New Dog?
New Dog?
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Welcoming a new dog into your home is an exciting time, but it can also come with challenges. Whether you're a first-time dog owner or introducing a new puppy to your pack, it's important to lay a strong foundation for good behaviour early on. I always recommend finding a good dog-centric trainer, but here are some top tips to help you hit the ground running.
Start Training Before the 12-Week Mark
Start Training Before the 12-Week Mark
The ideal time to bring a puppy home is at 8 weeks, following their first vaccination. They'll receive their second vaccination at 12 weeks, which is when they can safely go outside and explore. However, for first-time dog owners, those two weeks can feel long and sometimes frustrating, with challenges like toilet training, biting, chewing, and the infamous witching hour. Establishing training early and setting your home up for success can make a big difference during this time.
Socialisation and not exposure
Socialisation and not exposure
Regardless of your dog’s age, as their owner, it's your job to help them adjust to their new home and surroundings. This could be as simple as getting used to sleeping indoors for the first time, or more challenging, like meeting the family cat! While these experiences are inevitable, it’s essential to make them positive learning opportunities. Having the right knowledge and tools will ensure your dog becomes well-rounded and less likely to develop reactivity issues later on.
Top 5 Tips
Top 5 Tips
Make a Den: Even if you don't plan on using a crate long-term, giving your dog a designated safe space in your home is crucial. This space, whether a crate with the door left open or a cozy corner, should be off-limits to disturbances. This helps your dog retreat and relax when needed.
Choose the Right Chews: Not all chews are created equal! Chewing is not only a natural, healthy behaviour, but it also boosts serotonin levels, making your dog happier. Opt for natural chews like calf hooves, coffee wood, rabbit ears, or pizzel sticks. While plastic chews might be tempting, particularly for puppies, natural options are more beneficial and engaging.
Avoid Puppy Pads: Accidents happen, but they’re rarely your puppy’s fault. Puppy pads, though convenient, can be confusing due to the pheromones they contain, encouraging your dog to go indoors. Instead, establish a regular toilet routine and reward your dog for successful outside toileting.
Play, Play, Play: Dogs are social creatures, and play is a fantastic way to bond with them. Ensure that the type of play is suitable for your dog's age and family members. For young dogs that tend to nip, use a sock with a tennis ball as a tug toy, especially with young children. This keeps their hands safe while still engaging the dog. Play stimulates both serotonin and endorphins, leading to a happier, more secure dog.
Food for Thought: If you're considering changing your dog’s food, do so gradually to avoid upsetting their stomach, especially in puppies. Stick with the food they arrived with initially and transition slowly. You can also use a portion of their dry food as training rewards for behaviours you want to reinforce, such as settling in their den, staying calm, or toileting outside.
Most new owners will seek out traditional puppy schools, which can be fantastic for teaching basic skills and reducing problem behaviours as your dog matures. However, these classes can sometimes fall short. If you have a nervous puppy or a rescue dog that may not fit in well with other dogs, traditional classes can become stressful. Similarly, they may not suit families with special needs, leaving both the dog and owners feeling overwhelmed.
Our tailored classes can begin before your puppy is 12 weeks old and are custom-designed to suit you, your dog, and your family. Held in a low-distraction environment, these one-to-one sessions make learning faster and more effective. While the focus is often on recall, guest manners, basic obedience, and loose lead walking, the classes are adaptable, ensuring you get exactly what you need.
Using force-free, gentle training methods, we explain the science behind your dog’s behaviour in an accessible way. These classes don’t just focus on teaching commands—they build a strong bond between you and your dog, ensuring that training is both enjoyable and rewarding for both of you. By starting training at home, your puppy will learn to behave appropriately in familiar surroundings and gain the confidence to handle new experiences as they grow.
Not only will you gain the skills to teach your puppy in a way that feels natural, but your dog will also develop the ability to learn more effectively over time. A confident puppy is easier to manage and more likely to succeed in future training and socialisation.
I serve Henley-on-Thames and the surrounding areas, offering a personalised approach that suits your lifestyle and your dog’s needs. Each session lasts one hour and provides hands-on training to ensure you and your puppy (no matter their age or experience) are set up for success.
If you’re ready to get started, contact us today to book your tailored puppy class. Let us help you and your puppy build a strong, confident bond that will last a lifetime.
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