Tips For New Puppy Owners

A lot of new pet owners will be overwhelmed after only spending a couple days with their new puppy. They are similar to caring for a child and it can be frightening, not only for you but also for your pup. Until they get use to life with you, they will cry, jump, chew, run, bite, and if their not potty-trained, well… that’s a whole other story.

Do you think you are ready to face the consequences? If so, then it is time to fully prepare yourself to welcome your new family member.

General Preparation

• Clean up: Your puppy is not a monster but I’m sure you don’t want your favorite flowerpot shattering or worse your pup becoming ill after chewing on the houseplant. Remove all items on low surfaces in risk of them knocking over or hurting them. Watch out for dangerous household cleaners and purchase electrical cord protectors. Pick up anything you don’t want ruined, puppies love to chew so make sure you have plenty of toys ready.

• Gates and Crates: You obviously can’t puppy proof the entire house. A great way to keep your pup confined is by purchasing a baby gate. These are perfect for when you are cleaning or want to block the dining room when you have guests over. Puppies will get into everything; they want to discover their new home and all of its hidden corners. At night, your crate will become your best friend, reassuring you that your pup isn’t up to something. Provide soft bedding so they know it is a safe place and not for punishment.

• Guidelines: Someone should always be on the look out; the pup is likely to disobey when no one is looking. If no one is there to supervise, you should set up a specific room, behind baby gates. Also, you should get a collar with ID tags just incase your puppy slips from under your fingers.

Getting Comfortable

• Feeling Safe: To make your puppy feel right at home you should feed him food the he is already use too. They will miss their litter so giving them soft toys or a hot water bottle will surely soothe them. For the first few nights, let your puppy sleep in a crate next to your bed. Sleeping in a strange place will feel less lonely with you by their side.

• Socialize: Slowly, show your pup to the outside world, all the unfamiliar noises, and introduce them to new faces everyday. This will help their behavior around strangers.

• Care: Find a veterinarian for neutering, physicals, vaccinations, and any questions you may have about their diet or health issues. Start grooming early on so they get use to it and stay healthy.

Training

• Potty Training: Set a daily routine to get your puppy use to going outside. They should be taken out every two hours and after meals. Watch for signs like circling around in one area. They usually don’t like to go where they sleep so putting them in a crate or in their own room with puppy pads works well too. Repeating this routine is key to puppy potty training.

• There are several methods you can use so your puppy learns the rules of the house. For example, the clicker training method is a simple way to teach your pup to respond. Always reward them for good behavior but don’t punish them harshly for bad. A simple time out in their crate will work; otherwise they will start to fear you. If you aren’t confident about coaching, try puppy classes where they will learn basic tricks and commands.

Think you may need a bit more info?

Feel free to contact us today. Our professional training staff will be more than happy to answer any question you may have. Also, why not take advantage of our free training evaluation.