TIPS AND ADVICE FOR NEW PUPPY PARENTS

Set the rules and stick to them, otherwise poor puppy won’t know what’s what! In these early days, everything is new, so this is our chance to show them the right way to behave. Use positive reinforcement when teaching them not to nip, where to go to the toilet and anything else pup needs to know. And introduce them to as many people, places and things as possible. Build the exposure, so pup’s confidence can grow. Take a look at our top tips for training a puppy.

Well-socialised puppies will love the vets’ and groomers’ waiting rooms, full of other animals and lots of interesting smells. But over time they can start to associate visiting the vet with being unwell. If your vet practice offers regular weigh-ins or puppy parties it’s a good idea to go along if you’re able to, so your pup has positive associations. It’s also good to familiarise them with what grooming feels like before taking them to the groomers. To help with this, see how to groom a pet at home. 

It’s important our pups become more independent as they grow. We love spending time with them, but we can’t be together every minute of the day. Start developing their independence by leaving them alone for a short time, building up to longer periods. Wait until they’re calm before going back into the room, so they don’t think crying leads to the reward of your presence! Take a look at our tips on leaving a puppy alone.

When leaving our puppies alone in the house, we shouldn’t make a fuss or cuddle them loads first (however much we want to!) or they’ll know something’s up. We need to make sure they’re safe and leave calmly so they grow into dogs who are well-adjusted to life with (and without) us. Find out how to deal with separation anxiety.

The precious puppy days fly by, so we need to make the most of them. It’s a chance to get to know one another, make bonds for life and set our puppies up for success. Enjoy this special time with your special new family member.