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Puppy Training Tips – Start Out On The Right Paw!

January 17, 2023

While you and your pup get to know each other, it’s important to establish rules and routines early on. Things that seem cute while our pups are young can become very annoying or even dangerous when your pup is fully grown so it’s really important to set ground rules early on.

Puppy Proofing

Make sure that your home is safe for your new puppy. Cover or lock away anything dangerous that they might chew on such as electrical cords and cleaning supplies and put away shoes or toys that you don’t want them to chew on.

You should also consider baby gates or a crate to also keep them safe.

Preparation for Vets and Grooming

Help your puppy to be accustomed to the handling that comes with a visit to the vets or the groomers.

• Run your fingers over their gums to help them get used to tooth brushing
• Run a brush over their body to prepare them for grooming early on
• Handling your pup’s feet early on will mean that nail clipping isn’t a traumatic event later on
• Visit your vet within a few days of bringing your puppy home

Socialisation

Socialisation should start as soon as your puppy has had all their vaccinations. You can attend puppy classes or head to the local dog park to get them used to other dogs.

Dogs have a critical socialisation period between 3-17 weeks of age. Start socialising your pup as soon as you can in  healthy, safe environments with friendly, vaccinated dogs.

You should also try and expose your puppy to all the things that they will encounter as they get older in a positive way such as people, loud trucks, noisy children, vacuum cleaners and lawnmowers.

Potty Training

Puppies don’t have control of their bladders, so it is important to take them outside regularly to get them into the habit of going outdoors. This might be every two or three hours or after a meal, drink or a sleep. Each pup is different and as you get to know each other, you will be able to establish routines.

Accidents will happen, your house is a new and unfamiliar environment. The first few days can even be stressful on your new pup, so be patient!

Potty training takes time and attention and watching for the signs that your pup needs to go.

Play Training

Your puppy may not be ready to take on big commands, but you can start training from your very first week as part of play time.

Start by training your puppy to recognise their name and simple commands like “come” and “stay”.

Keep the sessions short and fun and your pup will have a very short attention span!

Practice Separation

When you have a new pup, it’s tempting to spend all your time with them because they are just so cute! You will need to leave them at some point and to help with anxiety levels, it’s important to help your new pup get used to you leaving (even if it’s to another room for five minutes).

Lastly, enjoy your new puppy! They grow very quickly, take photos and enjoy getting to know each other!

If you need help with your pup, Jim’s Pet Patrol has franchisees in your area who can provide regular exercise, pop in visits, warm weather check ins as well as corrective training.

Call us today on 131546 to speak to your local franchisee!