guilty behavior accurately reflects the dog’s true feelings is open to debate. Learn more about what your dog says with these behaviors!

Adopting “Other-Abled” and Less Adoptable Pets

September 19-25 is National Adopt A Less Adoptable Pet Week, founded by PetFinder.com. The organization encourages shelters and rescues to create special week-long events devoted to giving overlooked pets like those with disabilities a better chance at finding homes.

This struck a chord with me, especially after living with a tri-pawd dog when Bravo lost his leg. He didn’t act disabled, though. Have you ever adopted an other-abled pet or less adoptable pet?

What Is A Less Adoptable Pet

Why less adoptable? They’re the wrong breed or have special needs. Overlooked pets include deaf dogs or deaf cats, blind pets, or those missing a limb. Many folks prefer the ‘perfect’ cute puppy or kitten and don’t want a crippled pet, or just don’t like the color of the dog or cat. Of course, we know black dogs and cats, and those with only one eye, or three legs, still love us with all their furry hearts! Read on…

Avoid Puppy Mills with this 10 Question Check List!

Know the Puppy Mill Score—Puppy Source Check List There are many places to find your dream puppy, and some are clearly better options than others. Avoid puppy mills at all cost. Of course, your heart can overrule logic if you are smitten by a needy baby, but...

Why Do Cats Fight After Vet Visits? How to Stop Cat Bashing

Congratulations! Your hard work has paid off, and Kitty no longer fears the carrier and handles the car ride with almost no signs of fear, anxiety or stress. Kitty purrs and cheek-bonks the veterinary technicians, and barely notices the doctor’s exam through all the petting and tasty treats. But as soon as you get home, Kitty’s former feline friends snub him, or worse. Why do cats fight after vet visits? What’s up with all the cat bashing?

What A Pain! Understanding Pet Pain & What to Do When Pets Hurt

September is Animal Pain Awareness Month, so I wanted to share this vital information again. We know pain hurts, but pain in pets and treating pet pain when pets hurt confuses us. They can’t tell us they feel pain, or where it hurts. Not like humans.

Because I get to work at home, there are certain perks I enjoy–such as going barefoot to work. But one afternoon last fall I moved too fast and kicked the whey outta my big toe. This wasn’t just a stubbed toe, either—it lifted and peeled the nail back to the quick, bled everywhere and hurt like the devil! Yes, I said a few choice words as I hobbled down the stairs from my office (trying not to leave a bloody trail) to get bandage material. Ooooooh, that puppy throbbed and made me whimper and howl, let me tell you.
I understand how Magical-Dawg felt several years ago. After a run in the field playing fetch, he started shivering when he came inside. The ninety-degree weather argued that he was not chilled. I checked him head-to-tail, and found nothing wrong. But later in the week, he again started shivering, and even growled at me when I asked him to move—very uncharacteristic.

Finally, after several days and two vet visits, we figured out his problem. He’d torn a dewclaw back to the quick. it hadn’t come off, so the injury remained hidden. Seren-kitty had this happen once, too, when her claw caught on bedding as she leaped from the pillow. She hid. But Magic’s short temper, shivers, and hyper-alert behavior resulted from being in pain. Here’s what you need to know to help your pets.

Pet First Aid Medicine Chest: Home Remedies to Save Pet Lives

Do you have a pet 1st aid medicine chest for your dogs and cats? The audiobook version of my first aid book for pets includes some DIY home remedies for old pets. While your veterinarian diagnoses and prescribes for your pet’s health issues, pet first aid and minor problems may benefit from human medicines.

Home remedies for pets save $$ and pet lives because Fido and Sheba rarely tears a claw or eats something iffy during regular clinic hours. It’s helpful to know how to use your pantry supplies and human medicine chest to help your cat or dog. Some people prescriptions can be dangerous (especially for cats!) so it’s a good idea to have a handy list.

Visit Amy's Website

Amy Shojai CACB is an award winning author.  You can find all her publications and book her to speak via her website. 

On Demand Writer Coaching

AmyShojai.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com http://amazon.com/.

Awards

Memberships