You’ve welcomed your new puppy home! Congratulations. There are many things you can do to set you and your puppy up for success. Here are some guidelines:
Feeding
When your puppy is eating regularly walk past and drop some food into their bowl, this will help to teach them that hand’s give not take away all the time and can help to prevent resource guarding.
Toilet Training
When you take your dog out to the garden for a bathroom break go to the same spot in the garden so your dog’s brain starts to associate that spot with toilet breaks. Go out regularly every few hours and especially after play, after waking and after food and before bed and reward your puppy with verbal praise or a treat when they do their business outside.
Cue’s to teach
Leave it and drop it are so important – they can save your dog’s life. The amount of rubbish left on the street is horrendous so teaching these cue’s are a top priority.
Things to buy for your puppy
- A well fitting harness and lead
- Chew’s – whimzee sticks and yak chews are often popular BUT these will be dependent on your puppies age. Green and Wild’s also have puppy chews.
- Water bowl and food bowl
- A comfy bed
- Spray for cleaning up toileting accidents
- A collar with your name and number on
Puppy proofing your home
Ensure all food is put away and out of reach- raisins, chocolate and grapes can all be lethal to dog’s.
Ensure the bin has a lid and can’t be knocked over and rummaged through.
Consider getting baby lock’s on cupboards – dog’s can be inquisitive.
Purchase a baby gate while you’re puppy is learning to wait so they don’t run through doors on to the road.
Time away from your puppy
If you’re going back to work then you’ll need to arrange care for your puppy – hire a professional dog walker. Get testimonials, go out on a walk beforehand and ask lots of questions.
Consider any holidays you’re going to have – do you have friends and family members who can care for your dog? If you’re considering boarding your dog then be sure to ask how many dogs there are in the premises, go and have a look around too A live in pet and house sitter is another option as puppies and dog’s can’t be left alone for long periods.
If you have a new puppy, find out more about how our puppy programme can help with coaching.