By Linda V. (aka Deja)
Making the decision to bring a puppy into your family and into your heart can be very exciting. Who can resist those little balls of fur with eyes that melt you to the core? Fantasies of curling up with your new pup sleeping peacefully on your lap while you lovingly stroke their baby soft fur are irresistible. Let’s face it, puppies are irresistible. You need to be prepared before you bring the new love of your life home. The reality doesn’t match the dream. A new puppy will change your lifestyle and require a huge commitment. Getting through the first several months is going to require a well thought out plan.
Hopefully, you’ve considered carefully and weighed all your options. You’ve researched breeds and selected one that matches your aesthetic ideal and one that fits your environmental living circumstance. You’ve talked to breeders, owners and you’ve done your homework reading, researching and learning all you can about the breed of dog you’ve decided on. It’s time to start making plans.
Maybe you were taken by surprise and you fell in love with a dog or pup from the local shelter, or you were wandering through a pet store and couldn’t resist that sad eyed pup living in less than perfect conditions. You didn’t have time to prepare and before you know it you and your new puppy are beginning the process of learning together. It’s not too late to develop a plan.
No matter what the circumstance, be it a shelter rescue, a long anticipated planned adoption from a selected breeder or the pet store puppy that tugged your heartstrings, you need a plan.
All this talk about having a plan, what does it mean? Life will be much easier if you have everything ready for your dog in advance. Puppies are a lot of fun! They do and will require a tremendous amount of your time, patience and attention. Your puppy will need to be taught how to fit into your household and family. The time and energy invested now will ensure your success together in the years to come.
There are many philosophies and methods of training and house breaking. Save yourself the frustration of trial and error. Research, read and talk to people who are often more than willing to lend some guidance. Sit down with everyone in your household and decide on how you intend to train your dog. Consistency across the board will certainly pay off. The huge reward will be a well mannered dog that knows what’s expected of him and whose place in your family and community is one of security, confidence and compliance.
Use the following information as a guide to prepare yourself and your home for the arrival of your new puppy.
Supplies
• Premium Food
Decide on what you are going to feed your puppy. The selection is varied and vast. Feeding a premium diet can help insure proper growth and development. If the puppy is being fed a different food by its breeder (shelter or pet store) make the switch slowly to avoid unnecessary gastric distress.
• Collar and Leash
Lightweight nylon buckle release collar, size appropriate to the dog should be put on right away. Puppies will get used to it’s presence without much resistance at all. A 4’ or 6’ lightweight nylon leash that is ½ to ¾ inches wide will be a good choice to introduce the pup to wearing a leash. It can be put on the pup for him to drag around. This will serve a double purpose. It will get him used to wearing it, and it will give you easy access to redirect and correct him.
• Crate
A crate will turn into your puppy’s new “den home”. It’s a safe way to transport him to and from the vet. It becomes his personal space where he can get away from it all and nap. Crating options vary. Soft washable bedding should line the bottom. His scent in the crate will provide him with comfort and security.
• Stainless Steel, Non-tip Feeding Bowls
Easy to keep clean and heavy enough to prevent a playful puppy from tipping over.
• Toys
Safe, non-toxic, plush or indestructible, the choices are endless and will serve as comfort, exercise, entertainment and training aids - puppies and dogs need to chew, provide plenty of appropriate chew toys and chew bones – a favorite puppy toy of mine is a Kong filled with peanut butter then frozen. I love to use these as crate rewards; it keeps them quiet, happy, entertained and busy for quite a long time.
• Treats
Size appropriate and appealing, again the choices are endless but I’d stick to high quality (perhaps by the same maker as the diet you choose), little tummies are easily upset.
• Name
Names should be short - two syllable names are good as they aren’t as easily confused with one syllable commands - start using the name immediately, praise and reward your puppy’s attention to name recognition with lots of enthusiasm, love and play.
• ID Tag
Comes in many varieties ready to attach and dangle from the collar, or be attached directly to the collar itself - should not be imprinted with the dog’s name, use your last name and phone number – consider an electronic chip easily implanted under the skin by your Vet in the neck area - the code can be read with a universal scanner that will positively ID the dog - tattoos, another option popular with sporting and hunting breeds are placed on the inner thigh area or on the underside of one ear.
