Bringing a new puppy home is so exciting. It’s tempting to immediately introduce your adorable new fuzzy friend to everyone you know, and take them everywhere they can go. You want to do ALL THE THINGS! And this is a perfectly normal reaction…but is it the best course of action?
The first month with your new puppy is a really important time in their bonding period with you. As tempting as it is to go full swing, your best bet is to take it a little slow and build a strong routine and gentle socialization plan. You want this time to lay the foundation for a great life together. If that sounds overwhelming, don’t worry – we’ve got your back with some tips below to help!
Build a Strong Routine
Dogs thrive on routine, just like we do. Building a consistent routine for a puppy is especially important – it will make house training, crate training, and sleep much easier! You don’t have to keep it down to the minute but try to get your puppy up at roughly the same time every day and to sleep at the same time. That will help them learn to sleep through the night faster. After every meal, make sure you take them outside so they can get in the habit of pottying outdoors too!
Socialize Appropriately
Socialization is introducing your puppy to people, places, and other animals in a way that makes them feel safe and happy. This means going slow when you introduce your pup to friends, family, dogs, and when going to new places. Let your puppy approach people and other animals at their own pace, and ask others to let them come and go from the visit as they please. Your puppy is allowed to interact with people or choose not to when they want – this allows them to feel secure as they begin to explore the world.
Integrate Your Pup with Your Other Pets
Keeping harmony at home means being thoughtful with how you introduce your pup to their furry family members. First impressions make a huge difference! Let your puppy approach your other pets at their own pace. Keep your adult dogs on leash or behind a baby gate and focused on you while the puppy explores on their own. For cat introductions, putting a gate between them can let your cat get to know your puppy without either of them being nervous or overwhelmed. If you notice any conflict forming, don’t wait to see if it gets better – shoot us an email and we can help!
Training
Basic obedience like leash walking and sit can come later. For now, focus on training that will help your puppy bond with you (and on the important stuff, like house training!). Whenever you notice your puppy doing something nice, use positive reinforcement (like a tasty treat or a fun toy) to reward them for good behavior. Kept four on the floor when you let them out of the crate? Great! Did you call their name and they responded? Awesome, you get a treat!
Bonding Takes Time
Don’t feel rushed through the process. Bonding takes time, and you want to do it well so you and your puppy build a strong, trusting relationship. Playtime, reward-based training, and cuddling can all be great ways to build trust and bond with your puppy. Being consistent with your training and expectations can help too – don’t praise and pet your puppy for jumping sometimes and then push them off or correct them other times, as the confusion can break trust. Consistency, routine, and rewarding good behavior will all lead to a strong and happy relationship!
Help is available!
Congratulations on your new addition! And remember, you don’t have to go it alone! We are here to help with classes or private lessons. Book with us today!
