Puppies and dogs are one of the cutest things in the world. But, they can also be little terrors! Our quick guide to mastering puppy and dog parenting!

Take things slowly - be patient as your dog may have anxiety or be scared since they are adjusting to a new home

• Change one variable at a time - e.g. collars, harnesses, leashes, bandanas, etc

• Don’t rush your dog to learn too many things at once, especially tricks

• Check out our introducing new items guide

Use only POSITIVE reinforcement - never yell, hit, or any other form of abuse. It is not only cruel, but also really ineffective.

• High Praise: "Yessss!”, “Good Boy/Girl!!”

• Food: kibble or treats

• Toys: Ball, Frisbee, Tug of War Toy

• Check out our general training tips

Prevent separation anxiety - dogs with high separation anxiety is an issue

• Make sure your dog can be away from you without tearing apart the house, barking/howling, or peeing and pooping in the house on purpose

• Check out our separation anxiety knowledge article

Potty training

• Take your puppy out after every meal, nap, and play session to prevent soiling indoors

• Avoid using potty pads - difficult to get them to pee on it and to transition out of it

• Create a log to document pee/poo times, number of treats given, and inside or outside

• Take your puppy out only to pee in the beginning in one spot, eventually graduate to walks

• Check out our potty training guide

Crate training

• Our dog loves his crate, and happily goes in there during the day - the doors are usually open

• Expedites potty training (Brioche was potty trained around 4 months)

• Keeps your dog safe when done correctly

• When your dog wants attention in their crate by barking or crying, do not give it to them - this teaches them bad behavior (bark = attention = bad)

• Check out our crate training guide

Teething

• Always have chew toys around so they can chew on the toy instead of your leg or furniture. Rawhide alternatives work great too!

• Check your dog’s teeth for plaque build up or tarter, and your dog’s breath

• Take care of your dog’s teeth - otherwise expensive bills are headed your way!

• Check out our teething and dental knowledge article

Grooming - this matters because it does impact your dogs health (teeth brushing, hair brushing, nail clipping)

• Introduce all new grooming items and activities slowly

• Check out our grooming guide

Leash training

• Critical to get your dog walking on a leash properly, meaning no pulling, stopping, or lunging at other dogs or objects

• Keeps your dog, other dogs, and other people (especially children and those who dislike dogs) safe

• Check out our leash training guide

• Check out our instructions to the command “heel”

Monitor health

• Find a vet that works for your dog and you

• Conduct research on health insurance if it is the right choice for your family

• Keep up to date with your vaccinations, vet visits, and heart worm/flea medications

• Check out our health guide

Food & Treats

• Be aware of the ingredients going into your dog’s food

• Always confirm with a vet on how much your dog should be eating

• Be cognizant of human foods your dog can and cannot eat - guide here

• Check out our dog food knowledge article to help you find the best food for your dog

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