Our dog-training department often gets calls from loving but thoroughly confused new puppy parents that are unsure about what to do now that they have a puppy. Happily we’ve put together this new puppy, now what guide just for you!
#1 Visit the Vet
A health check is extremely important even if your breeder/rescue did one. You need to form a relationship with a veterinarian you can trust and that vet needs a baseline on your puppy. An early checkup will also ensure you are on the appropriate vaccine schedule for your pup and that your puppy doesn’t have an undiagnosed condition.
#2 Get started on house training, crate training and appropriate chewing
You can start training your puppy right away! No need to wait and in all honesty the sooner the better. Puppies should be learning where to go to the bathroom, how to be alone and what they can and can’t chew on right away.
There are a few great books available to get you on the right start including:
- “Perfect Puppy in 7 Days: How to start your puppy off right” by Dr. Sophia Yin, DVM, MS
- “Before & After Getting Your Puppy: The positive approach to raising a happy, healthy and well behaved dog” by Dr. Ian Dunbar
High Tails Pet Resort also offers private, in home training where you can have one on one time with a trainer to ensure your puppy start is a good one! We can help you create a custom plan for house training, crate training, start you off on obedience and solve nuisance behaviours.
#3 Find your pup some friends!
Your puppy has a short window of socialization and they learn best from other dogs! For puppies that are still being vaccinated a safe bet is to invite over a healthy adult dog that is up to date on vaccines to come over and play. You’ll want to ensure you choose an adult dog that likes puppies. The more friends your puppy can make the better!
#4 Meet lots of new people & Visit new places
You’ll want your puppy to meet hundreds of people from all different backgrounds in order for them to be friendly. Invite friends and family over, order take out for delivery and visit places where your puppy can meet new people. A favourite of mine is a train station or grocery store (outside of course). I hold my puppy and allow people to walk by or visit as they like. I encourage people to proceed at a pace comfortable for my puppy. Remember good socialization needs to last a lifetime so it’s important your pup continues to meet people even after adolescence!
#5 Train your puppy
Obedience is crucial to having a puppy that you can take anywhere. Well-behaved dogs can go camping, hiking, visits to friends’ homes, etc. You can start your puppy on training right away – in fact when my Aussie was only 9 weeks he already knew his name, sit, down, stand, get into heel position, leave it, come when called and how to walk on leash. Then it’s just a matter of keeping up your training instead of waiting for your pup to develop issues and try to fix them later. High Tails has some great obedience classes for puppies and dogs of all ages.
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