Training and Caring for a New Puppy

One of my favorite memories when I was younger was the first time we got a new puppy. Of course I like any typical child was quick to make promises of taking care of the dog and not really realize the full spectrum of responsibility it would be. Much older now and wiser, I have learned some great tips on training your new puppy.

 

First, it is wise to do some research on which type of dog you want. The internet is probably the most convenient way to do this. Some dogs are easier to care for than others. Long haired dogs need constant grooming or matting will occur, etc.. Do you want an indoor dog, or an outdoor dog?  Most often indoor dogs are small in size, although some people don't mind having a larger dog indoors. Also, at the onset you will need to keep your puppy from chewing your furniture and belongings up. It is common sense here, but bigger dogs make bigger messes. 

 

 

Yes, this is the first thing you want to do if you get an indoor dog. Some poeple prefer paper training, but I do not unless you cannot spend much time with them at first. I prefer to take them outside to the grass until they go potty than reward them with a treat. While indoors, you will have to be on the alert for squatting. This means you will have to spend a lot of time with them at first. You will also have to be quick. If you see them begin to squat, a quick loud "hey" will usually get them to stop long enough to get them outside. Then reward them with a treat. I have seen quicker results doing it this way. Soon your dog should go to the door when it is time to go potty.

 

 

Ideally, you want your dog to walk at your side when they are on a leash. I acomplish this by taking a small handful of treats with me outside. When your dog tries to take the lead you need to stop walking and call them to you. When they come, give them a treat. Then begin walking and guiding them to your dominant side (most people are right handed). When they lunge ahead or stray off, stop and call them to you again. When they come reward them with a treat. It shouldn't take very long to accomplish this. Dogs usually want to do what you want anyhow. You just need to assert to them that you are the leader or they will want to take the dominant role as they are pack animals.

 

All dogs like to chew things. For one thing, they don't have hands to grab things so they grab them with their mouth. However, you will want to quickly establish to them what is thiers and what is yours. Usually a sharp command word will get thier attention and get them to stop. If they persist, a short timeout in a crate works well. If they stop when you give the commend to do so, reward them with a treat. For excessive chewers, bitter apple spray works pretty well. Lastly, you need to get them toys they can chew on. After a while they will know that those toys are thiers.

 

You will need to get your new puppy some supplies. First, they will need a good bed to sleep on. There are plenty of good quality dog beds available. You can go from simple to very fancy if you desire. Just make sure you get them something that will last for a while. Washable covers are a good idea too incase of accidents. You can find a much broader selection on the internet than in your local pet store. The net is also a better place to find collars and toys for your dog. You will want to find some healthy food, bowls and some healthy treats as well.