Look at that cute little puppy you just got for Christmas! So furry and fuzzy and full of love. The kisses are great, he’s small and cozy, and couldn’t be more adorable.
Until…
He takes a squat right on the carpet, chews up your new shoes, or barks all through the night.
What do you do?
The first week having your puppy home is critical for his training. But even if you have had your puppy longer than that, implementing these rules right away will make for a happier household and pup.
Engaging your pup in positive and good behavior and rewarding them right away will allow them to learn quickly what they should be doing. These 10 tips will give you and your fur baby the best puppyhood yet.
Make sure you have all the tools you need.
You have your new puppy now what? There are so many more additional items puppies need. Do you have a leash and collar? Do you have a crate and small, puppy-approved treats and toys? What about food and water bowls? What kind of diet will you feed him? It’s a lot to think about, we know. But all of these tools and rules will help make your puppy’s transition and routine easier. Instead of gathering tools haphazardly when you get a puppy, make sure you prepare and realize how much commitment and time it will take to raise him and love him forever. If you don’t think you can make that commitment, it might be best to hold off for the moment
Everyone is on board, understands the rules, and agrees on their responsibilities
If you live with friends or family, have a meeting with everyone regarding who is going to do what. For example, who will be responsible for letting the puppy out first thing in the morning? Who is going to train the puppy on a leash and make sure she gets enough exercise? If everyone is aware of their day to day responsibilities, it makes it easier for the puppy to get into a routine and all the responsibility does not fall on one person
Let him sleep
Much like babies, puppies need a lot of sleep and naps. If your puppy seems tired or she lays down, allow her to fall asleep and get some rest. Because she is growing very quickly, her body will tire easily and she will need periodic naps. It is also good to encourage taking naps throughout the day, so when they are older they know when it is time to be quiet and have some down time.
Make sure she understands the rules right away
When you first get a puppy, it might be cute to watch her nibble on your finger or jump up on you, but it is actually creating bad habits from the start. If you tell her to sit and be calm and she does it correctly, reward her with a small treat. Instead of chewing on your finger or shoes, give her a toy or a puppy safe bone to get her used to chewing on something that is not destructive to you or your house.
Use positive reinforcement, not negative discipline
He doesn’t know the rules yet, so he is not meaning to misbehave or do anything wrong. Demonstrate the type of behavior you do want, and use positive reinforcement. If we do not show him what we want out of him, it is almost impossible for him to understand how we would like him to act. When you tell him to come or sit and he follows directions, give a reward right away. Whether it be a small treat or a praising voice, your puppy will realize that he did something correctly and make a mental note that this was good behavior. As an incentive that puppies love, try TruDog Treat Me. Its small enough for your puppy’s mouth and he will love the delicious flavor. Did we mention it is healthy for him?
Schedule an appointment with the vet as soon as possible
Just like a child, it is critical that you understand the health of your dog when he is young. If his breed is prone to certain diseases or has a special need, it is important to know right away. As your pup is getting shots and a thorough examination, talk to your vet about getting your puppy spayed or neutered.
Socialize her with other dogs
What better way for your puppy to learn manners than from older and wiser dogs. Allowing her to interact with others will teach her more than you think. It’s important that she learns to get along with others, as well as when to be submissive and when to play. The older dogs will also correct her behavior in a way you cannot. A small growl or a nudge of the nose will teach her how and when to back off from her elders in a way she will understand clearly.
Give him frequent access to go potty outside
In order to house train your pup better, take him outside on a leash frequently. Pay attention to whether he is going to the bathroom and reward him with a small training treat when he does. This positivity will give him the idea that going to the bathroom outside is what you want him to do. If he gets distracted by sniffing around and playing with bugs as many puppies do, try to give him a little exercise. Running or throwing a ball will help move his bowel and stimulate him to go potty. Also, feeding your puppy at a regular time and letting them out to potty right after is also a good way to help avoid accidents in the house. Keeping this regular routine will likely result in consistent bathroom times and your puppy will know when to go.
Make crate training a positive
Your puppy needs some crate training in order to help with potty and house training. Although it is hard making her sleep in a crate instead of a bed, it will be even worse if she goes to the bathroom on your sheets, or wakes you up every hour. Put your puppy in a crate at night with a blanket so she is comfortable. When she gets into the crate, reward her with a treat, but then walk away. She may whine at first, but she will eventually settle and go to sleep. If she starts to whine in the middle of the night, it could be that she has to go to the bathroom. Take her outside quickly and put her in her normal bathroom spot. As soon as she goes, put her back in her crate to go back to bed. A tip that helps with crate training is to give her adequate exercise before she goes to bed. Wearing her out before she goes to sleep will alleviate her need to get up and move around, and also make her more tired and likely to sleep longer.
Don’t underestimate the benefits of feeding a high quality food
The puppy years of your dog’s life are crucial to how healthy he will be as he ages. Starting your dog off on the right paw will give them a longer and more prosperous life. Feeding a raw kibble or adding raw boosters to your puppy’s food will save you money on expensive vet bills later. By giving him a healthy diet, he can avoid joint issues, allergies, diarrhea, obesity, heart problems, and even cancer. It is well worth the price of a high quality food earlier in life, then severe complications that can happen if he does not develop properly at a young age. TruDog Feed Me is a great way to give your pup the nutrition he needs right from the start. If you are looking to add a supplement for his normal kibble, TruDog Boost Me will pack his food with a powerful superfood punch.
Puppy training can be easy if you use these techniques right from the start. Puppies are happy and loving creatures that are wanting to please you, so rewarding his good behavior will make him aware of the best way to act to, in turn, make you happy. Enjoy the experience with him when he’s young. It is often when the best friendships are made and trust in you is established for life.
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