For the first week or two that you have your puppy home, you will both be busy getting
to know each other. But once your puppy is settled and has begun to trust you, you
should start the basic training of elementary social skills such as going to the
bathroom in the right place and learning their name.
From birth to seven weeks is when basic personality is shaped. Your puppy is like
a sponge - absorbing and processing information. They learn more during this time
than during all their lives.
BEFORE THE ARRIVAL
It's a big change from the litter to their new house. Be ready to give your puppy
all possible comfort in this transition. Here's the checklist of what you need:
- A warm, cosy bed lined with old blankets and towels.
- Two bowls for food and water.
- Lots of newspaper.
- A supply of MY DOG® Puppy food.
- Some chewy toys.
- And, of course, a name. Choose your puppy's name before they arrive so they can
spend the next few days learning it, settling in and getting to know you and your
family.
THE FIRST NIGHT
The first night away from their mother can be a bit scary. But you can comfort your
puppy with a few tricks. Ask your breeder for a piece of the bedding that was in
contact with the mother and put it in your puppy's bed. Also a hot water bottle
and a ticking clock under the blanket, to simulate warmth and the mum's heartbeat.
This can help soothe your puppy.
BARKING
The first thing to understand is that barking is a natural thing for dogs of all
ages. However you can help your puppy to understand that sometimes quiet is better.
A common mistake is to try to calm them down in a loud voice. They might think you're
barking along, and get even louder.
The best way is to talk to them in a low voice. Once they've quieted down, give
them a treat and some praise. This way they'll recognise this behavior as a more
desirable one.
CHEWING
Puppies need to chew, especially when they're teething. A play toy and an edible
chew once or twice a day should keep them away from your shoes. Feeding MY DOG Puppy
dry food after eight weeks of age will give your puppy some textural variety and
allow them to chew, to promote dental health.
BED
Your puppy needs their own safe place to sleep, play or relax. Having their space
with a bed and a toy is a nice way of showing your love.
TOILET TRAINING
Toilet training takes time and patience. They're like babies, it's hard to understand
how we want them to behave.
When the puppies relieve themselves in the wrong place, clean up quickly with a
non-ammonia based product to avoid creating "scent posts"- it encourages them to
relieve themselves every time they smell it.
Choose a spot for the toilet area and take your puppy there every morning. Reward
your little friend with praise, a treat or a toy for every time they go on the right
place.