How To Train Your Puppy

I ran into a woman I know casually, who is getting her very first dog the first of November. She is so excited to have a best furry friend.

She began to tell me about how she had already selected a puppy from a breeder because she could tell that they were soul mates.

The pup is five weeks old now.

I listened for a bit and then she asked, “You were a breeder, right? Any suggestions?”

That’s when I sat her down and started bringing her back to reality. I told her that yes, the puppy is adorable and cute, but will require a lot of work and training during the first year of her little life.

• Make sure you crate train her. Being crate trained will be an asset all of her life.
• Do not use the crate as punishment.
• You want her crate to be her safe place.
• Have a nice soft mattress and blanket in the crate for her and keep it clean.
• Walk her ever hour in the same area of the yard that you want her to use as the potty.
• When she does her wee-wee, praise her sweetly and give her a small treat.
• If she has an accident in the house, say no, take her immediately outside and to her potty area. Telling her to wee-wee.
• Of course she won’t be able to, but she will get the idea.
• Immediately clean any place she has urinated in the house with a pet urine odor remover.
• Be sure to have good play times both inside and outside.
• When inside, as soon as the play starts to slow, take her outside and walk her. She will need to wee-wee.
• Make sure she goes to bed in a quiet place. She may cry the first night or two, but let her cry it out. She will get used to it, and go to sleep, especially if you’ve played with her.
• Be sure to feed her three to four times a day as recommended by your Veterinarian.
• As soon as she finishes her meals take her for a walk.
• When you go to your Vet. for the first time, ask for their new puppy packet. They get these from the food and drug companies and offer a variety of items.
• Be sure to get a vaccination schedule and follow as advised.
• At about the age of three months find a puppy class.
• Take your puppy to class for several months.
• If you want a life long best friend, help her to learn how to be that.
• Never hit your dog.
• Try not to yell either, although we all get frustrated.
• Love them, and be kind.
• And you will have a best friend for life!