For all the cuteness that puppies can give you as a new member of the family, those who have had dogs before will know all too well the teething problems (not including literal teething problems) that puppies can have. For every cuddle on the sofa on those first few magical weeks together, you have nights of yelping for attention, slip-ups on puppy mats, and a whole host of problems. That’s why creating good habits for puppies at the beginning is so important from the outset.
It is part and parcel of looking after a new pup while puppy training, and while there’s no getting around it, there are some firm rules you should have in place to help create good habits for puppies. Now, these aren’t rules for the dog. These are rules for you to carry out and follow to the letter. Why? Because if you do, you’re going to help create good lifelong habits for your dogs. Best to nip it in the bud now rather than have problems as they get older. As someone with a relative who never told their Yorkie to get off the sofa, trust me, you don’t want to get in a shouting match with a tiny dog for a spot to sit.
So, what good habits for puppies should you be nailing from day one? Here are a few I think are important.
The “smoke” break
I don’t smoke, but with the number of times I’ve had to declare to everyone in the living room I’m taking the pup out to the back garden every evening, you’d think I was. The “smoke” break is really just a way of getting your dog familiar with the garden, especially when viewed through the lens of it being where they should be going to the toilet.
A lot of people make the mistake of placing a puppy mat/pad in the living room and ever so slowly moving it inch by inch towards the back door. It is much better to place your pads at doorways and by the back door. It helps create the association for your dog to be heading towards a door and outside to go to the toilet.
And isn’t a little fresh air always a good thing?
The right diet
Take someone who just got a dog for their first time in their life into a pet shop. Guide them towards the food aisle(s). Congratulations. You’ve just overwhelmed a dog owner. Puppies need nutritional balance, especially for growing so quickly. Get a few things wrong, and you can end up giving your dog a poor diet or creating bad habits and potentially health; that’s not even getting to mention dogs lurking under the table at tea time.
If you’re really invested in giving a dog the best food possible, I recommend reading up on raw puppy food. It is great for the diets and digestive system. Don’t worry, though. It doesn’t mean you’ll be asking the butchers for offcuts and liver. Like all good things these days, you can order pre-measured portions online; ideal if you’re terrible with portion control. I recommend checking out some of the great things Bella & Duke offer pets of all shapes and sizes.
The open door technique
This last piece of advice is going to be something that sets your relationship with your dog up for life. Do it right, and you’ll never find yourself having to chase after your dog when they’re off the leash in the park.
Get your dog in their harness or collar and attach your lead. Stand by the front or back door with them every day for a few minutes and then open the door. If the dog tries to bolt for a run, you can keep them in place with the lead and continually tell them to “sit” and “stay”. You need to be looking at them while you do this and point to create an association with the actions and words.
Even with a small puppy, if you try this for just a week a few times a day, after a while, you can eventually do it with the lead on the ground and eventually no lead at all to get them to stay. It will help build that trust you need that they won’t always run off the first chance they get. Although, I would recommend doing this without using treats, as that could lead to bad habits.
Remember, it is up to you to avoid creating any!
Finding the right dog for your family
These have been just a few little ideas to take on board when getting a puppy. If the discussion has come up at home, and you’re seriously thinking now is the time to get a puppy for the family, I recommend reading this article on some of the best dog breeds for children.
Comment with your thoughts about which good habits for puppies are all important below – I’d love to hear your thoughts.