• Veterinarian
Having one selected before you bring your pup home makes it easy for you to establish a good working rapport with your dog’s healthcare provider. Immunization schedules are vital to adhere to.
• Potty Area
Select an area of your yard - make sure it’s free and clear of harmful plants, pesticides, small easily ingested stones, pebbles and wood chip mulching. A “poop-scoop” and rake (there are many variations available for you to select) help keep your dog’s area clean - can cut down on worm reinfestations - lessens the chance of coprophagia – and avoids attracting flies.
•Fencing
Options are many – chain link, privacy stockade, underground invisible fencing – know your breed and make this decision based on what is best for particular dog, your budget and what option you feels best suits your all around need. Until your dog is reliably house broken he shouldn’t be let out alone. Keep him on a leash for your potty outings. Keep him on a long light check cord for exercise, training sessions and play. Keep him in control and don’t give him the opportunity to run. Again, become the center of his universe, his leader, guide, teacher and best friend. Keep him close physically and emotionally. He’ll earn his off-leash freedom as he matures and learns to obey the rules you teach him.
Make your home safe. Get down on the floor and look at the world from the puppy’s perspective. Remove anything that could put your inquisitive new buddy in harms way. Your puppy should be kept in a “safe space” when you aren’t directly supervising him. This space should contain his crate, toys, food and water bowls, soft washable bedding or towels and ideally should be on a washable surface such as the kitchen floor. It’s easy to create an area like this using outdoor baby play-pens, baby gates or even sheets of ply-wood, sanded smooth and cut to form a barrier custom sized for the room you decide to use. I like the safe-spaces I create to be where the dog can see and be part of the activity and flow of the house. When your pup is out of his safe-space he should be supervised at all times. I can’t impress the importance of that point too much. The puppy needs to be confined, supervised and directed. He’ll learn, grow and earn freedom along the way. You can think of him in terms of a human baby, he is a baby. He can’t make good choices for himself right now. He needs you to make them for him. You wouldn’t let a 10 month old infant have free reign of the house because at that age they need an ever vigilant watchful eye, so does your puppy. Introducing the crate, house breaking and general obedience issues can be controlled much easier by adhering to a plan such as this.
Homecoming Day
The day you bring your puppy home will be exciting. Try to keep things as low-key as possible. Comfort your pup on the ride home by snuggling him in a blanket that you’ve rubbed in his whelping box, on his mother and littermates and around the house (or kennel) that he’s been living in. Do this with a plush toy also and put both in his safe-space when you get home. He should be wearing his collar and leash.
The first thing you should do when you arrive home is take the puppy to his potty area outside. Let him sniff around, if he happens to eliminate here, lavish him with praise. Avoid having guests and a house full of activity, this could be overwhelming. Bring the puppy inside and try to settle him down for a nap. You can try napping him in his crate or the blanket you brought him home with in the safe-place. The routine starts now.
Every time your puppy wakes up, take him outside to his potty area. When he’s successful, praise and reward. After each play session, take him out to potty. Whenever you notice circling or sniffing behavior, take him out to potty. Consistency in this area will reward you with a puppy that quickly catches on to what’s expected of him. Should you catch him in the act of relieving himself in the house, a sharp loud NO! will get his attention, quickly scoop him up and take him outside to his potty area. Say “go potty”, or whatever words you choose to associate with this behavior, then reward for success!
Your puppy will have been introduced to the members of your household, his safe-place and his potty-area. Now it’s time for him to know that he is not allowed to bite. Biting may seem cute right now, but it can lead to very bad behavior that will be hard to correct later. Whenever your puppy mouths any part of your body you should let out a high-pitched yelp and instantly stop interacting with the dog. The puppy will get the message and decide that humans are tender beings who must be treated gently if they are to be his playmates! When he learns this, you have bridged a major hurdle and taught him a very valuable life lesson.
Make sure everyone in the house follows the same rules. If Mommy lets puppy snuggle on the couch with her and Daddy says this is unacceptable behavior it will only send a very confusing message to the puppy you are trying to teach and train. Become a united front and be consistent with your expectations. You will have more successes than failures.
