Congratulations on bringing your new puppy home! It's an, oh, let's call it "exciting" time that's sure to be filled with plenty of adorable moments, and maybe some not-so-adorable moments. In order to create as many positive memories as possible (and avoid your puppy's destructive tendencies), let's start off right.
The initial 24 hours can be overwhelming without the right information. In this comprehensive guide, we'll address everything you need to conquer puppy training on your first day with your furry friend.
Creating a Puppy-Proof Home
Your first important step in puppy training involves making your home a safe haven for your new pet. Just like baby-proofing a house for a toddler, a puppy also requires the same level of safety. This involves moving harmful substances such as cleaning products and small, swallowable items out of paw's reach. Electrical cables are a chewable temptation for puppies, so ensure they are secured or hidden away. Even power outlets should be covered to prevent curious noses from sniffing their way into trouble. Keep in mind, your puppy will have a natural inclination to chew on the most random things, especially during their teething phase, which will start hard-core around 4 months. This could be anything from furniture legs to your favorite pair of sneakers. To prevent destruction, it's advisable to protect these items, perhaps by keeping them in a separate, inaccessible room or by using protective covers. By taking the time to make these changes, you can greatly reduce the risk of accidents, and spare your household items from puppy damage, ensuring a smoother transition into pet ownership.
Introducing Your Puppy to Their New Home
When the time comes to introduce your new pup to their surroundings, it's essential to make the experience as calm and comforting as possible. Begin with the space you've designated just for them—whether it's a puppy-proofed room or a cozy crate. Familiarizing them with this safe space can help alleviate any initial anxiety. As your furry friend begins to settle in, gradually introduce them to the other parts of your home. It might be helpful to guide them on a leash initially, to help manage their excitement and curiosity. As you explore together, point out where they'll find their food and water dishes, where their toys are kept, and where they'll go to the bathroom. Remember to take it slow and steady, letting them sniff around and become familiar with the smells and sights of their new abode. The aim is to avoid overwhelming your new puppy while ensuring they feel secure and loved in their new environment. By thoughtfully introducing them to their new surroundings, you're setting the stage for a smooth transition and a happy, comfortable pup.
Setting Up a Puppy Feeding Schedule
It's crucial to maintain a steady routine when it comes to your puppy's feeding times. Aiming for 3-4 meals per day can help establish this routine, with the exact number of meals dependent on your pup's age, medical history and breed. A consistent feeding schedule is beneficial for multiple reasons. Primarily, it can aid your pet's digestive system by allowing it to adjust to regular intervals of eating. Additionally, a fixed feeding schedule can assist in your housebreaking efforts. Puppies typically need to go outside shortly after they've eaten (anywhere from 15-45 minutes), so having set meal times can help you predict when your pup will need a bathroom break. This can make the housebreaking process more manageable for both you and your new puppy.
Navigating Through Housebreaking Your Puppy
The initial phase of housebreaking your new puppy can indeed seem daunting. However, with a steady hand, patience, and a good deal of consistency, you'll have it under control before you know it. Make it a point to frequently take your puppy outdoors. Aim for periods post meals, play sessions, and after they've woken up from a nap. These are times when puppies often need to relieve themselves, making them excellent training opportunities.
If your pup successfully does their business in the desired spot, be sure to shower them with praise and affection. This positive reinforcement will make them more likely to repeat the behavior in the future.
Undoubtedly, there will be accidents along the way. Don't let this discourage you or cause frustration. Mistakes are a natural part of the learning process for your pup. Simply clean up and continue with the training, always reinforcing the correct behavior.
In the case of persistent indoor accidents, it could be helpful to look back at your pup's feeding schedule. As mentioned earlier, puppies typically need to relieve themselves shortly after eating. Therefore, adjusting meal times to better coincide with your training schedule can sometimes be a helpful strategy in successful housebreaking.
Though it may be challenging at times, keep in mind that housebreaking is only a temporary phase. With persistence and consistency, your new pup will soon understand the rules of the house.
Download our free housebreaking checklist here.
Establishing Leash Walking and Recall
Setting the groundwork for leash walking and recall is a key part of puppy training. It's a good idea to start training in a quiet, familiar space, like inside your home, to minimize distractions. You can make use of a lightweight leash initially to make the experience less intimidating for your pup. During this training, make sure to positively reinforce their behavior when they stay close to you on the leash, perhaps through a treat or verbal praise. Recall training should also be done in a controlled environment at first. Use an upbeat, inviting tone to call your puppy, rewarding them enthusiastically when they come to you. As they become more comfortable and proficient, slowly introduce more distractions to simulate real-world situations. Remember, these skills may not develop overnight. It's crucial to maintain patience and consistency during these training sessions. With time, your puppy will grasp these important skills, making walks and outings more enjoyable for both of you.
