New Year, New Puppy: Top 5 Tips for a Successful Start
š¾Ā Congratulations on the newest member of your family! Bringing home a puppy during the New Year is a wonderful resolution, but it also comes with a steep learning curve. To help you navigate the “puppy blues” and build a lifelong bond, here are our top five expert tips for New Year puppies.
1. Establish a “Strict” Routine Immediately
Puppies crave predictability. In a world where everything is new and scary, a schedule provides safety. Try to keep feedings, potty breaks, and nap times at the exact same time every day.
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Pro Tip: Remember the “1 hour out, 2 hours in” rule. For every hour of play, puppies usually need a two-hour nap in their crate or pen to prevent overstimulation (and nipping!).
2. Master the “Lure” Technique
Before you worry about complex tricks, teach your puppy how to follow your hand. This is called luring. By holding a small treat to their nose and moving it, you can guide them into a sit, a down, or a heel without ever having to push or pull them.
3. Socialization is Not Just “Meeting Dogs”
Many owners think socialization means a trip to the dog park. Actually, itās about exposure without interaction. Take your puppy to a bench outside a grocery store and let them watch the world go by. Reward them for staying calm while hearing buses, seeing umbrellas, or watching kids run past. Note: as I say your dog will meet tons more people in their life than other dogs.Ā
4. Manage the Environment (The “Puppy Zone”)
Don’t give a new puppy full run of the house. That leads to chewed shoes and “accidents” on the rug. Use baby gates or an exercise pen to create a “Puppy Zone.” This keeps them safe and sets them up for success by limiting their choices to only their own toys. Note: This is a 100% must till you are through potty training.Ā
5. Prioritize “Neutrality” Over Excitement
We all love a wiggly, happy puppy, but teaching your dog to be neutral is a superpower. Practice having your puppy sit calmly while you put on your shoes or chat with a neighbor. A dog that knows how to “turn off” and relax is much easier to live with than one that thinks every moment is a party. Note: Dogs are predators, that is why they will come at you more the faster you move your hand/arms.Ā
Need a Little Extra Help?
Starting off on the right paw is much easier with a professional in your corner. Whether youāre struggling with potty training or those sharp puppy teeth, weāre here to help!
