Super Sweet Mini Golden Retrievers
What To Expect When You Bring Your Puppy Home
Having a pet is a big commitment- one that can span 15 years or more.
Below are somethings to keep in mind before getting your dog and after, when it's adjusting to his or her new home.
It's a lot like having a baby, but in some ways it's almost harder because puppies can't wear diapers.
- Consistency is key; This is the most important rule of them all, particularly during the more trying moments of getting your puppy house (bell) trained or crate trained.
- You make the rules; Dogs are pack animals and each pack has a leader. It's important that you take the lead and maintain it.
- House training; This doesn't happen over night and goes hand in hand with #1, continually take him to an area you want him to go. Puppies typically need to use the bathroom after eating, sleeping or playing.
- Crate training; can be particularly helpful with housebreaking and when it comes to leaving your dog overnight. You can expect 2 or 3 sleepless nights. With howling and sobbing, remain strong this will stop and the puppy will adjust and learn that the crate is a safe place. Place a comfort item in the crate with them, a blanket or something with the mothers scent on it, or something you have worn, a toy to keep him company if he wakes up in the middle of the night, keep music playing in the room where he sleeps.
- Don't give him people food; it's very tempting to share, especially when he's begging/barking/crying for it. Don't give in. You will teach him that his behavior will get him what he wants and you'll spend every meal time with him begging for more. Second, most human food will not harm your dog. It's best to keep him on a dog food diet with only small variations (such as certain raw vegetables and fruits, and only as a treat). Giving processed foods or cooked ones with certain spices and ingredients could make him ill and upset his digestion.
- Spoiling your dog; It's ok to a degree. It's fun to get new play things, balls, squeaky toys, stuffed animals, an old shoe(yours), a pair of socks(yours too) and more. You would think he would never get bored. Right? Wrong. The puppy can get overstimulated and therefore bored/uninterested quite easily. Give your dog 3-4 toys at a time and rotate these every few days to keep his interest up.
- Training him to do tricks; It's not just fun it's beneficial. Playing dead, rolling over, begging, shaking paws, etc. It's not just fun to watch, it's good for him as well. Dogs love working for treats(just make it something good for them). Only spend 5-10 minutes at a time teaching them. Like anything else, it takes dedication and consistency to get your dog to know the trick 100%. It's also an opportunity for you to bond with him.
- Socialize, socialize, socialize! One of the most important things you can do for your puppy while he's still young is to get him use to other people and dogs. Once he's had his shots and can go out for walks, take him to the park or an area where you know other people will be walking their dogs. I recommend not letting your dog off the leash when not at home in his own yard, and also get him microchipped.
- Praise him(her)... extensively! The best way to encourage your puppy to behave in the ways you want him to is not by shouting at him for doing things wrong, but for praising him for doing things right!
Again, bringing home a puppy can be an intensely trying and exhausting time in the beginning, but stick to your guns and you should end up with a happy, healthy, lively dog who is well-trained and a massive source of fun and joy in your life.
Please contact me at 980-622-8576 or by email at supersweetminigoldenretrievers@gmail.com
