Congratulations on thinking about bringing home a new furry family member!
As a first-time puppy owner, you may feel excited and overwhelmed by the prospect of training your new puppy… this is normal! The GoodPup team has compiled helpful insights on what to expect and useful tips on how to train your puppy during this new journey:
Setting Up For the Big Day
One of the first things you will want to do before bringing your pup home is establish their space to ensure a smooth transition. You want to make sure there is an area in your home for your puppy to feel safe and secure, whether this space is their bed, cozy crate, or play/toy area. Because puppies are curious and love to chew, ensure their space is puppy-proofed by removing any hazardous or valuable items from their reach.
The Homecoming
It’s official – yay! As you step through the door with your new puppy, allow them to adjust to the new environment and explore their space. There will be a lot of different scents and sounds for them, and potentially new faces to meet. Allow your puppy to acclimate gradually to prevent them from feeling overwhelmed. Give them some space and let them do the initial approach of new things, people, and animals.
Establishing A Routine With Your Puppy
Puppies thrive on routines and structure, and getting into one with your puppy will help make training more manageable and make them feel more secure. Set a consistent schedule for feeding, playtime, potty breaks, and downtime that work for both of you.
Exposure And Socializing Your Puppy
For puppies to develop confidence and social skills, they need to interact with different people, pets, and environments. But, this can be overwhelming if done too soon, and consideration should be taken regarding potential health risks if your pup hasn’t yet been to their veterinarian. Work to gradually introduce them to other people, friendly pets, and children over several weeks if not months. Talk to your vet about safe areas that you can take your new pup to and provide some social exposure. And, once you are ready to take a walk in a dog-friendly park, remember to give them time to just look around and take things in as they are exposed to all the new sights, smells, and sounds.
Introducing Basic Cues & Training Your Puppy
Start engaging with professional trainers who can guide you through teaching your puppy foundation cues, such as Sit, Stay, and Come. Using positive reinforcement like praise and treats to reward good behavior during training sessions creates a positive association with learning. GoodPup’s virtual one-on-one dog training app connects you with certified, positive reinforcement trainers that guide you through courses, including a weekly video call, daily training goals, and text check-ins whenever you have questions.
Remember, Patience Is Key
From potty training ‘uh-ohs’ to sleepless nights, it’s no surprise that there will be plenty of challenges with learning how to train your new puppy. When training starts to feel overwhelming, remember to stay patient and consistent, and celebrate every small victory along the way. Strive to embrace all of the ups and downs because these precious moments with your puppy are what help build a lifelong bond together!
Happy training! 🐾
