Tip 1: Choose Your Dog’s Name Wisely
Part of the fun of bringing home a new puppy is finding the perfect name for them. But did you know certain names are better for training? It helps to consider a short name ending with a strong consonant that they can always hear clearly. A strong ending like in the names “Jasper,” “Jack” and “Ginger,” perks up puppy ears — especially when you place emphasis at the end.
If your new pet is an older dog, they are probably used to their name at this point. However, changing it is not out of the question. And if your new pal is coming out of an abusive situation, a new name may even represent a fresh start. Dogs are extremely adaptable. If you decide to give them a new name, use it consistently and soon enough your pup will respond to it.
Whatever their name, be sure to associate it with fun, pleasant experiences as much as possible, rather than negative ones. Ideally, your pup should think of their name in the same way they think of other fun stuff like walks or dinnertime.
Tip 2: Help Your Dog Relax
When your puppy gets home, give them a warm hot-water bottle, and put a ticking clock near their sleeping area. This imitates the heat and heartbeat of litter mates and will soothe your puppy in their new environment.
This tip may be even more important for a new dog that previously lived in a busy, loud shelter, particularly if they have had a rough time early in life. Whatever you can do to help your new pet get comfortable in their forever home will be good for both of you.
Show them the areas of the house or yard that they can be in and make sure to highlight for them, where it their own special place is.
You might have a special doggy bed or doggy house that is all theirs and knowing that they have this space is important.
Tip 3: Decide on the House Rules
Before your new furry pal comes home, decide what they can and cannot do. Are they allowed on the bed or the furniture? Are parts of the house off limits? Will they have their own chair at your dining table? If the rules are determined early, you can avoid confusion — for both of you.
Make sure all your family members are on the same page with regards to house rules. This consistency will make life easier for all of you and help your puppy learn quickly what is and is not acceptable.
Tip 4: Set Up a Private Den
Like humans, dogs need their own space. As early as possible, give your pup their own private sleeping place, such as a crate. Your dog will benefit from short periods left alone in the comfort and safety of their den; it can also be a valuable tool for housetraining. Be sure to reward your puppy or dog if they remain relaxed and quiet in their den.
While it is an exciting time when you first bring your puppy home and you will be tempted to just play and cuddle, it is smart to start training your puppy as soon as you bring them home.
By starting early, this will set good foundations for your fur baby.
Show them the areas of the house or yard that they can be in and make sure to highlight for them, where it their own special place is.
You might have a special doggy bed or doggy house that is all theirs, knowing that they have this space is particularly important.
Make sure you have already puppy proofed your home to keep your new family member safe.
You can read our tips on puppy proofing your home HERE
Tip 5: Put Together Your Puppy Survival Kit
Much like a first aid kit for your household, it is important to make sure you have a first aid / survival kit for your puppy in the case of an emergency.
Having a kit prepared will take away some of the stress and worry you might face should your new puppy get themselves into trouble.
• Gauze, scissors, tape, rubber gloves
• Wet or grooming wipes
• A towel or blanket
• Collapsible travel food and water bowls
• Medications
• Antibiotic Ointment
• Cotton balls or swabs
• Fresh 3% hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting (always check with veterinarian or animal poison control expert before giving to your pet)
• Ice pack
• Scissors with blunt end
• Tweezers
• Oral syringe or turkey baster
• Styptic powder
• Saline eye solution
• Phone number, clinic name, address of your veterinarian as well as local veterinary emergency clinics.
Tip 6: Choose Your Vet Care
Choosing the right vet for your fur baby is something that you should carefully consider. This is the person that could potentially save your pet’s life and keep them healthy. Both you and your pet should feel comfortable about this person before you make a long-term commitment to work with them.
Your vet should not only be able to take care of all the routine healthcare involved in looking after your pet but should also be able to foresee potential health problems and medical conditions and assist with preventative care.
It makes sense that you take the time to research the vets in your area to find the one that best works for you and your needs.
You can read our tips on how to choose the right vet for your pet HERE
Tip 7: Decide on a Diet for Your Puppy
Your puppy’s diet can make all the difference in its future health and well-being. Before you decide on a puppy food, do your research. Talk to your vet, other pet professionals, and fellow dog owners. Remember that if the food you initially choose does not meet your expectations, you can gradually switch to another food.
In today’s dog-friendly world, the choices of diet seem endless. Some owners like to feed premium foods, while many feel that holistic/natural diets are best. Homemade and raw diets are also becoming increasingly popular.
While researching puppy food, consider the quality of ingredients, inclusion of proper nutrients, and taste. Make sure to choose a food that is appropriate for growth—not adult dog food or “maintenance” formulas. The food should be healthy for your puppy and your dog should enjoy eating it.
Tip 8: Choose a Puppy Groomer
Like we need to find the right hairdresser, finding the right groomer for our paws is essential.
Afterall, there are 6 weeks between a good and a bad haircut for us, so in dog years that’s almost a full 12 months!
Decided if you are wanting a mobile groomer or an in-salon option. Often this decision will come down to personal preference, cost, services provided and convenience.
You might even find that your vet has a groomer that they can recommend or perhaps even offers an in-house groomer.
You can read our tips on how to choose the right groomer for your pet HERE
Tip 9: Decide on Training Methods
Firstly, you need to decide if you are going to do all of the training yourself, or are you going to sign up to Puppy Preschool Classes or even arrange a one-on-one trainer who comes to your home?
If you are going to do all of your own training, you will need to look into what methods will work bets for you and your puppy.
Methods to consider are:
• Positive reinforcement
• Scientific based training
• Clicker training
• Counter conditioning
• Desensitisation
• Socialisation
• Differential reinforcement of
• Incompatible (DRI) or alternative (DRA) behaviours
In the past shock collars, choker collars and other harsh methods were used by many people when training their dogs. We do recommend that you look at options that build a positive connection for your pet and steer clear of the harsher not so ethical methods.
Tip 10: Stay Consistent and Patient
This is a wonderful and perhaps challenging time for your family so make sure you stay patient with your new puppy. You and your new paws are getting to know each other and are you both in a learning stage.
Make sure during this time you keep your actions consistent, not only to make things easier for your puppy but it will also make things easier for you in the long run as you will be building foundations of routine and positive behaviours.
While you might not get things right the first time every time, constant small steps will help you keep stress levels low for both you and your pet.
Just like a new family member, consistency, routine, positive reinforcement will be key for your puppy.
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