Did you feel that spark the moment you first saw your puppy? I still remember the first time I laid eyes on Saylor’s profile online—I knew we were meant to be, those baby fat wrinkles just stole my heart! Despite just moving to a new city and not even settling into my permanent home yet, I couldn’t resist his little face. It was love at first sight, and I was determined to bring my little prince home. I was ready to explore my new city with my newest best friend!

Our first few months together flew by, filled with the kind of puppy love that creates lifelong memories. 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. I hope these tips help you cherish those fleeting puppy days and set you guys off on the right paw.

1. Set a Routine That Includes Fun and Exploration

Routines aren’t just about when your pup eats, sleeps, or goes potty. Schedule time for snuggles, fun, and weekly adventures to grow your togetherness as your puppy grows. Incorporate unique bonding activities, like a quick game of tug after a potty break or a nightly sniffari. Making routines less “routine” infuses joy into your days and sets a lifelong habit of bonding. One of Saylor’s favorite activities was to take a ride down to the local ice cream shop and score a little pup cup on a Saturday night.

2. Build a Training Foundation So You Speak the Same Language

Training is essential, especially for strong, big breeds like Great Danes. 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! Did you know that puppies should start training the moment they get home? Even before they are fully vaccinated they can join a training group or start with private lessons so don’t delay! It’s really a great idea to research local training options before you even bring the little tyke home.

Funny story about Saylor’s early training, we barely made it to puppy graduation class before the COVID lockdown. So with just a few short weeks of professional training under our belts we set off into the wild (aka the backyard) to work on our newly acquired knowledge. And we did ok, but I really feel there is nothing better than the accountability going to a class can provide. Without it you get a dog that is great at your home and in your environment but might lack the skills to translate that training in the outside world.

Once I got my second puppy, Bay, I knew I wanted to work with a trainer immediately and not go it alone again. I mean I wanted that the first time to but yea, thanks COVID. I brought Bay home right after moving to Pensacola (apparently every time I move I have to get a puppy), and was so lucky to find East Bay Dog Spot. If you’re in the area I highly recommend you check out their puppy class. We’ve loved being a part of their pack as we move through their training program!

3. Capture Sweet Moments with Your Smartphone

Bringing out my “big camera” isn’t always convenient so my cell phone was my go to for everyday moments of Saylor’s first months. One of my favorite videos is of Saylor meeting and falling in love with my older Dane, Sky. The way he instantly adored her melts my heart. And don’t forget the monthly milestone pics! Now that Saylor is an “old man” these growth pictures are so fun to look back on.

Puppies grow so fast; documenting their changes brings such joy and nostalgia down the road, so start a list now of moments to capture. Things like leaving the shelter, their grand welcome home, meeting the vet, and first training class is a fun start. Whether video or photos, 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. And better yet, make a photobook of their first year, it’s a great coffee table book to show to visitors! I mean if we have to look at our friend’s baby books they should oblige for our little darlings too!

4. Schedule a Session with a Professional Pet Photographer

All the above photos of Saylor are cell phone snaps, and as precious as they are to me they don’t do him justice in his cute puppy stage. Professional photos are a must because puppies move fast and are easily distracted! While your cell phone is great, you often get blurry shots with the pup looking anywhere but the camera. An experienced pet photographer can capture the love between you and your pup.

I’ll admit this is something I didn’t do and oh how I WISH I did. Now I would give anything to have a family photo of that time in my life! Even if you’re camera shy (like me), a professional will make you look great and provide beautiful custom artwork that you can display in your home. Trust me, in 10 years, you’ll wish you had a great photo of you and your pup together. And who doesn’t want a big portrait of their pup hanging over the mantle? It’s the best way to customize your home if you ask me!

Now, below are photos from a Grow with Me session where we documented Costa at 12 weeks, 6 months, and one year. You can’t deny that these photos are a beautiful representation of her during her first year.

5. Adventure Together for Puppy Socialization

Get out there and enjoy life! Weekly adventures help your puppy grow into a happy, comfortable adult and build a lifelong habit of seeking new experiences together. COVID lockdown limited Saylor’s socialization – so much for new city, new puppy exploring! But we did make the most of nature trails and state parks. With Bay, I knew early socialization was key to building her confidence, so we attended events by WolfGang Pensacola, LLC which helped her experience new sights, sounds, and activities.

Remember to always monitor your puppy’s response to new experiences and take breaks if they show signs of fear or stress. Slow and steady wins the race in socialization!

Take the Time to Ensure Puppy Memories Aren’t Forgotten

Saylor is almost five now, and I still cherish our first chaotic months together. I’m so glad I took the time to fall in love and build a deep connection with him, preserving our memories in words, pictures, and traditions. I wish I had saved even more!

Did you do something meaningful in the early days with your puppy? How did you capture those moments? Email me or tag me on Instagram @hoffhousephotography. Let’s celebrate the love and joy of our furry family members together!

Wags and wiggles,
Jess