Puppy Rearing 101

Bringing a new puppy home is one of the most exciting things in life, especially if it is your first dog! It can also be one of the most humbling, sleepless, and frustrating experiences if you aren't adequately prepared. When bringing a young puppy in to their new home it is very important to show them what you want them to do.

Set their environment up to help them make the correct choices easily

Reinforce those behaviors you WANT to see

Interrupt and redirect behaviors you DON'T WANT to see

Be consistent and predictable

Instead of Leaving them alone to make their own fun

Not supervising and allowing them to have potty accidents in the house

Not supervising and allowing them to chew on inappropriate things

And then getting annoyed or angry at them for it - they don't know better! Ian Dunbar has one of my favorite dog training quotes:

"A rolled up newspaper can be an effective pet training tool when used properly.

For instance, use the rolled-up newspaper if your dog chews up something inappropriate or has a housebreaking accident.

Bring the dog over to the destroyed object (or mess), then take the rolled-up newspaper and hit yourself over the head as you repeat the phrase, "I forgot to watch my dog! I forgot to watch my dog! I forgot to watch my dog!""

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Step 1: Preparation

Before you bring your new puppy home it is important you have the right gear to set them up for success. You'll need: