January is National Train Your Dog Month! Training a dog is not always easy, but luckily there are many tips and tricks out there to help you along the way. During the holiday season, many new puppies are introduced to their new homes. If you and your family adopted a new furry friend, here are 10 tips to help you get them trained and acclimated to their new home!
Potty-training
Research a potty-training tactic and stick to it!
Before you bring your new furry family member home, research which potty-training tactic you want to use. Consistency is key. For a new puppy, potty training is foreign to them.
There will be an adjustment time for them when it comes to getting used to their new home, so be patient. Lack of consistency can lead to more accidents and confusion for your pup, so grab whatever treats, potty-training bells, or other items you need before you bring your new pup home.
If you plan on treating your pup for using the potty outside, grab some healthy alternatives
Consistent treating can add to an increased amount of calorie consumption in your pup’s diet. The best puppy training treats are low in calories and high in protein.
The smaller the snack, the better! Remy’s Kitchen 100% beef or 100% turkey heart treats are a great treating option. Each treat is grain-free and is anywhere from 8-9kcals.
Be patient!
Accidents will happen, and it is not your pup’s fault! Just like humans, it takes time for puppies to adjust to a new routine. Make sure to never scold your puppy and to reinforce positive potty-training behaviors. Whenever they potty outside, praise them! They are learning and adjusting too.
Crate Training
Crate training is a time commitment
New puppies under 6 months old cannot be in a crate for more than 3-4 hours at a time because they don’t have full control over their bladders and bowels yet. Make sure you are setting aside time to let your puppy out of their crate frequently. If your work schedule doesn’t permit you to let your pup out, ask a family member to help or hire a dog sitter through Rover!
Make sure you create a safe space for your dog in their crate
Remove your dog's collar and never keep a dog in a crate with a harness on. A collar or harness can easily be caught in the crate and cause suffocation. If you want to keep a collar on your dog, get a breakaway collar for safety purposes.
If your pup is whining whenever they are in the crate, consider getting a Snuggle Puppy!
Snuggle Puppy comes in 5 colors to best match your pup and includes a Real-Feel Heartbeat and heat pack. Dogs and puppies are pack animals who are instinctively drawn to their mother and others in their pack.
Snuggle Puppy recreates intimacy and physical warmth with a Real-feel Heartbeat. The result is a calmer, happier pet. The New Puppy Starter Kit is also a great option. It includes everything you need for your new puppy!
Playtime
Safety is important
Dog toys come in all shapes and sizes and it's important to choose a toy that is appropriate for your dog's size. It’s a general rule of thumb that any toy that can fit behind your dog’s molars can be a potential choking hazard.
Choose the right material
Durability is important if you have a new puppy or an extreme chewer. Toys like tennis balls and plush toys may not be right for your pup depending on how durable the material is. Tender-Tuffs are great toys that come in a variety of sizes and styles to extend your dog’s playtime. They are made with TearBlok Technology, a reinforced fabric, that enhances durability while maintaining a soft, plush bite for your dog.
Supervise playtime
No toy is indestructible. If your pup is a heavy chewer with determination, they can chew up any toy. When introducing a new toy, make sure to watch how your pup plays with it. If small bits of stuffing, fabric, rubber, or latex come off, remove the toy from your pet and discard it.
The final tip
Have fun!
Bringing home a new puppy is exciting. Soak up the fun and set aside time for you and your family to bond with your new furry family member.
Follow these tips and your pup will be ready to spend their lifetime with you. For more tips, check out our blog and visit www.snugglepuppy.com for all of your pup’s essentials!
