Trident Dog Training

Congratulations on your new puppy! Bringing a puppy home is an exciting milestone, but it’s not all belly rubs and playtime. Puppies come with their share of challenges. Training, feeding, and puppy-proofing your home are just the beginning. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, we can help you cover the essentials and set your pup up for success.

Puppy-Proofing Your Home

Puppies are always curious, so your home needs to be ridden of dangerous objects. Start by hiding electric cords, securing medications, and storing toxic substances like glue or cleaning supplies out of reach. Trash cans can be a tempting treasure trove for a mischievous pup, so make sure they’re secure too. Proper preparation will save you both stress and emergency vet visits.

Treat Them to Toys

Toys are more than just fun, they can help with learning and mental stimulation. Provide a variety of toys, from chew and soft toys, as well as treat-dispensers and interactive toys. These will keep your puppy entertained and can even be integrated into their training.

Choose Good Food

Invest in high-quality food with meat as the primary ingredient and avoid products with unnecessary fillers. Proper nutrition fuels your puppy’s growth and sets the foundation for a healthy life.

Establish Routines

Regular meal times, potty breaks, and play sessions will help your pup know what to expect each day, promoting good behavior and reducing anxiety.

Shut Down Bad Behavior

Biting, barking, or jumping can become problematic as your pup grows. Address unwanted actions right away to prevent them from becoming habits. It’s always easier to teach good behaviors from the start than to correct bad ones later.

Create a Housebreaking Plan

Potty training is one of the biggest hurdles for new puppy owners. With a solid plan and consistency, most puppies can be housebroken in just a few days.

Prioritize Crate Training

Crate training is a vital part of any puppy’s education. Even if you don’t plan to use a crate daily, your dog may need to stay in one at the vet or during travel. Introducing them to a crate early on will make these situations far less stressful.

Establish House Rules

Consistency is crucial when it comes to training, and this includes house rules. Decide early on whether your puppy will be allowed on furniture, in certain rooms, or on your bed. Sticking to these boundaries will prevent confusion and accelerate your pup’s learning.

Remember Socialization

Early socialization by exposing your puppy to various people, pets, and environments is vital for raising a confident dog. Even during times of limited interaction, such as due to health precautions, you can introduce your pup to new sights and sounds from a safe distance.

Find Bonding Time with your Dog

Adjusting to life with a new puppy can be demanding, so consider taking some time off work when they move into your home. This allows you to establish routines, strengthen training, and build a strong bond between you and your dog.

Raising a puppy is no small feat, and you don’t have to do it alone. At Trident Dog Training, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Whether you need guidance with basic obedience, housebreaking, or socialization, our tailored board-and-train programs are designed to meet your unique needs.

Let us help you transform your pup into a well-behaved, confident companion. Contact us today to learn more about our programs and give your puppy the best start in life!