What is the first thing you should teach your puppy?
It’s crucial that you have a puppy training plan during the first months of your puppy’s life. Although you may be eager to start by teaching your puppy “sit” and “stay,” you can always teach these commands later. We want to focus on behaviors where timing is crucial. This includes potty training, socialization, name recognition, and manners. Manners to address early include jumping, play biting, chewing, and body handling. Puppies are believed to have a key socialization window between 3 and 12 weeks of age. This gives the average puppy owner only four weeks to provide their puppy with socialization opportunities. With their short attention span and little tummies, you should make the most of your puppy’s time by prioritizing behaviors that will lead to a well-adjusted and happy adult dog. By the time your puppy is 12-14 weeks old, their attention span has greatly improved, and they will be ready for formal obedience training, including “sit” and “stay.” Are you excited to start your puppy training? Check out our “When Should I Start Training my Puppy” blog series for more training guidance.
How do I socialize my puppy when they are not fully vaccinated?
For safety, unvaccinated puppies should socialize with people and fully vaccinated dogs. A good way to socialize your puppy is through playdates with other dogs or trips to dog-friendly stores, including HomeGoods, Lowe’s, and Petsmart. You can place them in a shopping cart instead of having them walk on the ground. If you take your puppy to coffee shops and restaurants, we’d recommend bringing a towel for your puppy to lay on. Since parasites are commonly spread by unvaccinated dogs and wild animals, it is essential to avoid areas like dog parks and nature trails. Remember that your puppy should have fun when socializing! Bring treats or kibble to your puppy when they are uncomfortable or scared. For more tips on socializing a puppy, please check out our articles on puppy socialization.
How do I stop my puppy from biting me and chewing on items in the house?
The first step to stopping chewing and play biting is to offer 8-10 differently textured toys so your puppy can distinguish between their toys, your skin, and household items. We recommend giving your puppy hard-textured toys such as benebones, kongs, whole deer antlers, and nylabones. It is important to always provide a variety of toys to your puppy. The second step is to prevent your puppy from freely walking around the house. We suggest tethering them to a sturdy piece of furniture or blocking off the room to keep your puppy from running out of view and chewing on things they shouldn’t. To learn more about reducing and eliminating puppy-biting behaviors, visit our blogs for helpful insights.
Do puppies need to potty in the night?
Puppies older than two months can sleep eight hours overnight, so there is no need to take them out potty in the middle of the night. Many owners mistakenly take their puppy out every few hours at night, like they would with a younger puppy. However, this teaches your puppy’s bladder to expect a nighttime potty break, which can cause problems as they get older.
When should I book my first veterinary appointment?
Your puppy’s breeder or adoption center will let you know when your next vaccinations are due. It’s generally recommended to schedule your vet appointment a day or two after bringing your puppy home. Your veterinarian will conduct your puppy’s wellness check and schedule essential vaccinations.
Does my puppy need to be groomed?
Your puppy should be groomed regularly and have its nails trimmed. Long-haired breeds like Collies and wire-haired breeds like Irish Wolfhounds need more frequent grooming than short-haired breeds like Boxers. Puppy fur is usually not as dense, so it can be brushed more easily. No matter the breed, it is essential that your puppy also regularly receives teeth cleaning, brushing, and occasional baths.