The rules you establish for your puppy should be followed by your children and the best way to get them to cooperate is by making the rules seem like a game.

You want the whole family on the same page or later training becomes much more difficult.

Puppies bring out the best and worst in people, especially with kids. When children have a bad day at school, they will take it out on the puppy through rough play and teasing.

Kids also have a tendency to take their anger out on a pup if they destroy one of their favorite toys.

This is a good time to teach kids the importance of putting their toys away. If not, they learn there are consequences, like coming home to chewed up toys. This teaches them the responsibility of picking up after themselves.

I think it helps to hold weekly pow wows with the family to make sure everyone can vent frustrations about what the puppy is doing. The worst thing to happen is for a family member to vent their frustration on the pet.

Your Lifestyle Changes

Having a puppy is a serious commitment and the first six months will certainly change your life. You won't be able to work overtime as easily, you won't be able to go to your favorite restaurant, and you won't be able to stay out as late or sleep in on weekends.

The reason is simple, your puppy needs to be taken out early in the morning and periodically throughout the day and night. A puppy cannot hold their urine for long periods of time during the first months.

If you don't feel you can make this kind of commitment, then be honest with yourself. Maybe now isn't the best time to own a puppy.

Just like adults who decide to have a child later in life, maybe you should wait for a better time to bring a puppy into your home.

Another aspect you must think about is establishing a regular routine. Puppies thrive with a scheduled routine, especially when it comes to feeding times and potty times. An erratic schedule will have negative effects when training your puppy.

Owning a dog is a ten to fifteen-year commitment. Yes, it does get easier after the first year, but keep in mind that even an adult dog still needs a regular schedule, plenty of exercise and a healthy amount of attention.

If you're still at the research stage of deciding to be a dog owner, this is the best time to consider these issues. It's easy to buy a puppy - everyone falls in love with a puppy - but it is very difficult to return a puppy once you bring it home.

Now, here's a great ebook I found on raising your new puppy. I was amazed at how much information was packed in this $7 guide. The author really knows her stuff.

Your Puppy's First Year Made Easy

Apply it sparingly. When you overuse "Come", your puppy will stop paying attention to you. When your puppy understands the command, avoid using it all the time. Say it infrequently and make it extremely rewarding.

Should the puppy not respond, chasing them won't work. Preform this command only on a lead for now.

Never call for negatives. Don't use Come if you have to groom, bathe, or isolate your puppy. Also avoid using this command when you're angry, it will only scare the puppy.

If your puppy runs away from you, do not repeatedly call or correct him.

Please use a different command when bringing the puppy inside. Coming in from outdoors is a big drag, no more fun than being left alone or ignored.

The 'Come' command should not be used when you want to bring in a puppy because it makes it a negative command. In its place, use a command like 'Inside.' Begin using it on-lead when you bring your puppy in the house and quickly offer a treat.