Highline Veterinary Hospital

🐾 Puppy Tip: Understanding Fear Periods 🐾

Did you know puppies go through natural fear periods as they grow? During these times, a puppy who was once confident may suddenly seem unsure, nervous, or even afraid of things they previously ignored.

You might notice your puppy:

🐶 Hesitating to meet new people or dogs
🐶 Startling at sounds, objects, or new environments
🐶 Suddenly refusing to walk somewhere they used to enjoy
🐶 Becoming more clingy or cautious
These moments are a normal part of development, not a sign that your puppy is “being difficult.”

During a fear period, it’s important to:

✨ Stay calm and confident
✨ Avoid forcing your puppy into scary situations
✨ Use positive reinforcement to build confidence
✨ Continue gentle exposure to new experiences at your puppy’s pace

Remember: every puppy develops differently, and how we respond during these stages can help shape their confidence for life. ❤️

Do you know if your puppy is currently going through a fear period? What changes have you noticed? 🐾

🐶 Potty Training 101: Setting Your Puppy Up for Success 🐶

One of the biggest questions new puppy owners have is: "How do I potty train my puppy?"

The secret isn't luck—it's consistency! ✨

Here are a few tips to help your puppy learn where to go:

🐾 Take your puppy out frequently, especially after waking up, eating, drinking, playing, and before bedtime.
🐾 Reward successful potty trips immediately with praise and treats. Let them know they made the right choice!
🐾 Establish a routine. Puppies thrive on predictable schedules.
🐾 Supervise closely indoors to prevent accidents and help your puppy learn good habits.

🐾 Remember that accidents happen! Avoid punishment and focus on teaching your puppy what you want them to do instead.

Potty training takes patience, but every successful trip outside is a step toward a well-trained adult dog. The time and consistency you invest now will pay off for years to come.

🐶 Puppy Month Reminder: If your puppy is still having frequent accidents despite a consistent training routine, it may be worth discussing with your veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical concerns.

Tell us below: What's the funniest potty-training story from your puppy days? ⬇️😂

🇺🇸 Holiday Closure Reminder! 🇺🇸

Highline Veterinary Hospital will be closed today, July 3, in observance of the 4th of July holiday. We will resume our normal business hours on Monday, July 6.

If your pet is having an emergency, please contact one of the following:

Blue Pearl in Tukwila - 425.496.1000
Arrow Animal Urgent Care - 425.270.2991
Veg in Federal Way - 253.260.3919

We hope you and your pets have a safe and happy Independence Day! ❤️🤍💙
🎆 Keep pets indoors, ensure they have updated ID tags or a microchip, and provide them with a quiet, secure place to relax during the festivities.

Happy 4th of July from all of us at Highline Veterinary Hospital! 🐾