Puppy Proof Your Home Before Arrival
Make sure to hide electrical cords and cables, keep rubbish out of reach, put child-proof latches on cupboards/closets, secure cleaning supplies. Keep clothes that smell like you picked up and away, and keep dangerous things in the bathroom secured — razors, perfumes, cotton balls, soap, etc… and keep the toilet lid down at all times.
Bringing a Puppy Home
Take her on a walk to tire her out first; invite them into your home after you still have them on leash, and establish it as your house as you introduce them to it. This doesn’t mean that you’re trying to tell your dog that they’re forever a guest and they can’t be comfortable, instead you’re laying the foundation that house rules exist in this place and that this is your place of calm with some play, not a playground. If from day one you teach your puppy that they have ‘the keys to the kingdom’ so to speak and your house becomes a trigger for excitement, well then every minute they’re inside they’ll be bursting with out of control excitement. This might be cute for a few weeks but it won’t at all be fun when they’re a fully grown adult who can’t control themselves and never rests.
Everyone Remain Calm
Teach your puppy that everyone’s ‘default mood’ is to be calm, and that you can get excited when it’s the time and place. Having a dog who’s default mood is running around hysterically all the time can be exhausting. In small, controlled bursts is fine, but you want them to be calm and relaxed most of the time. Believe it or not, they’re happier when they’re taught this.
Establish a Regular Schedule
Establish a regular schedule for walks, feeding, toileting and playtime, and stick to it. Make sure your puppy gets potty time every two to four hours at first, and five to thirty minutes after eating, which is when they’ll have to naturally go.
Never Discipline Your Puppy
Do not discipline your puppy for an accident in the house or misbehaviour that you didn’t catch them doing. They won’t make the association and you’ll just confuse them. Stay calm and clean up. If you do catch them toileting inside, just a simple ‘uh oh’ will suffice. We want them to think that it was just a mistake and not a terrible crime. Scolding your puppy or worse will instead teach them that it’s dangerous to toilet all together and especially around you. Then, you’ll be wondering why they won’t go outside when you’re with them and why they’re trying to do it in secret, normally behind a couch.
Puppies Use Their Mouths When They Play
We have to teach them what’s appropriate and what isn’t when it comes to mouthing and biting. Gentle play continues. Rough play stops and gets a puppy time-out.
Dogs are often hauled off to shelters because they have bitten a member of the family. If a dog exhibits aggressive behaviour, it must be dealt with immediately. Biting can be avoided if a dog is properly trained and socialised, and if behavioural issues are addressed before they worsen.
Establish Mouth Rules
If you don’t want the puppy mouthing people at all, redirect them before their mouth makes contact by using a chew or a treat and get them to bite onto that instead.
Establish A Relationship With The Vet Right Away
If you already have one you like and trust, great. If not, find one as soon as possible to start your puppy on a lifetime of good health.
Consider Pet Insurance
Invest in canine health insurance especially while they’re young and premiums are lower. This can cover things like routine visits, vaccinations, and a lot of the major cost of surgeries, and make it much easier and cheaper to maintain your dogs healthy properly.
Be Patient
Remember that puppies are just learning the rules, boundaries, and limitations, and it can take them a few tries to get it right. A failure today is not a failure forever, so don’t get frustrated. Do stay calm and consistent and your puppy will get it eventually.
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