Puppies are fun, but they can also be quite a handful! Still, if you put the time in now to train them and care for them properly, you will both be much happier in the long run. Here are some puppy care tips to make their life (and yours) easier.

Use a Crate

We recommend using a crate for house breaking your puppy. The crate should be big enough for the puppy to stand up, turn around, and lie down in. If the crate is too big, the puppy will be able to pee and poop on one side, and sleep on the other. The idea is to make it uncomfortable for them if they do have an accident. If they have to lie in it, they won’t be happy.

Avoid Using Pee Pads

If you aren’t going to want to use pee pads forever, don’t start with them. It is better to take your puppy out in your own backyard. Keep your puppy on a leash and take them to the same spot every time. Use the same words and commands every time, especially making sure to praise and reward them like crazy when they do go.

Habits Stick

Puppies are creatures of habit, and they have to go out frequently. As soon as your puppy wakes up, they should be taken outside. If they don’t pee, take them back inside and keep them in your sight.

Supervise Your Puppy

Your puppy must stay in the room you are in. You can close the door, use a gate to block the doorway, or keep him on a leash near you, but he must always be near you. If you plan to leave the room for more than a minute (literally), your puppy should come with you on a leash or go into his safe confinement area. This will not only prevent mistakes from happening without your knowledge, but it will also keep him safe as well.

Watch for signs of impending urination or defecation. These include wandering away from you, sniffing the floor, restlessness, whining, panting, and circling. Then take your puppy out every 5 or 10 minutes until he goes.

Watch for “Go” Signs

Certain things frequently bring on a need for your puppy to go, and they include chewing heavily on a toy, eating, ten minutes or so after a big drink, waking up from a nap, or after heavy play. When you see any of these signs, take your puppy outside and try again! It’s a process! However, your puppy will learn quickly as long as you are consistent, and you will both get into a routine.

Never Use the Crate to Punish Your Puppy

The crate is intended to help your puppy get acclimated to your home and a routine schedule. It also helps when you need to keep an eye on your puppy, and you want to prevent them from eating or chewing on things they shouldn’t. It’s normal for puppies to spend a lot of time in their crate during the day, but make sure you never use the crate as a form of punishment for your puppy.

Other Puppy Tips

Other tips we recommend:

• Play with your puppy’s paws, teeth and ears a lot. This gets them used to being handled. That way when they come here or go for grooming they will be used to it. We will show you how to clean your puppy’s ears and clip its nails. Clipping nails can be tricky, and we will always be available to do that for you.
• We will also go over teeth brushing, so you can make it a regular part of your pet’s routine. Brushing is important for preventing tartar buildup and dental disease.
• Socialize your puppy as much as you can. Just be careful! Your puppy is likely not fully vaccinated, so we don’t recommend taking them to dog parks or pet stores, but we DO recommend letting your puppy play with dogs you know that are healthy and vaccinated.
• Wait about two weeks before arranging a play date for your puppy in case they get a cold, or until we get the results of their fecal analysis.
• Make sure to bring your puppy with you to experience new situations and people so they feel comfortable with them.