01/11/2025
So you got a puppy for Christmas!
But there are a number of normal puppy behaviors that make having a new puppy not as much fun as we might have thought it would be.
1) potty accidents on the floor
2) chewing furniture, carpet, shoes, and everything else!
3) digging up the back yard
4) sharp puppy teeth ripping open hands and feet
5) and more potty accidents on the floor
6) the wild crazy zoomies right about dinner time
7) shrill, loud barking and whining in the crate
8. pulling and chewing on the leash
9) and still, more potty accidents on the floor
10) jumping up on everyone and everything
The above list consists of normal puppy behaviors that make us new puppy owners sometimes wonder why we ever thought getting a puppy was a good idea. They are bothersome behaviors that a little time and training will get rid of.
Research the breed of your puppy and you will have an idea of what temperament and some behaviors your puppy may have. Working breeds are usually much more high drive, high energy, pushy, and require more attention to keep the dog physically and mentally satiated. Some sporting breeds need just as much of your time and energy as the working breeds. Other breeds, or mixes of breeds are more laid back and calm as adults. All puppies are going to take lots of your attention and time!
Puppy proof your home inside and out. Remove everything off of the coffee tables, put all shoes into the closets and close the closet doors. Make sure everyone keeps clothes picked up off the floor...bedroom doors kept closed is the best. Books, eye glasses, phone cords, school projects, etc are all items in danger of damage with a new puppy in the house. Now the outside needs checking. A fence system that is known to contain an adult dog may not be safe for a puppy. Look for spaces between the post and the house, check the distance between the ground and the bottom of the gate, and look for dips in the level of the ground or places where something else has started to dig either in or out of your yard. Check around carefully, a puppy left alone in the yard a few minutes too long will find the escape spots for sure. Also carefully look for plants that may be toxic to dogs, red mulch, palm seeds, etc. Puppies will chew (eat) almost anything! Never leave a puppy outside unattended.
Equipment you will need starts off with a crate suitable for the puppy as an adult. Now they come with wonderful divider panels that are movable as the puppy grows. Rubber toys, some that you can put food or treats in, are great for soothing the gums during teething time. A buckle collar and leash, not a retractable leash, and of course food and water bowls, will make a good start. Do some research on quality dog food, too. Puppies and dogs need a good healthy diet just like people do.
Don't forget your puppy is a thinking, feeling creature who cannot understand your words yet. Be patient and understanding that it will take several months to housebreak this puppy, and possibly longer to teach it all the words and behaviors you need it to know. Remember, dogs cannot learn from “time out” or spanking. You can burn off excess energy by teaching polite behaviors, tricks and games.
For more specific questions or to enroll in puppy obedience classes, contact us!
Puppy hood is short, enjoy every ounce of puppy breath, and carefully build a relationship with this creature that will last in your heart forever!
