Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 3: Preparing Your Puppy at Home
• Method 2 of 3: Buying other items for your puppy
• Method 3 of 3: Training Basics
• Tips
• Warnings

Before the puppy appears in the house, you should prepare everything you need: a cage, bowls, toys, a bed, a leash and a collar. However, it is also important to know in advance how to train the puppy and how to react to his behavior. If you prepare ahead of time, you can be a good owner for your dog.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Preparing Your Puppy at Home

1. 1 Set aside space for your puppy. At first, you should keep the puppy in only one or two rooms. A kitchen and a bathroom are suitable for this. This will allow the puppy to safely explore its surroundings. It will also make it easier for you to keep an eye on the puppy and clean up on time.
   • If you allow your puppy to walk around the house, he may be intimidated by the abundance of unfamiliar smells and sounds.
   • If the puppy goes to the toilet at home at least once, he may start doing it regularly. Observe your puppy to take him outside in time.
2. 2 Make the area safe for the puppy. To keep the area safe, thoroughly clean the floor, remove wires and other objects that your puppy may chew or bump or break. Also remove any items that cannot be scratched or stained.
   • Remember that puppies chew on everything, including wires. Hide them securely.
   • Remove all dangerous items: detergents, medicines, vitamins, plants, cat litters, cigarettes, litter, and anything else that your puppy might try to eat.
3. 3 Pick up the cage. Crate training will help you train your dog in the future, but it is not necessary. If you decide to crate train your puppy, buy a crate in which your pet can stand upright and lie down with its legs outstretched. Place a soft lounger inside.
   • The idea behind using the cage is for the animal to perceive it as a safe and peaceful place (similar to the den in which the wild ancestors of dogs lived in nature).
   • Remember that the cage cannot be used as a punishment. The dog itself should want to be in the cage when you are not around, because it is calm and safe there.
   • It is best to buy a metal mesh cage as this will allow the dog to see what is happening around.
4. 4 Buy bedding. Use a machine-washable bedding that will make your dog feel good to lie on. It is best to use two bedding: while the dog is using one, the second can be washed and dried.
   • Raise the dog's bed slightly off the ground to protect the puppy from drafts.
5. 5 Buy everything you need to train your dog to walk. Even if you will take your dog outside to the same place, you should arrange a place in the house where the dog can go to the toilet if necessary. For these purposes, you can use special diapers. The diaper contains absorbent material and can be thrown away if the dog gets off.
   • Newspapers can be used, but they are less absorbent and may cause urine to spill onto the floor.
   • Buy disposable gloves, paper towels, and a disinfectant spray (based on enzymes, not ammonia or bleach) for cleaning.
   • Some dog handlers recommend setting a timer every half hour and taking the dog out on a timer.

