Training your new puppy can be a rewarding experience, and with the right treats, it can even be easy to get them to learn to sit and stay.
Bringing a new puppy home is the start of a new, exciting chapter in your life. Full of tail-wagging, belly rubs, and endless cuddles, this adventure will be sweet and fun. But on certain puppy-filled days, your home may feel like a battle against the odds with chewed-up shoes, messy pee pads, and a whole set of bedding to wash. When do you get to the happy ending of this chapter, where you’ve got a calm, normal dog?!
Needless to say, raising a puppy requires time, effort, and patience (imagine trying to bake a cake with a hyperactive Yorkie at your feet). But fear not, fellow dog owner. From potty training mishaps that'll make you question your choice to adopt, to mealtime fiascos that rival a toddler's picky eating habits - we've got you covered!
In this blog, we're here to provide you with a ‘ruff’ guide on what to expect with a new puppy. Through positive training techniques, the right foods, and lots of love, your puppy can grow into a healthy, well-behaved dog in spite of the occasional chaos. Let’s embrace the puppy madness together!
6 Paw-sitive Training Techniques
Training is a critical aspect of new puppy parenthood, and it's never too early to start (even as early as Day 1!). But be prepared for some trial and error as your pup learns the ropes. Here are six tips that will help you and your pup reach five-star, good boy or girl status - with some new party tricks to boot!
Start with the basics. Begin with basic commands like "sit," "stay," "come," and "leave it." These commands will form the foundation of your training and help your puppy learn to follow your lead. Remember, you’re the leader of the pack!
Use positive reinforcement. Who doesn’t love a lot of positive attention? Reward your puppy with plenty of treats, praise, and affection for good behavior when they’ve #nailedit. This will help them associate good behavior with positive outcomes.
Be consistent. When we say, “Consistency is key,” we mean it. When training your new puppy, use the same words, tone of voice and rewards each time you train them. They’ll get used to it and begin to associate the right words with the right actions in no time.
Keep it short and fun. Puppies have short attention spans, so keep training sessions to 10-15 minutes and make them fun. This will help your pup enjoy and look forward to learning. Pro Tip: take breaks and have some toys ready for playtime. A tug toy or ball for fetching are great options that allow your dog to burn through all that puppy excitement before it’s time to focus again. Even puppies need to recoup when learning something new - just like that time you decided to take up knitting. Who knew crafting for hours could cause wrist burnout?!
Be patient. Puppies take time to learn, so don't get discouraged if they don't get it right away. Stay patient and positive, and they’ll eventually learn what you expect of them.
Practice every day. You know it - practice makes perfect! Make training a daily routine, just like your yoga practice or gym schedule. It will help their active and growing brains adapt to new commands, reinforce good behaviors and help your pup learn faster.
Training your puppy is an ongoing process that requires patience, consistency, and plenty of positive reinforcement. Keep it fun and be sure to celebrate your pup's successes along the way.
New puppies need a lot of nutrition and exercise to help support their growing muscles. A diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber is a great place to start them on the right track.
Puppy Food That Nourishes Their Growth
Did you know some puppies continue growing up to 24 months?! And in the first 12 months, they can grow to 80-100% of their full size. Because their little bodies are working so hard to build all those muscles and strong bones in their first year, your wiggly fur ball requires a balanced and nutritious diet to support all their puppy parts and keep them strong.
When considering a diet for your new family member, a great place to begin is our Healthy Start Pack for small or large-breed puppies. Our bundles will get your pint-sized (or gallon-sized!) pooch off on the right paw towards a happy, healthy life.
Everything you need for a new puppy is in these packs! Each kit includes a:
Bag of puppy food, for small or large breeds: Many of our pet foods, including our Small & Medium Puppy Food, are made with Firmtastic - a proprietary fiber blend that makes their poops easier to pick up and less smelly. This is something you’ll really appreciate since house training is #1 on your New Puppy To-Do List. Our food systems are designed to work together for a holistically formulated diet tailored to your puppy’s specific needs. Bonus: it helps improve their digestion and is easy to transition!
Wellness Food Supplement: This supplement is the perfect complement to your pup’s daily diet. It’s made from a broad array of probiotics and naturally nutritious ingredients like chicken liver, cranberries, carrots and eggs - real food that helps maintain your new puppy’s overall skin, coat, heart, and immune health.
Variety of treats: For training time or any time! Pork & Apple Sausages, Tasty Rewards, and Water Buffalo Bully Sticks are made from wholesome proteins with crave-able flavors that will have your puppy doing the happy dance every time you open the pouch.
Specialty pet care products: Treat your pup to a little pampering to help ease the transition to their new environment with our Ear Care Formula, Revitalizing Shampoo, and aromatherapy Bath Fresh Mist. There’s nothing like that new puppy smell!
Ultimately, you’ll want to consult with your vet to determine the right plan for your pup's breed, size, and age. But as a new parent, you should stick to a regular feeding schedule and measure out portions to avoid overfeeding. (Keep in mind: our serving portions are a little different because our foods are more nutrient dense.)
Puppy Behaviors: The Good, The Bad, and The Paw-some
Puppies are known for their playful and curious nature. It’s what we love about them most! But they can show some less desirable behaviors that will make you want to pull your hair out some days.
Here are some things you can expect and how to encourage better behaviors:
Chewing: Puppies explore the world with their mouths. just like toddlers but without the diapers. So be ready for them to chew on anything they can sink their teeth into, including your favorite bag or furniture. Provide appropriate chew toys and redirect their focus to discourage chewing on forbidden items and save yourself from having to buy a new pair of leather shoes.
Housetraining: Accidents are bound to happen during the housetraining process - remember they’re trying to adjust to this new experience too. This is where that patience and consistency thing comes in again. Try establishing a simple routine where you take your pup outside frequently and reward them for going in the right place.
Socialization: Early socialization is crucial for your pup's development. Regularly introduce them to new people, pets, and environments to help them become well-adjusted and confident dogs. Puppy socialization classes can be fun and beneficial - think of it like a garden party for dogs!
Sleepless nights: If you have children, this one is no stranger to you. The same can be said for being a new dog owner. Prepare for interrupted sleep during the first few weeks. Puppies need time to adjust to their new surroundings and may cry or whine at night (we know, the howls are so painful). If this occurs, of course, go ahead and comfort your pup, but also establish a bedtime routine to help them settle in and sleep through the night without issue.
Unconditional love: In spite of the challenges, the love and bond you will form with your new puppy are unmatched. The joy, laughter, and unconditional love they bring into your life will make it all worthwhile!
Paws for Laughter
From adorable zoomies to the constant curiosity about everyday objects, puppies can be a source of endless entertainment. Will they ever get tired of chasing squirrels? (From our experience, that’s a “no” - and we like it that way!) You might find yourself in a puppy-proofing frenzy to keep your puppy safe, or chasing after your pup as they gleefully play keep-away with your socks. But these precious moments will create lasting memories.
Above all, remember to be patient, consistent, and positive in your training approach while providing a nourishing, balanced diet - and be prepared for both good and bad behaviors. Embrace the funny moments, and cherish the unconditional love and companionship that your new dog will bring into your life.
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