Best Advice Ever!

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

I've seen so many posts lately with new puppy owners sort of in a panic because of their new puppies behavior!  So, I think this may have been done before but I can't find it, so I thought I'd start it again.  Give me your absolute best tips for a new puppy owner!  I just want like one sentence (two at the most) types of things.  Easy to read, easy to understand etc.  After we get several I'll edit and put them all in a clear list and cross post in the Puppy Madness Group. 

I'll start with a few of mine.

1)  When sitting quietly, play with the ears, nose, rub their feet and between their toes, rub their bellies to get them used to being touched and handled.

2)  Even if you have had a dog before, unless you are a professional trainer, go to training classes as soon as possible.  You will learn so much and be much happier.

3)  If you find your trainer stinks, ask for your money back and go somewhere else.

4)  Join the Food Group

5)  Puppies will be puppies, see #2.

6)  If your dog(s) is/are going to be large dogs, no running or rough housing in the house!  Take it outside.

7)  Priority One after potty training is proper walking on a leash.  This is much easier to train at 10 pounds than at 90. 

Ok, you guys go!

[Christine & Shelby]

Routine! Developing a routine for you and puppy is critical. Same routine each time puppy goes out to potty, same routine when you leave the house. When you crate, etc.

Puppy teeth are razor sharp and you will likely have clothing casualties. Wear those clothes as often as possible when home with puppy to reduce the damage to your wardrobe.

Collar and tags immediately so your pup will be used to them.

30 minutes of playtime before bed is a must for puppies.... :)

It is exhausting and overwhelming... But it does get better. If you need to cry.... Cry and let it out.

Feed a quality food... Learn about this and so much more in the food group.

Take your dog with you everywhere you can! This strengthens your bond and is more fun for everyone.

Be prepared to answer lots of questions when out in public with your pup... And be prepared for lots of oohs and aahs!

[a.k.a. Rodney]

Neuter, micro chip & buy pet insurance...and buy NOTHING made in China

[Miss Ellie]

Establish a routine and stick to it as soon as you bring puppy home for feeding, going potty and bedtime.  It really does help to keep to a schedule.  

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

1. Never play games in which you hold something out of the pup's reach and encourage him to jump for it or grab it. Never let him pull anything out of your hand. Never play games in which your hands are used as toys. Never play games in which you wrestle anything out of the pup's mouth; he gives you the ball or toy, or you stop playing. 

2. Do not change one single thing about the puppy's diet for at least two weeks after he comes home, and then make only one change at a time. 

3. Every accident that you don't see is a missed opportunity. Don't allow that to happen. The most valuable housebreaking tool is catching him in the act and correcting immediately, then showing him where he should have gone and praising him when he does. The message you are teaching is "potty inside, bad- potty outside, good!" Use an odor neutralizer on all areas where an accident has occurred.

 

[BG and Gavin]

Put lids on your garbage cans...particularly the one in the bathroom ;)

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Yep. In fact, I'll add a number 4 to my list: Start putting things away. No socks on the floor, no uncovered trash baskets, no food on the counters, no laundry sitting where a dog can get it. 

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

My suggestion dove tails these- Do Not Set Your Pup up to Fail.   Keep him not only safe, but keep temptation away.  Treat him like a toddler, always have a sense of where he is and what he is doing.  

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

5. Do not "let the puppy out"...go outside with him, every single time. There are two reasons for this. One is for safety purposes, to be sure he is not eating or drinking anything out there, digging holes under the fence, etc.

The other reason is so that you can praise him and give him a treat for going potty outside, the minute he does it, to reinforce the good behavior, and so that you know what he did and when. Plus, monitoring poop is one of the best ways to know if there is a digestive or parasite issue. And you can clean it up right away instead of having to go look for it later. 

[Wendy and Myla]

Love all of these - I would also add to comb/brush your puppy while sitting quietly even though their fur is short - just to get them used to it as you will have to groom often when they get older.  Same goes for brushing their teeth. 

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

I've been compiling a list, but good ones are still coming in so I'm going to let it keep going for a little while before I repost.  Keep up the great additions.

[Annie Hugie]

These little guys are so smart it amazes me.  They are learning from the first day you bring them home. I like to teach the sit command right away as it is helpful in so many situations and lets them know you are the pack leader. 

When I am on the couch and puppy jumps up with those big puppy eyes...I let him know, that is not okay to jump.  He must sit nicely to get what he wants. (then I give in and let him up)  This can work for practically everything, meals, treats and play.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Jacquie posted this one on FB today and I thought it was so funny but true so thought I'd share here: