Puppies require love, structure and discipline to grow up into family-friendly dogs.
Few things in life are more exciting than bringing a new puppy home. How you feel about that same puppy six months or a year later will depend greatly on the steps you took to train him in the early months of his life.
Instructions
Crate Training
1. Crate train your new dog. As tempting as it may be to share a bed with your puppy, crate training instead will help head off potential trouble. Putting the puppy in a crate can be an effective housebreaking tool, as dogs are reluctant to relieve themselves where they sleep. Using a crate also cuts down on destructive behavior like chewing and keeps your puppy away from potentially dangerous household items.
2. Keep your puppy in her crate until she's comfortable being there. A dog who feels safe in her crate will be much easier to travel with.
3. Make the crate a fun place to be. Never use a crate as "time out" or punishment. Your pet should associate his crate with a feeling of security, somewhere he wants to hang out.
4. Place your puppy's favorite toys at the far end of the crate. Toys and balls should be inedible and large enough so your puppy won't swallow them.
5. Lay a towel or blanket inside the crate to create a comfortable bed for your puppy. Make sure to remove the blanket or towel if the puppy chews on it so that she doesn't choke. If the puppy urinates on the bedding, remove it until the pup no longer urinates or defecates in his crate.
6. Keep a water bowl in the crate if you're going to be away from home for more than two hours so that your puppy does not become dehydrated.
7. Take your puppy out at regular intervals to relieve himself. A puppy should not be expected to hold his urine or go without a bowel movement for more than three to four hours. Ideally, you or a family member can check on him during the day so that he can potty, or seriously consider hiring a dog walker to come in.
Socializing
8. Socialize your puppy as early as possible. Take her for walks, bring her around friends, introduce her to other dogs at the local dog park.
9. Take an active role in your puppy's socialization. Don't simply watch while he moves from dog to dog or hides under a table. Make sure your dog is actually interacting with other dogs and that he is behaving politely.
10. Make sure your puppy has only positive experiences as you socialize him. If his early experiences are painful or frightening, you are defeating the purpose. Slowly introduce him to new places and people so that he doesn't associate it with feeling afraid.
Quality Time Together
11. Be the pact leader. The moment your new puppy meets you she will know that you're the leader if you are consistent and fair with her.
12. Shower him with affection. A puppy who knows he's loved will be far more likely to want to make you happy and to obey your commands.
13. Avoid "part-time" parent guilt. Feeling guilty about the time you spend away from your puppy only makes you more likely to give in to her when you shouldn't.
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