Puppy Training in the First Week

What You Need

• Sometimes, regardless of where you purchase your puppy, you can buy a package that contains many of the things you will need: a crate where puppy can sleep, the food/vitamins the puppy takes, a toy or two for teething, and a leash and collar. Before you bring puppy home, have a plan of where you will set up the crate. Many times, puppy likes to be with his "pack" so it can be helpful to place the crate in your bedroom. Yes, a new puppy will cry and wail for those first nights, but if you can be patient and ignore it and not cater to it, they get over it fast. It is helpful to place a beating heart toy in the crate to remind puppy of his mother. You can purchase a toy like this at most pet stores.

Vacation

• Many dog trainers will tell you to plan to take at least a few days off when you bring a dog home. This way, you can establish a pattern and be with your dog, who will need to be taken out every 30 minutes as a baby puppy. As well, a puppy eats up to three times a day and may also need vitamins. Remember, your dog is new to the environment and needs to warm up to you.

Wee Wee Pads Or Outdoor Training

• It is for you to decide what works best. Many people start with wee wee pads at first, especially if you buy your dog in the winter and it is cold where you live. Wee wee pads can be helpful to teach a new dog where to go to the bathroom. Place it in the same spot every time. It is wise to place it near the door, particularly if you eventually want the dog relieving himself outside. After your pup goes, praise him loudly to let him know he's done well. If he does have an accident, don't yell--just say "no" and show him where you want him to go. In time, move the pad closer and closer to the door; eventually, you can place the pad outdoors. And eventually still, lose the pad all together. Consistency and patience are key.

When To Go To The Bathroom

• Most pups have to go to the bathroom about 10 to 20 minutes after eating. Be on the lookout for any feces that is very soft and call the doctor for anything that looks a bit off. It's important not to change your dog's food until he is older, as new puppies have sensitive tummies and a change in food can upset their stomachs.
  Signs of a pup about to poop or pee are lots of sniffing around and circling. If you catch your dog in the act, take him to the pad or outdoors. In the case of the inevitable accident, remember this rule of thumb: If you didn't see him do it, don't yell. He has no clue what you're talking about and has already forgotten the incident.

Puppy Teeth

• It's a given that your pup will try and chew your furniture or something precious not just in that first week, but maybe for the first few months. Have plenty of toys around and show your dog what is okay to chew and what is not okay to chew. It helps to contain the pup with a baby gate and keep him to a few rooms at first. Many stores sell no-chew sprays that are safe for use on furniture. If you catch him, gently tell him no and give him something he can have. If you find some damage but didn't see him do it, again--no fair to yell. Most importantly, be patient in that first week. A puppy is a wonderful addition for any family but it does take a lot of work.

The Veterinarian

• Make sure that before you bring your puppy home, you have a vet secured. Any puppy you purchase should get a clean bill of health. That first visit will cover a lot of ground; you will learn about all the necessary vaccines, fees and basic care and advice from the doctor. Depending on the time of year and if it is very cold out, a vet may suggest you take the pup out on a very limited basis while in the process of getting all the vaccines.This may affect whether or not your use wee wee pads.