05/22/2023
NEW PUPPY 101: How to Start Things Right
With Summer right around the corner, many people choose this time to bring a new puppy into their home.
So, this is a good time for a 'Beginner' puppy class for new pet parents and a refresher course for you if you haven't had a puppy in awhile.
CRATE FIRST: The first day with your new puppy will involve traveling, whether it’s a short distance from the shelter or a local breeder or a long ride in a car or the cabin of a plane. This is the perfect opportunity to start teaching your puppy to love his crate.
Be sure it’s well stocked with treats and, if possible, a towel or T-shirt that bears the scent of his mother and littermates. That will go a long way toward making him comfortable in his new surroundings.
POTTY BREAK: When you arrive, make sure he potties before you bring him indoors. Praise him and give him a treat when he does. Keep him on leash inside, — free run of the house is still far in his future. To busy to keep watch? In the crate he goes. (Audubon and Cherokee have short, light-weight leashes which are perfect for leash-training your baby)
REST BREAK: Let your puppy spend a short amount of time in his crate. This is a big day for him, and he needs some time to himself, so he can process his new situation. It’s okay to have the crate in the living room or some other area in the home where people are coming and going, but don’t bug him while he’s in there. Unless he needs to go potty, walk away calmly if he starts to whine or bark. Don’t let him out until he’s being quiet.
POTTY BREAK: Remember that puppies don’t have good bladder or sphincter control yet, and excitement can make them need to p*e or poo. Take your puppy out to potty after 15 to 20 minutes of play, as well as after every meal, and first thing out of his crate. A potty run should be the first thing you do with him in the morning and the last thing you do with him at night.
CHECK-UP FROM THE NECK-UP, and Beyond: You’ll want to get your pup to the veterinarian within 48 hours of bringing him home. That’s important to make sure he’s in good health. Many puppy purchase contracts require an exam within that time frame as well. Without it, the seller may be unwilling to accept the pup’s return if he has a serious illness or congenital or hereditary defect.
The first visit can be strictly for a physical exam and weigh-in. It’s a good opportunity for your pup to meet some nice new people, get handled by them and get some yummy treats. Depending on when his last set of vaccinations took place, you can then schedule the next round of vaccinations.
SEVEN SUBSTRATES IN SEVEN DAYS: Most animal trainers recommend getting your puppy familiar with the world around him including the various types of ground that his feet will be touching. Some puppies have only been on grass, or concrete or flooring. It is a very good idea to introduce your puppy to all of the above, plus asphalt, carpet, linoleum and anywhere else his feet may take him..I have seen dogs that refuse to walk or potty in the grass until they become familiar with this strange new texture.
LOTS OF LOVE - If your new dog is a puppy, leaving his litter mates will be much easier if he feels safe, secure and well-loved by his new family. Let him stay with his human family until he wears himself out with play, then try short stints in his crate to avoid separation anxiety..
KEEP IT SIMPLE. KEEP IT SAFE: Training can start from the moment your puppy becomes yours. Start with simple, basic behaviors like sit, stay, down and potty. Be consistent, patient and supportive, remember, he's just a baby.
