One of the most important things you can do when bringing your new puppy into your home is socialization. This is the act of introducing your fur baby to the world in a way that will instill confidence and positive behaviors later on in life.
So many new puppy owners aren’t familiar with this valuable training practice, and the unfortunate result can be adult dogs who are constantly afraid and who act out of that fear with aggressive behaviors.
The prime socialization time for puppies falls between their birth and sixteen weeks of age, as this is the period of development during which puppies absorb a ton of information. Unfortunately, most puppies won’t get all of their shots until they turn 15 or 16 weeks old, so your mission is to figure out how to safely expose your pup to other people and animals without risking exposure to any type of dangerous or life-threatening virus.
So, how can you avoid this and ensure that your precious pup will grow up to become a dog who greets new experiences with abundant joy instead of shivering trepidation? Start by following these simple do’s and don’ts!
Do
Bring the party to your puppy! Invite friends over to play with your puppy in the comfort and safety of your own home. You can control this environment by asking guests to remove their shoes before coming inside, allowing you to keep any contagions as far away from your precious pup as possible. Remember that variety is important! Let your dog visit with people of every shape, color, and size so that he or she can learn that all types of people are friendly. You can also ask your friends who own friendly dogs to bring them to the party so that your pup can learn how to be a good playmate for other dogs.
Don’t
Let your puppy walk in public places before all of the requisite vaccinations are administered. Most puppy-borne illnesses are contracted via contact with viruses in fecal matter or other bodily fluids. This usually happens when a puppy steps in something and licks his or her paws later. While walking is a no-no for your pup, it’s completely safe for you to carry your fuzzbundle wherever you want!
At Walk! ATX, our dog people want to help you give your pet the attention and care he or she needs. To learn more about our walking, training, or sitting services, call us at (512) 655-9557 today!
Bringing a new puppy home is sure to be one of the most exciting and most memorable days in your and your puppy’s relationship. However, there are some very important steps you need to take on this first day to get this relationship off on the right foot. Training begins the moment you bring the puppy into your home, so here are some important tips to keep in mind before and on this exciting first day!
Before Your Puppy Comes Home
Before you bring your new puppy home, you want to set her up for success as much as possible. As such, you should make sure that your floor is free from anything potentially dangerous or enticing for your new puppy. Puppies love to explore and they do so by putting anything (and everything) in their mouths, so make sure that food, small items, shoes, and wires are cleared from the floor so that they are not tempted to chew on anything potentially harmful.
Additionally, you will want to set up a safe place for your puppy. This will be where her food and drink are kept and where her bedding and/or crate is kept. Many first time dog owners make the mistake of giving their new pet free run of the house. However, it’s best if you introduce your pup to your home in increments, and you should start off by just introducing her to just her own room or area. Some people mistakenly believe that this is mean to their pet, when in reality, it helps a puppy feel secure in their scary new home by giving them a place that is theirs and where they feel comfortable.
When Your Puppy Comes Home
When you bring your new puppy home, you should take him or her directly to the area that you set up for him or her. This is where you should feed him or her, give them treats, and play with them. It will help your puppy to feel like they have a safe space in the house. After your puppy has started to identify his or her room or area, you can start introducing them to the rest of your home. However, when you do, you should introduce them one room at a time. This helps to reinforce healthy boundaries and keeps your pup from thinking that the home is theirs. When introducing a dog to a new room in the home, don’t just let the dog run in at his or her own discretion. You should enter the room first and then invite him or her to come in by calling them to you. This let’s them know that you are in charge and that they are only allowed to explore places that they have permission to enter.
Get Training Help from Walk! ATX
Training a puppy is hard work, but fortunately, help is available. The experienced Austin dog walkers and dog trainers at Walk! ATX can help you make your pup’s transition to its new home a smooth one. Call us today at (512) 655-9557 to learn more about the services we offer and what we can do to help you with your new addition.