So you have a new puppy, firstly congratulations. Having a dog is simply the best experience however those first few weeks can be tricky. So where to start? We have put together a top 10 of training to consider with your new puppy

1.Toilet training

The key with housetraining is to try to reduce the opportunity that the dog has of toileting in the wrong place. Remember your puppy will need the toilet:

After meal time

After a sleep

After an exciting game.

Don’t punish accidents puppies don’t have full control of their bladders until about 6 months old. Email info@bark-ology.co.uk for a copy of our toilet training handout.

2. Daily routine

A good daily routine, is essential for your puppy. This helps with toilet training, as they have a predictable schedule, they are less likely to have accidents. Also biting, if they learn to settle and sleep, then have time for play and learning basic skills they are less likely to get overtired and bity. Let’s face it puppies are tiny land sharks so the less over tired the better for our ankles!

3. Puppy Socialisation

Good socialisation from an early age is key to raising a well-rounded dog. Even before they are fully vaccinated you can take them out in the car and sit with them in your arms watching the world, parks, towns, anywhere that is going to be part of their daily life. Let them watch the activity in the safety of your arms, hear the sounds, smell the smells. Keep visits short and low key and notice if your puppy is worried and comfort them. As soon as they are ready take them out, again short visits, different surfaces under their feet. Interactions with appropriate dogs, but not every dog and not every person. Over socialised dogs are just as challenging as under socialised dogs. If you want our puppy socialisation check list drop an email to info@bark-ology.co.uk

4. Basic skills

It’s never too early to start! Make it fun, use mark and reward system to ensure you pup is eager to offer sit instead of jumping up. We offer a comprehensive online course which each week you will look at a range of behaviours and gradually build your skills until you have the best-behaved dog in town!

Start anytime, work at your own pace and you get unlimited access!

https://www.bark-ology.co.uk/online-courses

5. Harness and lead

Get your puppy used to having a suitable harness and lead on from the start. Start slowly, the first step might be just seeing the harness it might take a week to get them comfortable wearing it. Check out our blog for more information: https://www.bark-ology.co.uk/blog/2021/6/16/4-easy-steps-to-a-harness-happy-hound

6. Recall

Recall is an essential skill, isn’t it? Makes life so much easier if you dog can safely go off lead. The most common mistake owners make is they let the puppies completely off lead too early, as they get older and bolder they get more curious and more likely to ignore our calls of ‘come back’ as they are having too much fun! Keep practicing your recall, pair it with something amazing such as a yummy treat or favourite tug toy and consider using a long line so that if they do ignore you, you can calmly and easily get them back with resorting to a very exciting (and frustrating!) game of keep away. If you want to know more our online course offers everything you need to get a rock-solid recall. https://www.bark-ology.co.uk/online-courses

7. Vet visits

I can’t stress this one enough. Making vet visits as stress free as possible is so important. Talk to the reception staff and see when the quiet times are, take your puppy in, use the scales, get the staff to say ‘hi’ and give them a reward. Don’t let every visit to the vet be a scary one. You will thank me later!

8. Separation distress prevention

From the start get your puppy used to being alone. Those first few days can be scary for a new puppy so remember to ensure they feel safe and have company. Never let your puppy cry it out, research has proved that letting the cry it out is detrimental to their long-term well-being. It doesn’t build resilience it just proves to the puppy that no one is coming to help and they give up. Remember they are babies that have been taken away from their mother and siblings and are worried and need to feel safe. Dogs are social animals and you are now their family. Check out books by Julie Naismith on Puppy Separation anxiety for loads of top tips on prevention. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Books-Julie-Naismith/s?rh=n%3A266239%2Cp_27%3AJulie+Naismith

9. Handling.

Being able to handle your dogs is another essential skill. I teach chin rest and or name the body part you are going to touch. ‘ears’ touch the ears, ‘paws’ touch the paws and so. Be gentle, go slowly lots of dogs are sensitive having paws touch so don’t just grab them. Move slowly and stop if they object and go back to where they were comfortable. Same with grooming use a soft brush, do little and often. It will make life much easier in the long run.

10. Biting

No biting hands, hair, feet or clothes – be clear and consistent. Teach them what items they can bite and chew. Toys, age-appropriate chews. Have a good routine, tired puppies are bitey puppies. Management is key! Floaty trouser legs and dressing gown cords are fair game for fun loving puppies so avoid were possible. Check out the blog Shark! For more information. https://www.bark-ology.co.uk/blog/2021/8/20/shark-or-five-tips-for-managing-puppy-biting

If you are struggling or a new dog owner, ask for help. Those first few weeks and months are the foundation to your life together so get it right from the beginning. We offer 1-1 puppy packages where we come to your home and work on any areas that you are struggling with. We also have regular puppy classes both at Wolverly School and Wollastion Village Hall.

Check out the website for more information www.Bark-ology.co.uk or simply get in touch and we can help.