Steno Posted November 18, 2009 Share Posted November 18, 2009 Hi All, My wife and I are getting our first puppy in a couple of weeks – a standard schnauzer. We have been out and seen him and are really looking forward to welcoming him into the family. Have been reading alot of threads and books on what’s best to do and how to spend the first weeks/months with our new addition. Due to timing issues, we are getting the puppy at 12weeks and have booked in for the vaccination. We are puppy proofing the house and have even had new fences built... The question I have is: Your top three hints/tips for a new puppy? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nekhbet Posted November 18, 2009 Share Posted November 18, 2009 (edited) be CONSISTENT, PERSISTENT and remember dogs do not speak english or understand the human world fully - it is up to you to teach and lead them. oh and they dont magically grow out of annoying behaviors either ETA oh and socialise like there is no tomorrow for the next few weeks - people, cars, noises (even turn up the TV) and be regimented in your rules. A little more hard work here but it pays off for the rest of the dogs life Edited November 18, 2009 by Nekhbet Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poodlefan Posted November 18, 2009 Share Posted November 18, 2009 (edited) Only three tips - I have way more than that! * Read Ian Dunbar's training text book on here before you get the puppy. * Socialise, socialise, socialise - you only get one chance to set the pup up for life. * Don't encourage or allow any behaviour you don't want to see in an adult dog. That includes mouthing, rough housing, chasing games etc. * Do accustom the pup to being handled and groomed from the word go.. that includes things like clipping nails. * Puppy pre-school is only the beginning of training. You need to go on to a normal obedience school and train for at least 6 months. * Stay out of public offleash parks until the pup is grown. You cant do controlled socialisation in them without the risk of bad experiences. Edited November 18, 2009 by poodlefan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jumabaar Posted November 18, 2009 Share Posted November 18, 2009 (edited) 1) introduce the pup to as many new things as possible- noise, people, other dogs (dont put the pup on the ground unless you know all the dogs have been vaccinated) so that it learns to be confident- it doenst necessarly have to play but just see/interact with them and know that they are not scary. 2) have a pen or crate so that you have somewhere safe to keep the pup (and also give yourself some time out if necessary) 3) make rules and follow them- if you dont want the pup to jump on you dont let it from day one, same with going on furnature I have to say I have failed on the last one- just too darn cute (but I dont mind jumping dogs!) PS now you have told us you are getting a pup pictures are required when you get it!!!! Edited November 18, 2009 by woofenpup Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TYLER23 Posted November 18, 2009 Share Posted November 18, 2009 1. Crate train 2. Crate train 3. Plenty of love Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LDR Posted November 19, 2009 Share Posted November 19, 2009 (edited) 1. Crate train - we only purchased our crate at the day three mark and in retrospect whilst I thought crate training was cruel the two days of confusion Timmy felt without a safe "den" were far crueler. 2. Be consistent - they are looking to you for leadership. As annoying as it might seem to have to go into training mode at 7.30pm on a Friday night and hop up off your comfy couch, put down your glass of wine and go into the whole show of "why play biting is not tolerated in our house / high squeal and back turning to ignore puppy" routine, you must do it - consistency kept Timmy on track. 3. Take lots of pictures - not really a training tip but I regret not getting weekly shots to track his progress. EFS Edited November 19, 2009 by LilDogsRule Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vehs Posted November 19, 2009 Share Posted November 19, 2009 yes, agree with most of the above and want to stress to be consistent (EVERYONE in the household) and know your rules/boundaries before the dog arrives i.e. furniture they are allowed on, rooms they can go into Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pie Posted November 19, 2009 Share Posted November 19, 2009 Mine would be: SOCIALISE - get your pup used to as many sounds, places, things, people etc as you can. BE CONSISTENT - others have already covered it ENJOY YOUR PUP - They grow up so fast, make the most of it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luke W Posted November 19, 2009 Share Posted November 19, 2009 1. Dunbar Before and After available for download: http://www.siriuspup.com/pdfs/BEFOREphotos.pdf http://www.dogstardaily.com/files/AFTER%20...our%20Puppy.pdf 2. Crate Train 3. Clicker train with food Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
puggy_puggy Posted November 19, 2009 Share Posted November 19, 2009 If you want your puppy to toilet outside start training them to go outside from day one. Newspaper and puppy pads confuse them in the long run. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
W Sibs Posted November 19, 2009 Share Posted November 19, 2009 1. Socialise/training 2. Set rules from day 1. 3. Take a lot of pics (and post them on DOL! ) Importantly.. just enjoy your puppy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bubitty Posted November 19, 2009 Share Posted November 19, 2009 1. Socialise 2. Clicker train 3. Be patient, be kind, be consistent and teach your puppy to adapt to your world but be very firm and clear about boundaries from day one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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