Puppies are the cutest thing in the world. But, they can also be little terrors! Our quick guide to mastering puppyhood!

Take things slowly - your puppy may have anxiety or be scared since they just left their home

• Change one constant at a time - Introduce everything to your puppy slowly, including collars, harnesses, leashes, etc

• Be patient - your puppy has been on his paws for only a months, and needs time to learn!

• Don’t rush your dog to learn too many things at once, especially tricks

• Check out our introduce new items guide

Use only POSITIVE reinforcement - never yell, hit, or any other form of abuse. It is not only cruel, but also really ineffective.

• High Praise: "Yessss!”, “Good Boy/Girl!!”

• Food: kibble or treats

• Toys: Ball, Frisbee, Tug of War Toy

• Check out our general training tips.

Prevent separation anxiety - dogs with high separation anxiety is an issue

• Make sure your dog can be away from you without tearing apart the house, barking/howling, or peeing and pooping in the house on purpose

• Check out our separation anxiety knowledge article

Potty training

• Take your puppy out after every meal, nap, and play session to prevent soiling indoors

• Avoid using potty pads - difficult to get them to pee on it and to transition out of it

• Take your puppy out only to pee in the beginning in one spot, eventually graduate to walks

• Check out our potty training guide

Crate training

• Our dog loves his crate, and happily goes in there during the day when the doors are always open

• Expedites potty training (Brioche was potty trained around 4 months)

• Keeps your puppy safe when done correctly

• When your puppy wants attention in their crate by barking or crying, do not give it to them - this teaches them bad behavior (bark = attention)

• Check out our crate training guide

Teething

• Always have chew toys around so they can chew on the toy instead of your leg or furniture. Rawhide alternatives work great too!

• Take care of your puppy’s teeth - otherwise expensive bills are headed your way!

• Check out our teething and dental knowledge article

Grooming - this matters because it does impact your dogs health (teeth brushing, hair brushing, nail clipping)

• Introduce all new grooming items and activities slowly

• Check out our grooming guide

Leash training

• Critical to get your dog walking on a leash properly, meaning no pulling, stopping, or lunging at other dogs or objects

• Keeps your dog, other dogs, and other people (especially children and those who dislike dogs) safe

• Check out our leash training guide

• Check out our instructions to the command “heel”

Monitor health

• Find a vet that works for your dog and you

• Conduct research on health insurance if it is the right choice for your family

• Keep up to date with your vaccinations, vet visits, and heart worm/flea medications

• Check out our health guide