Getting a new puppy is an exciting time for the whole family. It can bring everyone closer as everyone will scamper to play with it and spoil it with cuddles and treats. You may have taken care of everything with the new puppy, such as buying it a new doggie bed and toys. But in the scramble to shower it with love, you may be making a few key mistakes that will make it harder for your puppy to get accustomed to their new environment. Here are some key mistakes you could be making:
1. Delaying with training
Experts say that training a dog comes from the moment you first meet it. Every interaction is a form of conditioning. From the very beginning, your body language should provide leadership and security to your dog, such as you taking the lead when entering the house. Even if your puppy is really young, you should start out with the simple instructions such as “no” or “sit.” It is true that training a pup takes a lot of time and patience.
If you are a busy professional living in Jacksonville, Florida, consider getting dog training professionals who can help you with part of the training or give you some solid advice. Waiting for your puppy to get acclimatized to your home will only leave it in a state of confusion, which will lead to stress and difficulty with house training.
2. Treating it like an adult dog
Remember that your puppy is still a baby and needs direction from you at every step. You cannot treat it with the same independence you would give an adult dog. Your first instinct might be to let it sleep on the same bed as you and take it out for play in the backyard. But remember that your pup will probably benefit from a restricted environment. A kennel or crate is going to be perfect for creating a safe space for your pet to eat and sleep in. Always monitor them at all times to ensure that they do not destroy your belongings or, worse, get injured.
3. Not socializing it
If you want your pup to grow up being able to go on walks outside and run around without a leash, you need to start socializing them soon. You can make play dates for your puppy once they have been vaccinated, dewormed, and given the flea treatment. Only let them socialize in a neutral and controlled environment, while someone is there to monitor the interaction for any signs of aggression. Socialization is not just limited to other dogs. You should have lots of guests over, especially those with children, so that your pup can learn to be friendly toward other people and dogs.
The important thing to remember about training your new puppy is that every dog has a different personality. Take into consideration your pet’s background—they may be coming from a shelter home or an abusive environment—before proceeding with a training schedule.