Method 2 of 3: Buying other items for your puppy

1. 1 Pick up and buy quality food. You will need a special puppy food that is suitable for your breed of dog. Ask your veterinarian what food is right for your puppy and how often and how much food you should give your dog.
   • Puppies need to be fed more often than adult dogs. This means that you will have to feed your puppy three times a day for up to 18 weeks. Then you can feed your dog twice a day.
   • Give your puppy treats. Reward the desired behavior with goodies. This will strengthen your bond with your dog.
   • Give your dog the same type of food. If the diet is changed abruptly, the puppy may get stomach upset. If you have to change your dog to a different food, do it gradually. First, mix part of the new feed and two parts of the old feed. Gradually increase the percentage of new food until you transfer the whole dog to it.
   • Remember that it is very difficult to feed your puppy with regular food while adhering to all the nutritional requirements. In order for the bones of the animal to develop correctly, the dog needs to receive a certain amount of calcium and phosphorus. Even experienced nutritionists find it difficult to calculate this amount. Remember that dogs do not live as long in the wild as at home.
2. 2 Buy at least two bowls - one for water and one for food. You will need two separate bowls for food and water. Buy bowls that are dishwasher-safe and easy to clean. It is best to choose ceramic or metal bowls because your dog will not be able to chew on them. In addition, the surface of these bowls is smoother and less likely to accumulate bacteria than plastic surfaces.
   • Provide your puppy with constant access to clean, fresh water. Replace and refill water regularly throughout the day.
3. 3 Give your dog something to chew on. Puppies need to chew on objects - consider this need. Choose toys with care, as many toys can be unsafe for your puppy. If the puppy chews a hole in the toy and swallows the plastic, he may have a blockage in his intestines.
   • Give preference to toys that your dog can play with without your supervision (for example, rubber toys shaped like a snowman). There are special toys that you can put a treat inside. This will keep your dog interested in the toy and give him the opportunity to sharpen his teeth.
   • The toy must be large enough that the dog cannot swallow it whole. If you are choosing between two toys, buy the larger one.
4. 4 Buy a collar (or harness) and leash that is the right size. Collars come in several sizes: very small, small, medium, large and extra large. Buy a collar and leash that fits your dog's size.
   • Small dogs will work with a light leash, while larger dogs may need a harness and a strong leash.
   • Buy a long tape measure for walking and a short one (50 centimeters – 1 meter) for training.
5. 5 Buy brushes. Choose a soft brush for combing fur and a hard brush for removing tangles. You may also need a fine-toothed comb for tricky areas.
   • Train your dog to brush as soon as possible. This will avoid problems as the dog grows older.
6. 6 Buy dog ​​toothpaste and toothbrush. Many dogs develop tooth decay due to lack of dental care. Teaching your dog to brush his teeth at a young age will allow you to brush his teeth as he gets older. Brush your teeth every day to avoid dental problems.
   • To allow your dog to let you touch its mouth on the inside, dab some chicken broth or peanut butter on your fingers and let the dog lick them. Do this several times. Try rubbing your puppy's teeth and gums with your fingers.
   • When your dog is used to his fingers, start brushing his teeth. Do this every day for a few minutes.

Method 3 of 3: Training Basics

1. 1 Be aware that submission does not always work. The principle of complete subordination of the puppy to the owner is considered obsolete. This theory was developed based on the observation of packs of wolves, however, the wolves were kept in the zoo and experienced stress. The stressful state forced the wolves to show aggression towards each other, but in the wild they do not behave this way - they live in families and cooperate with each other.
   • See yourself as a more mature family member who should guide the new member (puppy) and help him learn good behavior and correct him if necessary.
2. 2 Remember that puppies learn a lot on their own. Young puppies love to explore and experiment. They tend to repeat activities that give them pleasure (for example, playing with a ball). They do not repeat actions that cause them discomfort (for example, destroying a hornet's nest and getting a bite).
   • Ignore your puppy if he misbehaves and praise him if he does it right. Reward the puppy for following the command and for good behavior (for example, outside toilet).
   • Establish rules and enforce them.
3. 3 Enroll your puppy in obedience training. These activities will help you understand what actions will help you control your dog's behavior. Plus, you and your puppy will have the opportunity to spend more time with each other and socialize around other dogs.
   • Ask your veterinarian, groomer, or pet store seller about these activities.

Tips

• Wear your old jersey for a few days and give it to the breeder. The breeder should let the puppy play with your jersey. When you bring your puppy home, he will already recognize your scent.
• Since it’s worth training your dog with positive motivation, watch special films about this technique. A series of films "Dog Translator" from National Geographic or "It’s Me or the Dog" from Animal Planet (for those who speak English) will do.
• Large dogs may develop hip dysplasia with age.A properly selected bed will help prevent the development of this disease.
• If you need to leave your puppy alone for two or more hours, have someone come over to see him.
• Make an appointment with your puppy as soon as possible. The doctor will examine the dog and make vaccinations that will protect him from dangerous diseases.
• To have a harmonious relationship with your dog, your dog must understand that it obeys you. Check out National Geographic's "Dog Translator" series.

Warnings

• Remove the collar and leash if the dog must walk into the crate. The strap can catch the dog in the cage and suffocate.
• When you meet new dogs, approach them slowly and do not show them that you are afraid. Dogs feel fear and may try to either protect you or attack you (it all depends on the nature).