Set your puppy up to succeed! Training begins day one and is part of your every day interactions with your new dog. Establish yourself as pack leader and as you are tested along the way, retain this position and you will have a wonderful relationship based on mutual trust.
Keep play sessions short. Puppies tire easily. When you notice your pooch starting to poop out, it’s naptime. The cycle starts over.
The first few nights can be very upsetting for everyone. Consider keeping the puppy’s crate next to your bed. Your smell, voice and hand reaching down to settle and comfort might be enough to calm him. Do not punish him for crying and don’t take him out of the crate. If you do you are setting up the wrong dynamic right from the beginning. This is not what you want to do. You will teach him that whining and fussing gets him rewards. Of course if your pup is 6 to 8 weeks old, be prepared to take him out of the crate every 2 hours or so to be taken outside to potty. You may make 20 or more trips a day while your puppy is young. Have patience, have faith, be consistent, it will pay off, I promise. Don’t forget the almighty praise! When your pup is successful and does what you have clearly let him know you expect, act like it’s the greatest thing on earth. Actually, it is! House-breaking can be accomplished with minimal struggle and less frustration if you are prepared, in charge and constant in your efforts. Consider feeding on a schedule. You will learn his bowel and bladder habits quickly. Pick up all food and water several hours before bedtime. A good play romp before his last pre-bedtime outing should empty him, tire him out and may buy you a good stretch of much needed sleep.
Socialization is important but avoid taking your puppy to public parks, dog parks or walking him in areas that are popular with other animals until he’s received his immunizations. Check with your vet and follow his instructions as to when he feels your dog is considered protected. Don’t take unnecessary risks when it concerns the health and wellbeing of your cherished new family member.
Be prepared, have a plan and stick to it. It’s not as easy as it sounds but it’s certainly possible. It will make your puppy’s transition to your family easier and less stressful for everyone. Start out the leader and stay the leader. Be gentle, understanding, and firm. Make your expectations crystal clear and watch your puppy blossom into the best friend you will ever have.
Making the decision to bring a puppy into your family and into your heart can be very exciting. Who can resist those little balls of fur with eyes that melt you to the core? Fantasies of curling up with your new pup sleeping peacefully on your lap while you lovingly stroke their baby soft fur are irresistible. Let’s face it, puppies are irresistible. You need to be prepared before you bring the new love of your life home. The reality doesn’t match the dream. A new puppy will change your lifestyle and require a huge commitment. Getting through the first several months is going to require a well thought out plan.
Hopefully, you’ve considered carefully and weighed all your options. You’ve researched breeds and selected one that matches your aesthetic ideal and one that fits your environmental living circumstance. You’ve talked to breeders, owners and you’ve done your homework reading, researching and learning all you can about the breed of dog you’ve decided on. It’s time to start making plans.
Maybe you were taken by surprise and you fell in love with a dog or pup from the local shelter, or you were wandering through a pet store and couldn’t resist that sad eyed pup living in less than perfect conditions. You didn’t have time to prepare and before you know it you and your new puppy are beginning the process of learning together. It’s not too late to develop a plan.
No matter what the circumstance, be it a shelter rescue, a long anticipated planned adoption from a selected breeder or the pet store puppy that tugged your heartstrings, you need a plan.
All this talk about having a plan, what does it mean? Life will be much easier if you have everything ready for your dog in advance. Puppies are a lot of fun! They do and will require a tremendous amount of your time, patience and attention. Your puppy will need to be taught how to fit into your household and family. The time and energy invested now will ensure your success together in the years to come.
There are many philosophies and methods of training and house breaking. Save yourself the frustration of trial and error. Research, read and talk to people who are often more than willing to lend some guidance. Sit down with everyone in your household and decide on how you intend to train your dog. Consistency across the board will certainly pay off. The huge reward will be a well mannered dog that knows what’s expected of him and whose place in your family and community is one of security, confidence and compliance.
Use the following information as a guide to prepare yourself and your home for the arrival of your new puppy.
