New Puppy Care and Training

At such an early stage in their life, puppies seem to develop an uncanny expertise for getting themselves into trouble very quickly. So when it comes to bringing a new puppy into your home the first thing you need to do is plan for its arrival.

Part of that planning involves considering how much of your home you are going to make accessible to the puppy and which parts are going to be out of bounds. This can be especially beneficial during the period that your puppy is being house trained. It is much easier to clear up a little puddle on a floor that is not carpeted for example.

You will also need to consider what represents a hazard for a new puppy, small objects that can be swallowed or might possibly splinter will have to be removed from the accessible area. The same for potentially toxic products such as cleaning materials or even certain types of food.Either that or ensure they are safely locked away. Electrical cables can also represent a hazard, specifically when plugged in and left alive.

Of course only giving the puppy access to a limited area will help in managing the amount of potential hazards, it makes the whole process a little more realistic in terms of keeping the threats out of harms way.

The outdoors is an intriguing place for a new puppy, but in the initial few weeks after vaccination he will need to be kept away from other dogs and what they leave behind. At least until his immunity to such problems as catching disease has developed. Best to ask the vet about this and how long the new puppy needs to avoid direct contact with strange dogs.

As with indoors you need to examine your garden or yard and make sure it is safe, no holes in the fence where your puppy can escape. If you have a pool you will need to be especially careful, he may be able to swim but if he falls in and can't get back out he will be in big trouble.

Make sure there are no plants or anything lying around that could poison the puppy. Have a good clear up or section off anything that poses a threat. Especially if you plan to leave him outside alone. On the subject of leaving him alone, never leave a collar on him especially with a lead attached to it. This is because it is far too easy for a puppy to get caught on something that could lead to choking.

The sooner you start training your new puppy the sooner he will learn what the rules and boundaries of his new life consist of. House training is the first obstacle most puppies have to get over, not helped by the fact that they can't control their bladders to any extent until they are several months old.

It is for this reason that the onus is on you to help ensure he relieves himself in the right location. So there are times when you need to be vigilant, such as first thing in the morning when he wakes or just after a daytime nap. Around a quarter of an hour after eats is another time to watch out for. The best way of dealing with this is to remove the puppy to his toilet area at these times and if he relieves himself in the right location then praise him as a reward.

What you shouldn't do his punish him when he has an accident, remember its not his fault, simply take him to the correct location and let him finish what he started. If you are too late then just make sure you clean the area thoroughly to neutralize any odor and so he isn't tempted to go there again attracted by the smell.

Chewing is another problem, so in the early days you will need to provide plenty of chew toys for the puppy and try and ensure there are not too many personal items the puppy can get to. If he does find and start to chew on something he shouldn't then distract him with his own toy and take your item away.

If a puppy gets into the habit of biting or nipping you, then you will need to show him that it is inappropriate. You can do this by making a sound that startles to an extent, just saying 'ouch' or 'no' then removing your hands from him and stopping playing with him. Perhaps even walk away for a minute so that when you come back and resume play he has had the nipping interrupted and hopefully will stop doing it. If he doesn't then repeat the process until he gets the message - biting means an audible rebuke and no more playing.