Training Tips

Puppy 101: Resources to raise your dog right

Haley Young

29 Apr

2024

Congrats on your new puppy! We've collected our favorite resources, tips, and tricks in one go-to guide to start your relationship off on the right paw.

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You're not alone: Typical puppy struggles

We love puppies. Who doesn't adore a clumsy bundle of fur (or, as some say, a cute potato with legs)? But living with a baby of any species can take a toll on us caretakers. You're not alone if things feel tough from time to time — and we've got your back.

Why is my puppy chewing everything?

The short answer: Dogs explore the world with their mouths. And puppies go through an uncomfortable teething process between about 12 weeks and six months of age, making them even more inclined to nibble on the world around them. It's completely natural for your new companion to try biting just about everything in sight... even if your shoes, furniture, and fingers don't exactly appreciate it.

How do I stop the biting?

We recommend three main things to help you get through the puppy chewing stage.

Take care of yourself. Yep, there's a reason this is first on the list! Puppy teeth are sharp, and it's normal for us to react when we're feeling pain or frustration. If you get overwhelmed with your new dog's chaos, don't feel guilty about giving them a break in a safe crate or pen for a few minutes. Provide them with something to do — maybe a favorite chew, kong, or lick mat — and practice some simple self care to reset.
Make sure your puppy is getting plenty of rest. We know this is easier said than done when your pup seems to have an endless amount of energy. But it's so important. You know how a human toddler is more likely to throw a tantrum when they're overtired? The same is true of your young dog. Puppies need a whopping 18 to 20 hours of sleep each and every day... and if they aren't getting enough, your whole household will feel the struggle. You can help encourage quality rest by giving your puppy a designated nap spot in a crate or pen that's away from any main traffic areas in your home. Consider employing some white noise or background music to help them relax. And meet their needs before asking them to settle, which brings us to...
Fulfill your puppy! While your dog is growing up, they benefit most from short, frequent bursts of activity to tire them out and teach them about the world. Puppies need food, water, bathroom breaks, and social time to thrive. If your to-do list feels daunting, try pairing activities together to make it more approachable — maybe after every potty trip you play a short game, for example, or start doing some fun basic training sessions with their meals.

If your dog is in the middle of a chewing craze, you can:

Redirect them to an appropriate toy to bite instead. Some puppy parents swear by carrying a rope tug or similar toy inside their pocket to always have on hand.
Remove them from the situation. Sometimes our dogs get overstimulated — especially around new things — and don't know what to do with themselves. Consider what's going on around you and think about giving your puppy a break to reset.

How do I potty train my new puppy?

First things first: Every puppy is different. Depending on your dog's history, they might have an easier or harder time learning to only use the bathroom outside. Give yourself plenty of grace through the potty training process!

Here are some tips to avoid pulling out your hair.

Stock up on an enzymatic cleaner. This is important to fully remove traces of any previous accidents. Puppies tend to pee where they've gone before — so completely cleaning the area is vital!
Understand how long your pup can hold their bladder. Puppies are little — and so are their bladders. A general rule of thumb is that a growing dog can hold it in for roughly an hour per each month of age. That means an eight-week-old puppy needs a chance to go outside every 2-3 hours at minimum!
Use your dog's natural instincts to your advantage. Puppies usually don't like to use the bathroom where they eat or sleep. A safe, comfortable crate can be an asset when it comes to potty training!
Celebrate after your dog pees outside. It's a good idea to keep your puppy on a leash until they use the bathroom. Once they've gone? Then it can be play time! By doing things in this order, you reinforce that fun happens after their business.

How do I socialize my puppy?

Socialization is more about exposure than direct interaction. Your puppy doesn't have to meet every new dog or person you see out and about!

Consult with your vet. Your puppy won't be fully vaccinated right away. That doesn't mean you can't still exposure them to the world — in fact, most professionals recommend starting socialization as easy as possible — but it does mean you should be thoughtful about where you go. Consider keeping your puppy in your arms or a comfortable bag so they don't touch potentially contaminated ground.
Keep things short and sweet. Your puppy will get tired quickly. Keep outings simple and fun! Frequent, positive exposures to new situations is the way to go. Some examples of this might include driving to a park to watch the world from your car while playing with a favorite toy or feeding lots of treats on a takeout coffee visit.
Prioritize what matters most to you. Expose your new dog to the situations you plan to enjoy with them most often as an adult. Sometimes checklists from trainers can be helpful — there are tons of these available online — but remember to tailor your socialization plan to your own goals.

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Key idea: You get to set your own priorities with your new puppy!

A big city dog will have to handle different experiences as they grow up than a rural farm pup will. You get to decide what matters most in your life with your puppy!

What should I teach my puppy first?

There's no right answer here. We know, we know, sometimes you're overwhelmed and just want a quick list — but life with your dog is up to you!

You can check out our article on seven common training skills to teach your dog here if you're looking for specific ideas. For young pups especially, we recommend focusing on building a strong relationship through play and positive experiences above all else. Precise obedience cues can come later!

Show your puppy that you're a lot of fun.
Teach your puppy that the world is an exciting, safe place.
Focus on basics you need to live well together right away, like potty training.

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It's okay to embrace your emotions as you raise your new puppy

These make you human — and ultimately a better dog parent.

What if my puppy isn't like my previous dog?

(Or a friends' or family member's companion you can't help but compare them to...)

Chances are they won't be, even if you have the same breed and try to raise them in the same way.

Each puppy is unique! This is a wonderful thing — it means you get to go on your own journey together — but we know it can be hard, too. Sometimes we go into puppyhood with big expectations and feel disappointed, worried, and overwhelmed if things feel different.

Remember:

It's okay to feel sad. (More on the puppy blues next.) Getting a new dog is a huge life change. Big emotions are normal!
You and your puppy have a lot of time to grow together. Things don't need to be perfect right away! Dogs don't reach full maturity until around three years of age, so behaviors you're seeing now might not be an issue at all later on. And if they are? You've got a great support network to navigate them.

What are the puppy blues? How do I cure them?

The "puppy blues" are more common than you might think. This is an experience many new puppy parents have where they feel negative emotions surrounding their new dog — maybe you're overwhelmed about how much goes into taking care of a puppy, or you're worried they won't grow up the way you hope, or you're simply sleep deprived from middle-of-the-night bathroom breaks.

The puppy blues are normal. Say it again: The puppy blues are normal. There's nothing wrong with you. There's nothing wrong with your dog. We promise.
The puppy blues are usually temporary. As your dog matures — and your family gets in a consistent routine — puppy raising should start to feel more manageable. Remember that these feelings will pass.
You can help yourself through the puppy blues by practicing any of your favorite self-care techniques. We know it's easier said than done when you have a puppy in the house, but try to get enough sleep. Talk about your feelings with your family members and friends. Focus on doing at least one fun thing with your dog each day, whether it's a short snuggly nap or a quick game.

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