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Now that the holidays are behind us, children are going back to school, and parents are back to work, what happens to your new “Christmas Puppy”?
Now is the time to start training them. Puppies are great, but they are A LOT of work. So keeping your training plan simple and consistent is what will make it effective.
Every time I meet with a new puppy client, the first three things we discuss are Housebreaking, Puppy Biting, and Crate Training. These are the fundamentals to raising a happy, healthy, and well-behaved puppy.
Housebreaking is the number one issue for new puppy owners. Here is the super simple housebreaking protocol I use for all my clients: How to Housebreak Any Dog.
Puppy biting and chewing is the second complaint from most puppy owners. As I tell all my clients, puppy biting is very normal and there is no one quick fix solution. Instead, we need to use a multifaceted approach that enables you to best handle your puppy in each given situation. Here’s what you should know about How to Stop Puppy Biting.
Crate training is a critical part of raising a puppy. A dog crate is NOT punishment. Rather, it is a safe place for your dog to rest. It helps keep them out of mischief and prevent unwanted behaviors or housebreaking accidents. Just like you would put your baby in a crib to keep them safe and to let them sleep, a dog crate provides the same opportunity for your puppy. Learn all about proper Crate Training.
Lastly, you need to think long-term when raising a puppy. Very soon, your small, cute, and cuddly puppy will grow into a full size dog. You must start thinking now, if you like the routine and habits you are creating. I recommend my Guidelines for Dog Owners as a cheat sheet for what the household structure and routine should be for your puppy.
Congratulations on your new puppy and don’t forget you have committed to them for their lifetime. They will never let you down or turn their back on you, so start training them now, so you will have 10+ happy and healthy years together!
Dog Trainer Steve Reid of S.R. Dog Training, provides at-home dog training in Westchester NY. To learn more: www.srdogtraining.com. Also “Like” me on Facebook: www.Facebook.com/SRDogTraining.