Tackling Puppy Chewing
Dealing with a chewing puppy is a common challenge for new pet owners, but with the right approach, it can be effectively managed. As a crucial part of their teething process, as well as to alleviate boredom or stress, puppies often resort to chewing on anything within their reach. Redirect this natural urge by providing a variety of safe and appealing chew toys. Whenever your puppy chooses a toy over a forbidden object, immediately reward them with praise or a treat. This positive reinforcement will encourage them to repeat the good behavior.
Puppy-proofing your home also comes in handy when dealing with chewing problems. Remember to keep your valuable items and potentially harmful objects out of your puppy's reach. Since it's difficult to secure every item that your puppy could possibly deem chew-worthy, it's integral to have a safe-space for your puppy, as previously discussed.
However, if the chewing behavior becomes incessant or destructive, it might be a sign of deeper issues such as boredom or anxiety. In such cases, consider seeking professional help. Engaging a skilled puppy trainer can provide personalized strategies to manage and curb chewing behavior effectively.
Likewise, remember that your puppy’s training and development will extend beyond their first 24 hours at home. A puppy class or puppy kindergarten, for instance, can be a helpful resource for continued training and socialization. These classes often include lessons on appropriate chew toy selection and use, along with other essential training topics.
Ultimately, it's essential to remember that your puppy's chewing phase is temporary and manageable with the right approach and plenty of patience.
Understanding the Importance of Puppy Socialization
A crucial aspect of puppy training is socialization. This process helps your puppy become accustomed to different people, places, and experiences, which promotes their emotional well-being and reduces the likelihood of fear and aggression. The critical socialization period for puppies ends by 16 weeks. After your pup has been properly vaccinated, begin to gradually expose them to diverse environments, such as parks, busy streets, and quiet neighborhoods. Additionally, introducing your pup to a variety of people, including children, elderly individuals, and people in uniforms, can foster a positive perception of humans in general. Interaction with other animals, especially other dogs, is also fundamental in shaping your pup's social skills. This allows your puppy to understand how to interact appropriately with their fellow canines.
Attending a puppy class or puppy kindergarten could prove beneficial in this aspect. These classes provide a controlled and safe environment for your pup to interact with other dogs and people. Plus, they give you the opportunity to learn more about handling your pup in various situations. Though it may be overwhelming at first, your pup will gradually become more confident and comfortable in diverse environments, making outings much more enjoyable. Remember, the earlier you start the socialization process, the better. It's a vital part of raising a well-rounded, happy, and sociable dog.
Dog Training vs. Dog Life
With the Piloting Method, dog training has never been simpler. This revolutionary approach to training focuses on clear communication, positive reinforcement, and building a strong bond between dog and owner. By embracing this method, you can simplify the training process and achieve remarkable results with your furry friend.
The Piloting Method takes into account the unique needs and behaviors of each dog, allowing for a customized approach. Whether you're dealing with a new puppy with housebreaking issues or a dog with frustrating behavior problems, the Piloting Method can help. By working closely with the experienced trainers at Darwin Dogs, you can identify the root causes of your dog's behavior and create a personalized training plan to address them.
One of the reasons the Piloting Method is so effective is its emphasis on consistency and structure. Dogs thrive on routine and predictability, and this method provides them with the stability they need to feel secure and confident. By establishing clear boundaries and consistent rules, you can simplify the training process and reduce anxiety and unwanted behaviors.
Simplifying dog training with the Piloting Method is not only effective but also enjoyable. Say goodbye to the frustration and overwhelming feelings that often come with training a dog. With the lifetime guidance and support of Darwin Dogs, you can simplify the training process and enjoy a happier, better-behaved dog. Embrace the Piloting Method today and experience the positive impact it can have on your relationship with your furry friend.
Learn more about our Piloting method of dog and puppy training here.
Find out more about our private in home 30 Day Best Dog Ever and 30 Day Best Puppy Ever training packages here.
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Kerry Stack
Darwin Dogs
Dog Training and Puppy Training
Located in Cleveland, Ohio