Supplies
• Premium Food
Decide on what you are going to feed your puppy. The selection is varied and vast. Feeding a premium diet can help insure proper growth and development. If the puppy is being fed a different food by its breeder (shelter or pet store) make the switch slowly to avoid unnecessary gastric distress.
• Collar and Leash
Lightweight nylon buckle release collar, size appropriate to the dog should be put on right away. Puppies will get used to it’s presence without much resistance at all. A 4’ or 6’ lightweight nylon leash that is ½ to ¾ inches wide will be a good choice to introduce the pup to wearing a leash. It can be put on the pup for him to drag around. This will serve a double purpose. It will get him used to wearing it, and it will give you easy access to redirect and correct him.
• Crate
A crate will turn into your puppy’s new “den home”. It’s a safe way to transport him to and from the vet. It becomes his personal space where he can get away from it all and nap. Crating options vary. Soft washable bedding should line the bottom. His scent in the crate will provide him with comfort and security.
• Stainless Steel, Non-tip Feeding Bowls
Easy to keep clean and heavy enough to prevent a playful puppy from tipping over.
• Toys
Safe, non-toxic, plush or indestructible, the choices are endless and will serve as comfort, exercise, entertainment and training aids - puppies and dogs need to chew, provide plenty of appropriate chew toys and chew bones – a favorite puppy toy of mine is a Kong filled with peanut butter then frozen. I love to use these as crate rewards; it keeps them quiet, happy, entertained and busy for quite a long time.
• Treats
Size appropriate and appealing, again the choices are endless but I’d stick to high quality (perhaps by the same maker as the diet you choose), little tummies are easily upset.
• Name
Names should be short - two syllable names are good as they aren’t as easily confused with one syllable commands - start using the name immediately, praise and reward your puppy’s attention to name recognition with lots of enthusiasm, love and play.
• ID Tag
Comes in many varieties ready to attach and dangle from the collar, or be attached directly to the collar itself - should not be imprinted with the dog’s name, use your last name and phone number – consider an electronic chip easily implanted under the skin by your Vet in the neck area - the code can be read with a universal scanner that will positively ID the dog - tattoos, another option popular with sporting and hunting breeds are placed on the inner thigh area or on the underside of one ear.
• Veterinarian
Having one selected before you bring your pup home makes it easy for you to establish a good working rapport with your dog’s healthcare provider. Immunization schedules are vital to adhere to.
• Potty Area
Select an area of your yard - make sure it’s free and clear of harmful plants, pesticides, small easily ingested stones, pebbles and wood chip mulching. A “poop-scoop” and rake (there are many variations available for you to select) help keep your dog’s area clean - can cut down on worm reinfestations - lessens the chance of coprophagia – and avoids attracting flies.
•Fencing
Options are many – chain link, privacy stockade, underground invisible fencing – know your breed and make this decision based on what is best for particular dog, your budget and what option you feels best suits your all around need. Until your dog is reliably house broken he shouldn’t be let out alone. Keep him on a leash for your potty outings. Keep him on a long light check cord for exercise, training sessions and play. Keep him in control and don’t give him the opportunity to run. Again, become the center of his universe, his leader, guide, teacher and best friend. Keep him close physically and emotionally. He’ll earn his off-leash freedom as he matures and learns to obey the rules you teach him.
Make your home safe. Get down on the floor and look at the world from the puppy’s perspective. Remove anything that could put your inquisitive new buddy in harms way. Your puppy should be kept in a “safe space” when you aren’t directly supervising him. This space should contain his crate, toys, food and water bowls, soft washable bedding or towels and ideally should be on a washable surface such as the kitchen floor. It’s easy to create an area like this using outdoor baby play-pens, baby gates or even sheets of ply-wood, sanded smooth and cut to form a barrier custom sized for the room you decide to use. I like the safe-spaces I create to be where the dog can see and be part of the activity and flow of the house. When your pup is out of his safe-space he should be supervised at all times. I can’t impress the importance of that point too much. The puppy needs to be confined, supervised and directed. He’ll learn, grow and earn freedom along the way. You can think of him in terms of a human baby, he is a baby. He can’t make good choices for himself right now. He needs you to make them for him. You wouldn’t let a 10 month old infant have free reign of the house because at that age they need an ever vigilant watchful eye, so does your puppy. Introducing the crate, house breaking and general obedience issues can be controlled much easier by adhering to a plan such as this.
