New Puppy Advice
Early learning is essential if you are to own a well-educated
and well-rounded dog, here are a few tips to help you with
your new four-legged friend...

1. Start Training Straight Away
It’s important to begin your training regime as soon as you get your new puppy. Training is
about setting boundaries and helping your dog know what behaviour is acceptable and what
isn’t.

2. Go to Puppy Training Classes
This will help with socialisation as well as obedience commands and life skills. Try and find a
class which isn’t too big or poorly managed as this can do more harm than good.

3. Stick to a Routine
A regular feeding routine will make it much easier to house-train your pup. Feeding at regular
intervals, followed by a walk around the garden after each meal, when he’s been asleep and
when he’s been playing will help your puppy get the hang of things and he should start asking
to go out.

4. Buy Lots of Chews and Toys
Not only will this save you worrying about your furniture it will keep your new pup from getting
into bad habits.



5. Be Consistent
Although puppies need love and affection, the most important thing you can offer them is the
security of a routine and a consistent set of rules.

6. Teach Him to Focus on You
If you can hold your dogs attention you will be better equipped to teach him other commands.
The best way is to ask him to focus on you whilst holding a toy or treat.



7. Limit your Puppies Territory to a Small Area Initially
It’s a good idea to limit your new pup’s territory to a small area - fence off any areas or plants
that you do not want damaged. Your puppy will soon learn the value of items by your reaction
when they damage or chew them.

8. Start Lead Training Early
Start with a long lead, as soon as your pup runs ahead causing the lead to tighten make a ‘uh-
huh’ sound and stop dead. The biggest mistake you can make is pulling him back when he pulls
forward on the lead, as this will cause him to pull harder in an attempt to loosen the pressure
on his neck.



9. Train your Dog to Control Barking
The last thing you want is to find out off your neighbours that when you leave the house your
dog barks non-stop! The best way to avoid this is to teach them to control their bark when they
are a pup. Consistently give your dog praise when he is settled and quiet and by constantly
reinforcing this good behaviour he will learn that being quiet is much more rewarding.

10. Get your Puppy used to Grooming
If you begin to groom as young as possible, your puppy will quickly get used to this type of
handling and won’t struggle during the process. There are also additional benefits to grooming
such as a shiny and healthy coat, better blood circulation and it also helps to build a close bond
between you and your dog.


For listings of dog trainers approved by the Association of Pet Dog Trainers visit www.apdt.co.uk