Puppies! Your life overflows with cuteness, cuddles, yellowy puddles - ugh - and - hey, stop eating the couch!

 

Puppy probs to puppy PRO

Give little pups lots of love, patience and guidance now and you won’t need to scold them (as much) later.  This quick introduction will help.

 

“Small dog, small problem”? Big mistake!

Be warned: Innocent habits that are not curbed now become patterns that are hard to undo later.

If you understand a fluff-ball’s physical and emotional needs when they’re a baba, you’ll be a happy alpha human to well-trained, well-adjusted adult dogs.

 

Puppy Guidance Cheat Sheet

Here’s a quick overview of what a puppy wants (and needs). They’re not always the same thing…

 

Wants Attention, needs direction (and protection)

Your bundle of love needs to engage with you and other dogs, but she may not think your hand is a chew toy or not realise that the escaping lawnmower can maim her. Her excitement and confusion make her impulsive, so be vigilant. Don’t be afraid to instil healthy boundaries that will help keep her safe and happy. She needs to learn where she ends, and the rest of the world begins.

 

Wants to chew, needs a toy

Chewing is part of growing and it’s your job to show a pup what to test her teeth and jaw muscles on. Avoid wood that splinters and buy approved toys. By giving her items she is allowed to mangle, you’ll avoid letting furniture and possessions become her dental aids.

 

Wants to ‘go’, needs to know where

When she needs to relieve herself, accompany her to the place you would like her to make her “eliminations”. She’ll probably want to toilet immediately after sleeping eating, drinking, playing, training (and up to 15 minutes after any other excitement). Take her outside once an hour if none of these happens. If she’s needing to go every 15 minutes, tell your vet.

 

Wants to ‘talk’ to mom, needs to keep ‘mum’

Barking is natural to dogs and is one of the ways they communicate. Do you know if your fluff puddle is saying, “hello, I love you!” or, “who are you, scary stranger? Don’t scold; guide. Premium pet food, Hill’s, suggests you “let your dog bark two or three times, praise him for sounding the alarm, then say, ‘stop barking’ and hold out a treat in front of him.” After a few seconds, give him the treat. Then, slowly increase the gap between silence and reward and you’ll be on your way to a good (and quiet) understanding.

 

TIP: There’s so much to learn and puppy school is a great investment for a long and wonderful relationship.

 

Got your own ways that work? Show us on Instagram! We love learning with you.