PUPPY POWER !
There ’ s nothing cuter than a new puppy – but they can also be challenging at times . Give your puppy the best head start in life so you can both enjoy a fun , loving , happy and trusting relationship together .
Setting up for success Puppies need to stay with their mothers until they are at least 8 weeks old , as during this period they learn the important foundations of behaviour from their mother and litter-mates .
Socialisation Is arguably THE most important part of owning a dog , either as a puppy or as an older dog . Right from birth puppies begin learning . They can hear , smell and feel , therefore socialisation has already started long before we come along .
When do I need to socialise my puppy and how ? As soon as you get your new puppy it ’ s a good idea to start exposing them to the sights , sounds and smells of the world . This means people of all different shapes , sizes and ethnicities , children , animals , bikes , weather , cars , trucks , buses , loud noises , locations and walking surfaces – anything they could potentially come across in life .
How long do I socialise my puppy for ? Socialisation is ongoing throughout a dog ’ s life . The early period of up to 16 weeks is one of the most important times – but if you stop there the dog can go backwards . If you keep going and show your dog that the world isn ’ t a scary place then you will be rewarded with a well-balanced canine friend .
Pet friendly accommodation around New Zealand
If your family includes a dog , cat , bird or other furry creature then we have some good news for you . Pets Can Come Too has a long list of holiday homes throughout New Zealand that will give your whole family a warm welcome .
But my puppy isn ’ t fully vaccinated ? It ’ s safest not to let your pup meet other dogs until fully vaccinated , however , you can still socialise your dog to everything else ! Take your dog out and about , carrying them until vaccinated – go for car rides , wander around ( non dog ) parks and organise puppy playdates with other puppies through reputable canine vet , training or behavioural professionals .
Crate training : a home away from home A crate is a valuable training tool for their future wellness . It can help your dog feel secure no matter where they are . Not only can a crate aid toilet training but throughout the duration of your dog ’ s life there may come times when they need to stay at a vet , a boarding kennel or perhaps even travel overseas with you . Training your puppy to become used to a crate while young can make these life situations free from stress and worry . Use positive association – if a crate means comfort , warmth , mealtime and rewards , you will set your puppy up with a posi-tive state of mind around crates for life .
Teething and destruction : the seek and destroy period Just like us , puppies have baby teeth that get replaced with adult teeth . This generally occurs between three and seven to eight months . During this time it can be painful and cause them a lot of discomfort . Puppies try to alleviate this by chewing , and of course chewing leads to destruction ! Nothing is safe . Anything that can be chewed will be chewed … puppies don ’ t discriminate ! Ensure you provide your puppy with appropriate chewing toys and soothers to help this process . Teach your puppy what is OK to chew and what isn ’ t . If they are chewing something inappropriate , divert them to a toy they can chew . There are many low cost ideas where you can make “ teethers ” for your puppy without breaking the bank . Use knotted tea towels soaked in water and then frozen to help soothe their wee jaws as their adult teeth come in .
Toilet training : who left the seat up ? Puppies don ’ t instinctively know where to go to the toilet . We need to teach them . To guide your puppy towards the big outdoors toilet take them outside 10 minutes after they have eaten , played , woken up , had a drink , or any change in behaviour or environmental stimulus . Encourage your dog to toilet by using a word and , when they go , verbally praise and give them a treat . Ensure they have access to outside if you are not able to watch them . Set them up for success by putting the time into this and never clean your carpets again ! As important as it is to reward them for going outside , it is also as important NOT to reprimand them if they do have an inside accident . This will only teach them to make sure you are not around when they feel the urge and they will take to hiding when needing to toilet , disrupting the whole toilet-training process . Be an aware and savvy toilet-training parent .
Puppy school Puppy school is encouraged for all new dog owners and their puppies . It should cover all the basics of training and teach you and your dog how to work together so you can get GREAT training results together . It is also a great way for your puppy to meet other puppies , and you get to meet like-minded people who are going through the same experiences you are .
DOGlife NZ 021 061 8480 sacha @ doglife . co . nz Enhancing Life with Dog ' s www . doglife . co . nz
8807365AA
Ph 04 293 2705 www . petscancometoo . co . nz