January 2 2014
At Bark Busters, we train and help virtually any dog - old or young, little or
big and any breed. We believe that there is no behavior that can't be changed.
However, starting your training when a dog is a puppy can help prevent nuisance
behaviors before they begin! Here are some tips that can help if you are
welcoming a puppy to his/her new home.
- Many puppies like the security
of a crate, providing your dog with a safety zone while you are busy or away.
It's also a great tool when housebreaking because it is unusual for a puppy to
defecate where he sleeps. It is best NOT to let a puppy sleep with you because
this can create problems later.
- If your puppy has problems
sleeping at night, put a clock in his bed. The tick tock emulates the mother's
heartbeat and can sometimes soothe an anxious puppy.
- Baby gates can be a good
training tool to "block off" areas that are off limits to your puppy.
- Puppies are known to chew so
it's best to remove any hazards such as power chords or small items that can be
easily ingested. Never use old shoes or socks as chew toys. A puppy can't tell
the difference between old and new so you may end up losing your favorite pair.
Also, remember that certain garage items (such as antifreeze) can be toxic and
killers. Just like child-proofing your house for an infant that is learning to
walk, you have to puppy proof your home.
- Get your puppy a pet ID tag and
microchip in case he runs away.
- In the first 24 - 48 hours in
his new home, your puppy may have some acclimation issues such as housebreaking.
Be patient and don't yell at him. He needs to get a little more comfortable in
his surroundings.
- It is important to put your
puppy on a schedule right from the start, particularly for bathroom breaks
(every two - three hours), eating and sleeping. In the beginning, he/she may
sleep a lot. Take advantage of nap time!
- Remember to exercise your puppy
daily.
- Call all of the family together
and establish your ground rules right from the start. Make sure everyone sticks
to the rules to avoid confusion for your puppy.