Have you decided to welcome a new furry friend to the family? Are you nervous about raising them well? Don't stress! Here are our helpful tips for new puppy parents!

1. Prioritize adopting from a shelter or rescue

It's important to remember that there are so many puppies waiting to be adopted from shelters. They are searching for kind and loving families just like yours. When considering adopting a puppy, make sure you don't forget about this option.

Also, do not adopt a puppy before they have reached 8 weeks. It's best when puppies are raised with their mother and siblings. By staying with their mother, they learn about social interaction and their mothers teach them how to be clean.

2. Puppy-proof your home

Before your puppy arrives, it's necessary to puppy-proof your home! When doing this, keep in mind that puppies love to chew on anything they can find! Look around the house to make sure that dangerous items are out of their reach and put away things that you don't want to get ruined. Crates allow you to keep your puppy safe when they are alone, and gates will make sure they stay away from less safe areas of the house!

3. Do not use your puppy's name in a negative way

You should only say your pet's name in positive contexts.

For example, it's best to avoid saying their name when:

  • You want to give them a bath
  • They are in trouble
  • You want to put them in their kennel.

4. Avoid giving your dog unsuitable toys

Provide your puppy with toys that are specifically made for dogs instead of unsuitable toys like shoes or slippers. It's also best to avoid toys that are made for children. A few examples of great dog toys are squeaky toys, balls or bully sticks. Keep in mind that toys that are too hard can ruin their teeth.

5. Don't potty train your puppy indoors

It's best for puppies to be potty trained outdoors.

Rule of thumb for outdoor potty breaks for puppies:
Your puppy's age in months plus one hour
ex: 2 months old = 3 hours

6. Neglecting physical contact with your pet

You should help your pup get used to being petted every day. The experience should be pleasurable and rewarding. Take the time to bond with them and show them that they are loved.

7. Don't wait to correct bad behavior

Unfortunately, habits are easily formed and hard to break! The sooner you deal with a bad habit, the easier it will be to get rid of it. 

8. Don't use a flex-leash for training

Start with a short leash. Your puppy needs to understand that they should stay be your side during walks. You are the one in charge! A flex-leash allows too much freedom for a puppy that is still learning the ropes. A short leash will keep them safe and keep them running off when they are older.

9. Don't let your pup run away

Your puppy should be taught the command "come".

You can teach your puppy by playing hide & seek, calling them, and rewarding them with treats.

10. Socialize your puppy

Keep visitors safe by socializing your puppy when they are you. You can keep you dog on a leash inside. You can also ask your visitors to give them a treat.

11. Don't let your puppy jump on people

To do this, reward them when they keep all four paws on the floor. Also, to prevent your dog from jumping on visitors, make them lay down to be petted.

12. Prevent aggression with strangers

 Socialize your puppy from an early age. Start with small places and continue to more crowded places as they start to feel more comfortable and behave well.

13. Prevent aggression with other pets

Make sure to socialize with dogs they know first. Always control interactions that your puppy has with new dogs.

14. Prevent traumatic experiences

Avoid taking your puppy to busy public places. During special days when many festivities are going on outdoors, keep you puppy indoors. For example, it's best to keep you puppy inside for days when there are fireworks or on Halloween.

15. Prevent your puppy from developing disobedient behavior 

Find a great puppy training graphic here! You can reward their good behavior with treats.

This article might also interest you: Are you ready to adopt a puppy?

We hope that these tips help! Did you recently adopt a puppy?

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    Matt M Thank you for this information!