Puppy Training Tips for the First Week

Bringing home a puppy and introducing her to your home is very exciting for everyone. The only one who may be anxious about the situation will be the puppy. If you handle your puppy properly when she arrives, she will quickly relax and want to settle into her new home.

Prior to bringing your new puppy into your home, you should puppy proof it. Take a look at your home from the puppy’s viewpoint. Does that potted plant sitting in front of the glass door look tempting? You may want to consider moving it to a higher place. What about your favorite collection of teddy bears, or magazines you have in a basket by the sofa? They will most certainly raise the curiosity of your new puppy. As you move these things out of your puppy’s reach, remember it is only for a short time.  Once your new puppy has learned her place in the family, you can put your things back where they go. Your life should never be dictated by your puppy.  However, by removing these curiosity objects from the start, it will allow you to work with your puppy on the basic training she will need to learn.

It is important to understand that as much as you want your new puppy to be a part of your family, your puppy is still an animal. She will take her cues from her environment. If she is allowed to have free run of the home and access to everything, you are teaching her that she is in charge.  Dogs have instincts.  The main instinct of dogs is to live in a pack.  Your new puppy will assume her new family is her pack. If she picks up the clues that she is her own boss and she can do what she wants, whenever she wants, she is being taught she is the leader of her pack. It is much easier on everyone, including the dog, if she learns from the moment she enters the home that she is not the leader and dictator of the family.

One mistake people make is letting their puppy sleep in a utility room, or kitchen.  Dogs are from the wolf family, and really prefer to have a den all their own.  Some people assume placing a dog in a crate is cruel. On the contrary, if crates are introduced properly, they will be much loved by the puppy. When planning for a new puppy, do not go out and buy the biggest crate you can find for your puppy thinking she will grow into it. This is the worst mistake owner’s make.  A crate should be large enough for your pet to stand up and turn around in.  Puppies usually learn from their mothers to not soil in their bed area. If the crate is too large, your puppy may designate a portion of her crate for sleeping, and the other half for soiling. You should also never place your puppy’s food and water in her crate.

When your puppy is first introduced to the crate, do not simply put her inside and lock the door.  This will greatly disturb her.  (You should place the crate in a room in your home where the family gathers. You should not expect the puppy to walk through the entire house to the back guest bedroom to nap.  By having the crate in close proximity to the family, the puppy will feel as if she is still hanging out with her pack, even if she is inside her crate sleeping.) Place the crate where it will stay, and simply open the door.  You can place a towel in the bottom, and a chew toy inside if you want. Some puppy’s are very curious.  They will simply walk inside. Others may be a little more shy with the crate.  Give your puppy time to warm up to the crate. Once she does enter the crate, praise her. You may want to give her crate a name. When she enters the crate, you can repeat the crates name, and give her a treat. 

After your puppy has warmed up to her crate and has entered and exited it a few times, you can close the door.  She may whine and paw at the door.  She may even start yelping and barking. This is okay.  Do not let her out. After about ten minutes, you can open the door and pick her up. Walk her directly to the area designated for pottying. You should never let your puppy out of her crate and allow her to follow you through the house to go outside. Most puppies will simply squat and go where they please. Once you are outside, set her down. You would then encourage her to potty. Choose a couple of words such as, “Go potty,” of “Do your business.” She will not have a clue as to what you are saying, at first.  But, after repeated attempts and with being given a puppy treat and praise, she will learn what those words mean. Most puppies will need to go out at least every hour during the first few days to familiarize them with their potty area. This is a chance for you to catch them doing their business where they need to. Lavish them with praise.

The first few nights may make you wonder why you even brought the puppy home.  The repeated yelping and whining coming from the crate can seriously upset many adults who need their sleep. You should look at your new puppy as the baby in the family. Puppies less than four months of age may need to go out once during the night. When she does, pick up your pup and take her to her designated spot.  After she has relieved herself, place her promptly back into the crate. You should never play with your puppy during the night time hours. This will only encourage her to keep the yelping up. After a few days, your puppy will adjust to the night time patterns of her “pack” and everyone will get more rest. Most dogs are able to make it through the entire night without a potty break around 18 weeks.

Some individuals may think it is harsh to scold a puppy. These individuals may be the same people who have a dog running wild in their home within a year. Dogs which aren’t disciplined can wreck havoc on a home.  You may return to find a shredded couch, chewed up shoes, and garbage strewn all over the place. If there are other pets in the home, you should also consider their feelings. They will most likely be intimidated by such a tyrant, and fights could commence while you are away.

If you catch your puppy chewing on something she shouldn’t, a firm “no” is usually enough to stop her antics. As with other forms of training, this may take a few days for her to learn.  This is why you were advised to move precious things away. Some people have a rolled up newspaper to swat the puppy with if they refuse to heed a “no.” The rolled up newspaper does not hurt. It is simply loud, and it teaches the dog you are the alpha in the family, and not her.  If she were truly in a dog pack, her alpha would nip her soundly. So, don’t feel as if you are mistreating her. In fact, most puppies seem to feel more secure when they know their place.

The most important thing you can do with your puppy besides introducing a crate immediately, instilling a potty routine, and teaching her what “no” means, is to build the relationship with your new puppy.  Get on the floor and play with her. The bond will grow between you and she will love you.  This will make your puppy want to please you and be obedient as well. This goes a long way when you start teaching her other basic commands such as “stay” and “come.”

Choosing the Right Puppy

Puppies certainly know how to draw in the crowds. People immediately fall in love with their cute little faces, soft fur and playful ways, making it all too easy for the potential owner to select the wrong companion. You must, therefore, be more objective when choosing a puppy, by considering your environment, lifestyle, other family members (particularly children under five) and your expectations of dog ownership. Making the right decision at this stage could make all the difference between providing your puppy with a lifetime of happiness and it ending up in a shelter somewhere because you are unable to cope.

Another dilemma faced by first time dog owners is whether to opt for a pedigree or a crossbreed. If you purchase a pedigree puppy it is obviously going to make it easier for you to gauge the eventual size of the dog and its temperament – although nothing can ever be completely guaranteed! A crossbreed, on the other hand, is going to be more of a challenge in that department.

Wherever you go to choose a puppy, you must try to find out as much about it and its background as possible. Whether the puppy is part of a litter or on its own, you must spend as much time with it as you can; see whether it comes willingly towards you, hears sounds easily and is alert and inquisitive. Spending this quality time with a puppy will enable you to see how well it interacts with you and other members of the family.

Other areas to consider are the type of coat the puppy has, as this will tell you how much grooming will be required and how frequently the coat will shed. You will also need to perform your own visual health checks to be sure everything meets with your requirements:

  1. Nose should be cool and wet with no discharge
  2. Ears should be clean and clear with no discharge.
  3. Eyes should be clear and bright with no discharge.
  4. Teeth should be strong and white.
  5. Gums should be pink and healthy.
  6. There should be no signs of breathing problems or coughing.
  7. Coat should be shiny with no sign of infestations, bald areas or redness.
  8. The puppy should be nice and solid, with no ribs protruding and no potbelly (as this can indicate the presence of roundworms).

These checks cannot replace a proper health check performed by a veterinary surgeon, but they will go a long way to helping you come to the right decision.

As well as making rewarding companions for adults and children, a warm and loving home is also essential for a dog’s health and well-being. So even though there are so many adorable puppies out there to choose from, you must remember to choose wisely and not let your heart rule your head!     

Finding a Responsible Breeder

You have decided you want to purchase a puppy. You know exactly what breed, but you are at a loss for finding a breeder. Sure, they are all in the papers, bulletin boards, and the Internet, but who do you know which ones are responsible breeders that will provide with you a healthy puppy and advice for life, and which ones breed only for profit, providing you with a sickly puppy and contact information good only for a few days?

To be able to recognize responsible breeders, you need to know the signs of an irresponsible breeder as well. Irresponsible breeders can not answer your questions about the breed; its exercise requirements, grooming requirements, activity level, temperament, among other breed standards. They can tell you about their dog, but the breed in general is a mystery to them. They have done little to no research on the breed or its characteristics. Irresponsible breeders also provide no form of health guarantee for the puppy once it has left their premises. The puppies have often not been checked by a vet, or dewormed, although they will often have had their first shots. Ask for a health record detailing what they have been given. If you are wanting a purebred puppy, registered with a kennel club, ask about the papers if they do not volunteer the information. Never buy a supposedly registered puppy without having the papers in your hands when you leave. There is no guarantee you will ever get the papers otherwise. The papers usually consist of information for you to fill out and send in to the registry, in order to register the puppy.

Responsible breeders do the opposite of all of the above. They can answer almost any question you ask, and if they do not know one or two, they know exactly where to find out. You can ask about coat color, adult size, activity levels, does the breed shed, or any other question, and they will answer them. Ask about general dog information, and they can answer that as well, not just breed characteristics. They can provide references from previous people who have purchased puppies. A health guarantee and record goes home with each puppy, detailing exactly when the puppy was dewormed, the puppy vaccinations it was given and when, as well as when the breeder’s veterinarian examined the pup. The health guarantee can vary in the amount of time given, but usually provides times for you to take the pup to have it examined by a vet, offering a refund if any defects or hereditary problems are found. A responsible breeder willingly provides you with registration papers, and can give valuable advice as to how to fill them out. Above everything else, you will be able to see a responsible breeder’s concern for the breed, and especially for each puppy in the litter. They will give you contact information, and instruct you to call, write, or email whenever you have a question, or just an update. They are always available to help and to answer any questions as your puppy grows and matures, and goes through the various stages of puppyhood

A wide chasm separates a responsible, caring breeder, from a breeder interested only in making an extra buck. Knowing the signs to recognize the two will allow you to find a good breeder, and even more importantly, your new best friend.

BEST DOG BONES

Dog bones are good for stronger teeth. Bones are healthy for your dog. Many people ignore the importance and health benefits of bones. These bones are generally starch. They are good for your god. Bones have countless benefits to your dog’s health. Bones can do a lot for your dog’s mental and dental health. Bones keep your dog busy and happy. You know pets love something to play around with. When your dog is full, you might see it playing with a bone. We can say, bones can keep your dog busy. However, not all bones a good for your dog. It is important to choose the best bones for your pet dog. Small pet dogs would need small or medium-sized bones; big dogs would need all sizes of bones.

We are going to discuss best bones for your dog.

1. NATURAL BEEF BONES:

These bones are the best bones for your dog. Bones have mental and dental benefits. Your dog will develop strong jaws and teeth. Bones will keep your dog busy. Bones are sources of starch, nutrients and minerals. These bones provide superior jaw exercises and mental benefits for your pet. All natural bones have minimal risks and recommend you supervise your dog’s chewing session.

2. RAWHIDE BONES:

This is another bone that is good for your dog mental and dental health. These bones are available in a variety of shapes and sizes. They are great bones. They are big, medium size and small bones. These bones are great, well packed and affordable.

3. DENTAL BONES:

Dental problems are the worst problems your pet dog can have. These dental bones are available in many sizes depending on the size of your dog. There are small bones for small dogs, medium sized and big bones for big dogs. It is important to buy dental bones that are perfect got your dog. Dental bones help in teeth and strong jaw development.

BENEFITS OF BONES TO YOUR DOG

  • Bones help improve dental and mental health for your dog. Bones ends bad breath, maintains gum health, keeps teeth whiter, and reduces the risk of potential dental problems.
  • Bones provide stimulating activity and relieve boredom. Bones entertains your dog for hours. Bones keeps your pet busy for hours. This would be good for older dogs that are less active.
  • Satisfy dog’s innate urge to chew. This helps your dog to avoid destructive chewing behaviors.
  • Bones relieves your puppy’s teething pain. Every dog needs a bone that matches his or her habits.

Small dogs should have smaller bones. Smaller bones would be great to both small and large dogs. Your dog would be happier while chewing than eating dog food. Chewing is a kind of an exercise for your pet. It is important to identify the best bone size for your dog. If your dog is small, you need to consider buying small bones. These bones are well packed and affordable. Dog owner has a chance to make their pets happy by buying best dog bones for them. Bones are good stuffs for your dog’s health.