| Once you arrive home with your puppy there will | | | | right for the first few weeks. Start now, and |
| inevitably be a period of adjustment, but even | | | | stick with it until your pup really has no accidents. |
| during the first week or two your new arrival can | | | | Toilet training isn't great fun, but it is crucial. |
| begin to learn what is considered acceptable | | | | Chewing if often a headache with pups, and many |
| behaviour in your home - where it is supposed to | | | | a carpet or chair has suffered from the ravages |
| go to the toilet, what it is allowed to chew, where | | | | of puppy teeth. Initially, a puppy will use his mouth |
| it can sleep and so on. | | | | to investigate his environment, and throughout the |
| Some people do not mind having their dog on the | | | | teething process, it gives a puppy relief to chew |
| couch. For others, a pet on the furniture would be | | | | on all manner of items. Providing appropriate items |
| unacceptable behaviour. The same holds true for | | | | for your puppy to chew on can sometimes be a |
| begging at the table, jumping up at people, and | | | | simple way of solving the problem. |
| other objectionable behaviours. | | | | At a very young age puppies begin to learn how |
| Decide at the start what your household policy will | | | | much pressure with their mouths is too much by |
| be, enforce it from these first early weeks and | | | | the reactions of their mothers and litter mates. |
| most importantly be consistent. | | | | When puppies play, they bite each other's ears |
| Failure to teach your dog the rules of the house | | | | and chew each other's necks, until one bites down |
| when he is young can result in an unmanageable | | | | too hard. Then, the bitten puppy lets out a |
| adult dog. | | | | piercing cry, gets up and walks away. |
| If you have decided that your puppy is going to | | | | This teaches the biting puppy that when it is too |
| sleep in a dog bed or crate, make sure you | | | | rough, play ends. If it is you that the puppy is |
| enforce that behaviour from day one. Your puppy | | | | chewing, the moment the pressure increases use |
| might cry in response to separation from mother | | | | a high pitched cry, leaving your hand in his mouth. |
| or litter mates. A hot water bottle and plenty of | | | | Once the pressure is released, slowly remove |
| TLC should provide a little extra comfort. | | | | your hand and praise him, offering a suitable chew |
| Teaching your puppy where you expect him or | | | | toy in exchange. |
| her to go to the bathroom is probably the most | | | | Socialisation training is the other aspect of |
| critical part of training | | | | behaviour that needs reinforcing early on. Key |
| The best method of toilet training is to take your | | | | experiences during the first three months of life |
| puppy out within several minutes after each meal, | | | | will form the basis of how the puppy relates to |
| after each nap, and after playing. These are | | | | and interacts with many individuals that they will |
| predictable moments during the day when bowel | | | | come across in their future lives such as: |
| and bladder are most full. | | | | • Adults and children |
| Feed your puppy at scheduled mealtimes and | | | | • Other dogs and puppies |
| avoid snacks between feedings if at all possible. | | | | • Different types of pets, livestock and |
| Allowing your puppy continuous access to food or | | | | horses |
| water makes house training more difficult. Prevent | | | | • And not forgetting the postman! |
| "accidents" between meals by taking your pup out | | | | Also during this period puppies get used to the |
| before the accidents occur. | | | | every day hassles of life which include: |
| The outward signs a puppy may show include | | | | • Household noises and appliances |
| circling, squatting, whimpering, sniffing the floor or | | | | • Cars and traffic |
| sneaking off and heading for the door, and he | | | | • Crowds |
| must be taken outside immediately to perform. If | | | | • Periods of separation |
| you're not quick enough, the puppy should still be | | | | Unfortunately the primary course of vaccinations |
| taken outside to finish the act. | | | | for puppies will only be completed at about 11 to |
| It is best to walk your puppy within 15 minutes or | | | | 12 weeks of age, which leaves only a small |
| sooner after each meal. Take him out to the | | | | window during the last month of the critical |
| same spot each time. If your puppy is too young | | | | 'sensitive developmental period' to achieve |
| to walk on a leash, carry him outside to an | | | | socialisation. |
| enclosed, safe area. Stay nearby and play with or | | | | The aim of training is to achieve a puppy that is |
| pet him. | | | | friendly and eager to meet people and other |
| Praise immediately once the task is completed. A | | | | animals. You can then build on this by preventing |
| few tasty treats offered when the puppy goes in | | | | bad behaviour, ignoring or distracting unwanted |
| the right place can encourage good behaviour. | | | | actions and rewarding and praising good behaviour. |
| These then can be given intermittently and then | | | | Hopefully, this will produce a dog that is a pleasure |
| stopped after training has been successful. | | | | to own. |
| Don't be fooled if your puppy happens to get it | | | | |