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A Proud Owner of a New Puppy? These 4 Essential Pieces of Advice Will Make Your Life Much Easier
Adopting a new puppy is an exciting time for a family. No matter if the canine is from a shelter or a breeder, introducing your new pup into a busy life takes a little time and a lot of patience.
If you are looking for a certain type of dog, one that will fit with your family’s lifestyle, look at a reputable source. A place like VIP Puppies can help with locating the perfect new family member.
Below are 4 essential pieces of advice that will make your life much easier as you introduce a new puppy into your life.
1. Training
From the moment you bring your new puppy home, begin his or her training. Start with potty training.
Begin with newspaper or a puppy pad near the door you are going to be taking them out of. This is only temporary but necessary to show the new dog where you want them to go when they feel the urge to potty. Consistently take them over to the paper and then out the same door.
You may also want to start at an official dog school once or twice a week to work on listening to you, the meaning of “no”, and the basics like “sit”, “stay”, and “come”.
2. Stay on Schedule
Just as babies need schedules, so to do little puppies. It is best to introduce a new puppy into your life over a vacation or a long weekend so you have time to get them on a schedule. Be consistent and set a timer if you need a reminder for potty breaks.
In the beginning, you will need to set up potty, sleeping, and a feeding schedule. Make sure the puppy’s schedule works with your schedule.
3. When to Get Mad
A puppy’s attention span is extremely limited. If he or she chews a shoe and you find it later, they will not understand why you are so mad. Even if you “show” the pup what is wrong.
Know that you can only get mad or upset when you catch the puppy doing something wrong. When you find the puppy going potty in the house, in the wrong area, start by saying a firm and loud “No!” then remove them to the proper potty area.
If you find a potty accident later, get mad while you are cleaning it up. Get upset and mad at the spot on the floor, not the dog. This behavioural trick teaches the puppy not to disappoint you and to avoid that area because it makes you mad.
4. Love and Patience
Know that a puppy is a lot of work and that they can’t tell you when they need something. Always lead with love and positive praise and they will want to please you.
Make up your mind early on that tools like a squirt bottle and a crate are helpers in training your new puppy to be a better dog, not punishments. And then don’t use the crate as punishment. Make it a fun place.
Your new puppy will show their gratitude with years of unconditional love and companionship that will never be matched again in your life.
