Getting a new puppy usually leaves your mind full of wonderful ideas like warm cuddles, sweet puppy breath and playing fetch. But there are some real challenges you face when you become a new puppy owner. After all, their cuteness can only go so far when you’re finding chewed up shoes and cleaning up accidents every day.
That’s why we’ve found the best tips that you need to know to make sure you and your new puppy end up with a great relationship.
Housebreaking & Crate Training
Cleaning up after a puppy that isn’t housebroken is exhausting. That’s why potty training is usually the first priority for new owners. It can be easy or it can be extremely challenging. This depends on both your dog’s breed and your consistency. Crate training is a great way to help them learn their body’s cue to potty as well as keeping your house free from mess.
Set them up a crate in a quiet place where they will feel safe. Place them there when they need a break from socialization, for sleep and any time you’re unable to supervise them. Just make sure they get ample time outside of the crate and that you take them out to potty often. Consistency is really key in successful housebreaking. It can be a tiring few weeks, but it is well worth it. For more detailed instructions check out this article from Dog Time.
Puppy Socialization & Training
One of the best things you can do for your puppy is to sign them up for a socialization and training class. Here they get a chance to interact with other dogs without you having to worry. It’s a professional and supervised environment unlike at the dog park, so no one will get bullied. This helps shy dogs build confidence and you can learn more about how dogs communicate through body language.
Your puppy will also be able to learn basic training skills such as, sit, stay, lie down, and come. Plus, the training helps ward against nipping and barking as well as getting comfortable being on a leash.
The benefits of a well trained and socialized puppy are wonderful. By knowing how your puppy interacts with the world around them you will be able to read their cues and understand them in social situations. You can take them out in public without having to worry about how they will act. Your home life will be far more peaceful too.
Destructive Behavior of puppy & Exercise
Almost every pup has the natural instinct to dig, shred, scratch and gnaw. This can wreak havoc in your home and is often the most stressful part of owning a new puppy. Thankfully, by reinforcing training and having a consistent level of expectations at home will help. You may need to limit the areas in the home where they are allowed. And don’t forget to make sure the entire family is on the same page for training. It doesn’t help if your puppy is confused by different rules enforced by different family members.
What’s even better is making sure your puppy has ample exercise. A worn out, stimulated pup will be too tired to chew the furniture or destroy a plant out of boredom. With training and exercise, this challenging stage of puppyhood will soon be all just a memory.
Separation Anxiety & Fear
It is extremely common for a new puppy to have separation anxiety. They usually occur around 8-11 weeks and again around 6-14 months of age. Your puppy is trying to figure out what to trust in the world and what is dangerous. It can be heartbreaking watching your puppy cower, shiver and whimper when you know that they are completely safe. Make sure to deal with it calmly and balanced. Ask your veterinarian for tips and possible support for their fear if needed.
There’s no doubt that raising a new little one is full of challenge, but it’s also extremely rewarding. Once you successfully get out of the awkward puppy and teenage stages, you’ll have a best friend for life. There nothing like a canine companion!
And if you need someone to keep your dog entertained during the day, give us a call for dog walking services! We’d be happy to be poked, come play, walk and care for them to break up long days when you’re out and about.
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