Puppy How to - Buy a Puppy, Train a Puppy

After I made my decision to get a puppy, I wanted to rush right out and get one as quickly as possible. Instead of doing that, it is important to take a few deep breaths and calm down. Savor the happy feeling, and anticipation of a new furry addition; then the real work begins.

Puppy How-To Tip #1
Make sure you have the time and financial resources to commit to a puppy. A puppy is a 10-15 year commitment. They are a lot of work and they are quite expensive. The initial cost of buying the puppy is very little compared cost of maintaining the puppy, e.g. vet bills, toys, food, training classes, training equipment, and grooming equipment. Initial vaccine shots could cost you from $500-$1000US just in the first few months.

Puppy How-To Tip #2
Do some research to find the right dog breed for your lifestyle. The most important thing to consider is the energy level of the breed. Get a dog breed with a slightly lower energy level than you. Such a dog will be able to keep up with most of your activities, but will also be happy to rest at your feet after a busy workday.

Puppy How-To Tip #3
Get a puppy from a reputable breeder or from your local shelters and rescue. Only get a puppy that is 8 weeks or older. Younger puppies should still be with their mothers and littermates. Resist getting a puppy just based on his/her looks. Ultimately, temperament is going to matter much more.

So you have just bought a puppy, now what?

Well, now the fun begins. Your puppy is never too young to learn so start training him right away. Remember that your puppy does not understand what the house rules are so it is up to you to teach him what is appropriate and what is inappropriate.

Puppy How-To Tip #4
Use reward dog training. Everybody thinks they know a lot about dogs and you will likely get a lot of advice from relatives, friends, and neighbors. No matter what anyone says, do not use physical force on a puppy. This will only teach him to fear you and run away, or become aggressive.

Puppy How-To Tip #5
Your first puppy training challenge will be to potty train your dog. While doing this, remember that your puppy is young and has a very small bladder. He will make mistakes, and sometimes, he just won't be able to get to the door on time. The key to potty training your puppy are patience and consistency. Make sure to reward your puppy well for pottying outside. Do not push your puppy's nose in 'it' when he makes a mistake. This will not teach him anything.

Puppy How-To Tip #6
Your puppy will be very cute and very irresistible. But you must not reward him for inappropriate behaviors. A common mistake is to give a puppy hugs and affection when he whines, jumps, or runs around. Rewarding these behaviors will teach your puppy that this is what you want, and he will keep repeating those behaviors because it gets him attention and affection.

Instead, get your puppy to sit and politely ask for attention before giving him attention, scratching, and tummy rubs.

Puppy How-To Tip #7
A great way to establish leadership is through the control of resources. Don't give anything to your puppy (including attention and affection) unless he does something for you first. For example ask him for a Sit before you give him food, toys, or freedom.

Puppy How-To Tip #8
Leash train your puppy early, while he is still small and easier to control. First of all, let him get used to a flat collar by pairing it with good treats. Next, just fasten the leash on and let him get used to the feel of the leash on his collar. At this point do not hold the lead or try to walk him yet.

Once he is comfortable moving around on his own with the leash, you can practice some Recall exercises with him. After this, you can start leash training. Go slowly and always pair training with good treats, affection, and fun.

In addition to training your puppy, it is important to make sure that your puppy is comfortable, and in good health. Take your puppy to the vet as soon as you can. Make sure there is a health clause in your puppy contract so that the breeder is responsible for any pre-existing health issues. Schedule your puppy for his vaccine shots and put him on Heartgard.

Puppy How-To Tip #9
Do not let your puppy play or meet random adult dogs if he has not been fully vaccinated. Adult dogs may carry diseases that are dangerous to a puppy. Do not let your puppy smell, taste, or touch dog feces and/or urine before he is fully vaccinated.

To be safe, just train and walk your puppy in your own backyard until he has had all of his shots. At the vet, transport your puppy in a crate so that he is not exposed to anything on the floors of the parking lot or waiting room area.

Puppy How-To Tip #10
Socialize your puppy to a wide range of people, dogs, and objects. Enroll him in a puppy class so that he can safely start socializing with other dogs and people after he has had his second round of shots.

Puppy How-To Tip #11
Start getting your puppy used to handling and grooming as early as possible. Dogs are more open to new experiences when they are young, so show your puppy that grooming is a fun experience, with lots of yummy treats. A confident dog, that is comfortable with handling, will be much easier to care-for, for the rest of his life.

Puppy How-To Tip #12
Feed your puppy a healthy, balanced, and nutritious diet. Do not overfeed your puppy and do not give him too many dog treats. Divide up your puppy's food into 3 meals and feed him at regular times during the day.

It can be challenging to keep your puppy engaged and well exercised. And we all know that when left to find his own "entertainment", a puppy will come up with many ingenious ways to cause great property damage. To prevent this, provide your puppy with fun, and sufficient physical and mental activity every day.

Puppy How-To Tip #13
Make your puppy work for all his food. Don't just hand food to him on a silver dog bowl. Use his daily food rations for obedience training sessions, handling sessions, and stuff the rest of it in interactive food toys.

Puppy How-To Tip #14
If you will be away, all day, at work; consider hiring a dog walker or putting your puppy in daycare (only after he has had all of his shots). A good dog walker or dog daycare will be fun and engaging for your puppy and it will help socialize him to a range of people and dogs. It will also tire him out. When you get home, your puppy will be happy to just cuddle with you and lie calmly by your side.

Puppy How-To Tip #15
Remember to have fun and bond with your puppy!