Getting Started with your New Puppy

Helpful tips and suggestions

House Training and Paper Training;   

Create a schedule and routine.  Start out with small time frames like every 30 to 45 minutes and slowly extend this time longer.  

Use the same door and/or area while training.   Carry the puppy near the door

you have selected repeating your command frequently.

 Pick something and don't change it   "Outside"   "Potty Time"   "Let's Go Outside"

As your puppy learns this command stretch out the distance from the door where

you set the puppy down.  You may even start out carrying the puppy all the way outside to the potty area.

Praise and reward with success immediately after they potty but continue to stay outside with your puppy for several minutes after they potty.  They might not be finished or they may learn to associate going potty with having to go back inside.

This association can lead to them holding it while they are outside until they want to go back inside.

Always take your puppy outside after waking up from a nap and after play sessions.

Watch for sniffing at the floor.  In most cases this leads to potty activities.

Use your command you selected and proceed to the door and/or area for going potty.

Getting through the First Few Nights:

Try using a small crate or carrier on a chair next to the bed where the puppy can see you.  Make sure the crate or carrier is stable and with puppy movements it won't tip or fall.  Place the puppies bed, blanket, stuffed toy and or chew toy with the puppy at night.  If the puppy begins to cry or bark tell your puppy  "NO" and stick your finger through the crate or carrier at the bottom but don't play with the puppy.  Try not to move your finger rest it on the edge of the bed.  In most cases the puppy will sniff

maybe lick or nibble at your finger then will settle down and lay against your finger.

Once the puppy settles and goes back to sleep slowly remove your finger.

This reassures the puppy they are safe and not alone and builds confidence in your puppy.

Do's and Don'ts:

Never chase or lunge at your puppy trying to catch it.   This can lead to a fearful dog that will run from you when you call it by name.  Always try to coax or call the puppy over to you and pet and reward when they come to you. If you need to retrieve the puppy try to move slowly towards them and pet and reward when you get your puppy. 

Always stick with easy simple commands:  Short and simple commands

work best.  Try not to overwhelm your puppy with to many commands to learn at the same time.  Teach one trick at a time.