Owning a puppy is a huge commitment. In many ways it is like raising a child. Do consider how you would cope if you were ill, or wanted to stay away from home for a night or weekend. Be prepared for muddy paw prints in the house, dog hair on furniture, carpets and clothing. There is the possibility of your favourite shoes being chewed, and the expense of food, equipment and veterinary bills. If you are confident that a dog would fit in with your lifestyle, and can make a commitment for at least 2 walks every day, then you could be on the first step of a rewarding relationship with a loyal and affectionate friend.
Puppy Equipment
Your puppy will need somewhere where he can feel safe to sleep undisturbed. A dog bed and bedding is ideal. When the puppy is small, bedding placed in a cardboard box will be fine, and of course it won't matter if he chews his bed. An indoor kennel or crate is a good investment, and can speed up the process of toilet training. The puppy can be secured in a crate at night, ensuring that he does not get into any mischief. Dogs do not like to toilet in their sleeping area, so as long as the crate is not too big, it will help him to wait until let outside. A baby gate is another useful item. This can be used to prevent the puppy going upstairs, or to confine the puppy to one room, whilst allowing him to see what you are doing. Other essentials are bowls for food and water, food as recommended by the breeder or vet. A lightweight collar and lead will be easier for your puppy get used to. Grooming equipment will depend on the breed you have chosen. A selection of puppy safe toys will encourage play and learning, and help to strengthen the bond with your dog.
Toilet Training
House training is clearly a priority with a new puppy and requires a lot of attention and patience. Many puppies will have been trained to use puppy training pads indoors by the breeder. Always use the same area in the garden, to help your puppy learn quickly what is expected. Take him outside first thing in the morning, when he wakes up from sleeping, after each meal and play session and last thing at night. Young puppies may need to toilet every 1-2 hours. Watch for him sniffing or circling and take him outdoors straight away. Having someone at home during the day for the first two weeks will certainly help your puppy get toilet trained more quickly.
Puppy Socialisation
The most important part of puppy training is socialisation. Although you should not take a puppy to dog parks until fully vaccinated at 12 weeks old, you should start a program of socialisation as soon as you get your puppy. It is important to introduce your puppy to as many different experiences as possible in the first two to four weeks. Take him to an outdoor cafe and sit with him on your knee, so he can watch the world go by. Encourage a variety of visitors to your home, preferably a mix of men, women, young children and teenagers. Get him used to the sound of traffic from a distance at first, so that he is not afraid. Take him on short journeys in the car and on public transport. Visit a train station, a dog friendly pub and a supermarket car park. Wait near a school at the end of the school day, so the puppy can see large groups of children. These are the type of experiences a guide dog puppy is exposed to, and will ensure that he grows up to be a well balanced and good natured dog.
Basic Training Exercises
As with puppy socialisation, you should start on basic obedience training as soon as you get the puppy. He is capable of learning from the age of 6 weeks. Using rewards at the exact moment when your puppy performs the required actions, he should learn by you repeating exercises to sit, stay, lie down and come when called. You should also get him used to walking on a lead - even just around the house and in the garden will prepare him for when he is ready to go to the park.
Sources
Barnes, Julie, Puppy Training The Guide Dogs Way. Dorking, Surrey: Ringpress Books.
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