New Puppy Planning Tips

The New Year arrived and if you’re thinking of welcoming a puppy in 2021, it’s time to start planning for training. Even if you’re still looking for that perfect pup, welcoming your new pet home with a training plan in place will make for a smooth and proactive transition. Puppies are a gift and bring wonderful energy and joy into everyday life, but they can also cling to bad habits that will keep them from enjoying many indoor and outdoor activities. Whether planning ahead for training or ramping up efforts for an existing pet, check out these three tips that set the tone for training and a lifetime of good behavior.

Assess Your Puppy

When welcoming a new pup into your home, take some time to assess their disposition. If your puppy is aggressive, you’ll notice that he or she will try to make themselves look larger when startled or stimulated. They may also have a tendency to growl or become easily provoked. On the opposite end of the disposition spectrum is submissive behavior. If your pet tries to make themselves seem small by cowering or flopping onto their back, they’re displaying submissive behavior. Both of these behaviors are trainable, making sure you’re doing everything you can to raise a social, confident dog.

Reward Ready

Puppies are known for their high energy and chewing, so best to be prepared. For the chewing, make sure you research your breed so can anticipate the level of chewing to expect and get a chew toy that accommodates their size and breed. For rewards, pick a treat that makes sense for their size and be sure to keep some handy at all times. Puppies need lots of positive reinforcement, which can be awarded with a treat or verbal praise and affection.

Training Tactics

If you’re planning to train your pet independently, be sure to do your homework. Check out training blogs like ours or consult a good training book – and be prepared to practice and stay consistent! If you’re looking for professional training, It’s A Dog’s World offers a variety of options from Board & Train to home sessions. We are up to par on all COVID practices and can help you with your new pet. Our skilled staff can support and train aggressive, submissive, social and basic obedience behaviors. For a free consultation visit www.ItsADogsWorld.biz!