What do I need to know TODAY about training my puppy?
Ah, puppies. They look like fun. They ARE fun. They cause children to rush over with glee. They cause the voices of grown men to rise an octave in pitch.
But they are also A LOT of work.
Yes, more than you’re expecting, even if you’ve done your research.
The good news is, whatever time you invest now will pay off big time for years to come. It’s not too soon to start training. With every interaction, either you are training the dog… or the dog is training you. (And usually not in the ways we’d like.)
The bad news? Your puppy probably just pooped in the corner while you glanced down at your phone. Sorry about that! But no worries, we’ll teach you how to prevent any future accidents.
Some common questions:
What should I look for when choosing a puppy?
We’ve got a long list of guidelines here: Help Me Choose a Puppy!
When can I start training my puppy?
Right away! Here’s a guide on what to focus on at each stage of the puppy’s development.
Should I get littermates?
It’s a lot of work. Like full-time job level work. It can go very wrong. At the very least, know what you’re getting into. Don’t do it because some pet store salesperson told you “two is easier than one.” His job is to move stock, not fix behavioral problems. I know few trainers who recommend it, though I do know trainers who financed a new SUV after a client ignored their advice and got littermates anyways. So go in with eyes wide open. That said, I know some people in rescue who swear by it and report great results. If that’s the direction you’ve gone, we’ll be glad to help. We’re not here to judge; we’re here to give solutions. I’ve had good results with THREE dogs from the same litter.
If you’re still considering, here are a few littermate articles to read:
Should I take my puppy places before she’s fully vaccinated?
Socialization is really important, and much of that comes in the first four months. You want your puppy to experience A LOT during these formative months, and you want the experiences to be positive.
So don’t have your brother bring over his lab with zero manners to teach the pup to “like big dogs.” Invite a friend whose dog is well-balanced and socially adept around puppies. Puppy classes are a great option to get your puppy exposure.
Similarly, protect your puppy from rude people. That includes your drunk uncle who wants to pin the puppy to make sure it’s submissive. (That’s a damn quick way to produce an insecure biter.) That includes your friend’s boyfriend who thinks it’s hilarious to poke the puppy. Yes, that might include kids who want to pull ears or grab tails. It might even include people who mean well, but just don’t know what they’re doing. Be your puppy’s hero. Don’t let him learn that the world is filled with unpredictable people that he needs to defend himself from. Socialization should be positive. Match new things with favorite food and fun play.
Next: Do not take your puppy to a dog park or a pet store. I will repeat and put it in all caps: DO NOT TAKE YOUR PUPPY TO A DOG PARK. These diseases are not something invented by vaccine companies to make money. Yes, some vets over-vaccinate and you don’t actually need yearly shots with an adult dog, but these diseases are real and they’re awful and puppies are vulnerable and though vet medicine is making great strides in these areas they’re still expensive to treat. You don’t need to be paranoid, but you do need to be smart.
Know who your puppy is playing with. Know who’s been there before.
What are some key puppy supplies?
Having the right types of containment and chew toys will make your life a whole lot easier.
- Start with a crate. Your dog will likely be able to grow out of this, but puppies need their freedom limited. Look for one that has a divider so you can adjust the size as the puppy grows. Amazon usually has the best prices, or you can find them at yard sales. If you do buy a used crate, just make sure to wash it with bleach or some other kennel-level disinfectant.
- A puppy pen will make your life a lot easier. These can be used to contain the pup in a safe place, or extended out to block off a room/rug/bundle of chords.
- Consider adding baby gates to rooms that are not safe for a puppy to wander into. One pair of saved shoes will more than repay this modest investment.
- A Kong (hollow chew toy that can be frozen and stuffed) will give you a tool that lets the dog work for food, thus burning off both mental energy and “chew energy.”
- It’s also a good idea to have Nylabones, antlers and other food-dispensing toys around. Make sure to rotate them to keep them interesting.
- A rope toy or tug toy. This will help with the puppy biting.
What should I feed my puppy?
Pick a high-rated puppy food from Dog Food Advisor that fits your budget.
We live in Clovis. If we want to work with you on training our puppy, what would you recommend?
Contact us below with some information on your puppy and your goals, and we’ll find the perfect program for you. You can find some of our most popular Fresno and Clovis puppy programs by clicking here.
Ready to start puppy training in the Fresno and Clovis area? Contact us below to chat about your dog.
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Train well. Train consistent. Enjoy life.