Homecoming Day
The day you bring your puppy home will be exciting. Try to keep things as low-key as possible. Comfort your pup on the ride home by snuggling him in a blanket that you’ve rubbed in his whelping box, on his mother and littermates and around the house (or kennel) that he’s been living in. Do this with a plush toy also and put both in his safe-space when you get home. He should be wearing his collar and leash.
The first thing you should do when you arrive home is take the puppy to his potty area outside. Let him sniff around, if he happens to eliminate here, lavish him with praise. Avoid having guests and a house full of activity, this could be overwhelming. Bring the puppy inside and try to settle him down for a nap. You can try napping him in his crate or the blanket you brought him home with in the safe-place. The routine starts now.
Every time your puppy wakes up, take him outside to his potty area. When he’s successful, praise and reward. After each play session, take him out to potty. Whenever you notice circling or sniffing behavior, take him out to potty. Consistency in this area will reward you with a puppy that quickly catches on to what’s expected of him. Should you catch him in the act of relieving himself in the house, a sharp loud NO! will get his attention, quickly scoop him up and take him outside to his potty area. Say “go potty”, or whatever words you choose to associate with this behavior, then reward for success!
Your puppy will have been introduced to the members of your household, his safe-place and his potty-area. Now it’s time for him to know that he is not allowed to bite. Biting may seem cute right now, but it can lead to very bad behavior that will be hard to correct later. Whenever your puppy mouths any part of your body you should let out a high-pitched yelp and instantly stop interacting with the dog. The puppy will get the message and decide that humans are tender beings who must be treated gently if they are to be his playmates! When he learns this, you have bridged a major hurdle and taught him a very valuable life lesson.
Make sure everyone in the house follows the same rules. If Mommy lets puppy snuggle on the couch with her and Daddy says this is unacceptable behavior it will only send a very confusing message to the puppy you are trying to teach and train. Become a united front and be consistent with your expectations. You will have more successes than failures.
Set your puppy up to succeed! Training begins day one and is part of your every day interactions with your new dog. Establish yourself as pack leader and as you are tested along the way, retain this position and you will have a wonderful relationship based on mutual trust.
Keep play sessions short. Puppies tire easily. When you notice your pooch starting to poop out, it’s naptime. The cycle starts over.
The first few nights can be very upsetting for everyone. Consider keeping the puppy’s crate next to your bed. Your smell, voice and hand reaching down to settle and comfort might be enough to calm him. Do not punish him for crying and don’t take him out of the crate. If you do you are setting up the wrong dynamic right from the beginning. This is not what you want to do. You will teach him that whining and fussing gets him rewards. Of course if your pup is 6 to 8 weeks old, be prepared to take him out of the crate every 2 hours or so to be taken outside to potty. You may make 20 or more trips a day while your puppy is young. Have patience, have faith, be consistent, it will pay off, I promise. Don’t forget the almighty praise! When your pup is successful and does what you have clearly let him know you expect, act like it’s the greatest thing on earth. Actually, it is! House-breaking can be accomplished with minimal struggle and less frustration if you are prepared, in charge and constant in your efforts. Consider feeding on a schedule. You will learn his bowel and bladder habits quickly. Pick up all food and water several hours before bedtime. A good play romp before his last pre-bedtime outing should empty him, tire him out and may buy you a good stretch of much needed sleep.
Socialization is important but avoid taking your puppy to public parks, dog parks or walking him in areas that are popular with other animals until he’s received his immunizations. Check with your vet and follow his instructions as to when he feels your dog is considered protected. Don’t take unnecessary risks when it concerns the health and wellbeing of your cherished new family member.
Be prepared, have a plan and stick to it. It’s not as easy as it sounds but it’s certainly possible. It will make your puppy’s transition to your family easier and less stressful for everyone. Start out the leader and stay the leader. Be gentle, understanding, and firm. Make your expectations crystal clear and watch your puppy blossom into the best friend you will ever have.