Originally published here: Puppy Training Plans
Getting a puppy means welcoming a new member of the family for most dog owners. Just like your baby quickly grows into a running, talking, trouble-making little toddler, your puppy will change from a soft, cuddly little bundle to an energetic, barking, eating, pooping dog. How he channels that energy is up to the training you give him. Having a good puppy training plan in place when you get your new puppy will help you provide the best instruction – and structure – for your puppy.
Timing is everything. Begin your puppy’s training immediately. When you bring him home from the pet store or animal shelter, give him a day to get used to his new surroundings. The next day, though, start teaching him the basics of good behavior. What exactly does a puppy training plan include? It should cover health, eating, walking/playing, and hygiene.
The first step is to make sure your puppy is healthy. Puppies should be checked for worms, fleas, and parasites. They should also have their vaccinations up to date. Check with the pet store or shelter to make sure your puppy has the proper shots before you bring him home. A thorough check-up from your vet is also a good idea.
Eating is another major aspect of a puppy’s life. Puppies need more fat, protein, and carbohydrates than adult dogs because their bodies and minds are developing. Puppies should be fed 3-4 times a day from six to eight weeks. After eight weeks, they need to eat twice a day. By eight or nine months, you can reduce the feedings to once a day. Feed your puppy a food specifically designed for puppies because it will have the correct balance of nutrients.
Your puppy training plan should also include walking and playing. These are the highlights of any dog’s day. Walking should be done on a consistent basis to coincide with meal times. Puppies need more frequent walks than adult dogs because they have less control over their bladders and bowels and they have more energy to expend. Young puppies need to go a lot so be prepared to walk. As for playing, this is vital for your puppy’s development. Make sure he has enough time to play. Tip: don’t bring your dog in as soon as he relieves himself. Many dog owners do this, and it signals to the dog that pooping or peeing means the end of playtime. They’ll hold it in then so they can play. Let them play after they’ve gone.
Hygiene is a key part of any puppy training plan. Keep in mind that your puppy will have accidents. They just don’t have the bladder and bowel control down yet, so be very sparing with admonishments. If you catch your dog in the act of going, sternly say, “No.” Take him out and then praise him for going outside. The best way to housetrain a puppy is crate training. This, in conjunction with frequent walks, will keep him from soiling your home. And praise, praise, praise. Puppies thrive on this and praise now can help eliminate some aggressive or insecure behaviors in the future.
For more help with a specific aspect of your puppy training plan, try a great at-home program like the SitStayFetch downloadable dog and puppy training course. SitStayFetch will help you solve all of your dog and puppy behavior problems.
Training your puppy early will ensure that you have the best relationship possible with your pet; puppy training plans make for happy, well-adjusted dogs who can truly be your best friends.
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