If you have decided that it is time to add a puppy to your home, you must take into account everything that this entails. It is not only about time and expense, but also about the education that we must give him because it is our responsibility to become a well-mannered and balanced dog.
Raising a puppy is a matter of have the guidelines very clear and above all a lot, a lot of patience. There are more intelligent and obedient dogs that pick it up quickly, and there are others that take much longer. But if we are persistent, they will end up getting used to certain habits and behaviors that help us all to live together. A puppy brings joy to the home, but it must also be educated.
Set the guidelines
When it comes to teaching a puppy all the things it should know so that living with its new humans is ideal, we must take into account what those guidelines are, because if the family members give it contrary orders, the only thing we will achieve is confuse him and delay his learning. That is why before starting to teach the dog anything we must raise awareness among all family members who will take part in it. Make a list of the times of meals and walks, as well as the places that the dog will occupy at home. It will also be important to teach what the rules are for the dog, such as walking on a leash without tension, letting it greet other dogs and a long etcetera that we can see during its learning. First of all, it must be clear that learning is always much more effective in a positive way, because we do not create fears or nerves in the dog, with which it better internalizes those commands.
The first day
The dog's first day at home should not be geared toward immediate learning. The dog will be nervous and disoriented, needing to know the new environment he faces. That is why we must let it smell and know the whole house, as well as the family members. We should not harass or overwhelm him by telling him what his new spaces are, it is better for him to discover where he feels comfortable. The best thing is that we have everything in its place, from your feeders to your bed, so that you get used to your spaces. In order for them to be attracted to them, we can teach them that there is food and water there. As for the bed, we can put a toy that he likes, so that he plays and feels naturally in his own place to sleep.
Relieve yourself
If the dog has not yet received the relevant vaccinations, we will have to keep it at home without it being able to go outside to avoid getting sick. Otherwise, we can teach him what to do in the street. Either way, the way of teaching is similar. The first days and being puppies they can do something indoors. We can put some newspaper papers so that they can do their needs there. Take them when we see that they are going to do something and congratulate them when they do it on paper. The same if they do their business outside the home. From a caress to a bauble, anything is worth a prize. With positive reinforcement, they will end up associating that moment with something good in that particular environment, so they will repeat the behavior until they assimilate it.
Teach him to walk
When the dog is a puppy you already have to get used to the leash and collar. We can take them off at home and we will know that they will associate it with the walk. But you have to put them on when they have calmed down. Afterwards, we must always go first and they must walk beside or behind us but never pulling us. The walks, like everything else, is a matter of practice and a lot of patience. Dogs are intelligent and assimilate things quickly, but it is up to us to always be consistent and not change orders, because then they will not learn so quickly what to do.
Teach you your routines
The routines have to do with the walk, the meals and the hours of sleep. We should all have some routines at home to make it easier, and so do the dogs. Feeding him is another important moment, and we must put down the bowl and make him sit, waiting for us to give him the order to eat. This way we will avoid anxiety or that it is thrown on top of the food. Even bathing can be a routine, and they must adapt to it. As with everything, we must try to make it a good time for them and reward them if they behave well during the process.
Socialize the puppy
One of the things that are most important when it comes to raising a puppy is socialization. We must make it learn to interact in a healthy way with other dogs, animals and people, from children to the elderly. A dog that knows how to behave and have empathy in all situations and with all kinds of companions is a balanced and well-behaved dog. That is why we must not separate it from other dogs, although we must always make sure that it is a dog that is not going to be bothered by a puppy. The same happens if we introduce people or children, they must also know how to behave with the dog so that it does not have bad experiences.
Play the game
The game is a great learning tool if we have a puppy at home. With games we can help them to have fun, to be happy dogs and to interact with other animals or people at home. Never let a game end in competition or aggression. If this happens you have to cut it. The dog must understand that the game must be good for everyone. In addition, with games we greatly stimulate their intelligence, their attention and other qualities, such as their speed of response or their obedience. In a game as simple as throwing the ball, for example, we can teach him to come when we call him and to bring us the things he takes.