Puppies are, without a doubt, one of the cutest pets you can have, especially if you also have young children. However, don’t let that cute face fool you.
When you add a new puppy to your home, even if you already have dogs, it can be a huge undertaking, causing many new puppy owners to feel a bit overwhelmed about how to train and manage this cute little monster who is chewing their shoes.
However, don’t worry. Some basic survival tips will be discussed in this article.
Crate Training
If you want to give your puppy somewhere safe to go when they are tired, it is worth investing in a crate. Crates simulate a natural den, which is a place where puppies would usually nurse and cuddle up to their mom. Crate training your puppy should involve a lot of positive reinforcement for using the crate, giving them toys while the door of the crate is shut (to help manage anxiety), and not scalding them with the crate. It should be a place they go to when they need to nap, not a place where they go when they have been naughty.
Toilet Training
Even if you have a garden, toilet training a puppy is going to take consistency and patience. Yes, they will mess in the house a few times, but do not scald them for it. They are babies, after all. Instead, aim to feed them and then take them out into the garden or yard. If you live in an apartment, take them on short, regular walks, so they can learn that outside is where they go to the toilet. Plus, for your own peace of mind, it is worth investing in some toileting pads to use in the home for those first few months.
Teething
Puppies will absorb their milk teeth and begin teething, usually around the age of 3 months onwards.
This means that everything chewable needs to be put in a high place. Don’t blame the pup if they chewed your Prada shoes that you didn’t move out of their way. Aim to get them sturdy rope toys to chew and get them some food-based chews to munch on. It can even be worth getting an old rag, tying it into knots, and freezing it to give to your teething puppy. If your pup seems to have issues with teething, contact a vet for guidance.
Routine
Puppies, much like dogs, thrive on routine. If you already have a routine with your current dogs, then the puppy should catch on quickly, providing that you stick to it. If you don’t have a routine, set one down, so they will know when it is time for walks, feeds, and play. This will reduce anxiety in your pup and strengthen your bond.
Socialising and Vet Checks
You need to keep in touch with a vet when you have a pup to ensure that they get their jabs and to keep an eye on their progress. As well as this, many people forget that puppies need to play with other dogs to cement social skills and learn etiquette, so aim to get them to your local dog park or puppy class as soon as they have had their shots.