Training your new puppy!
Training a new name
We name all of our puppies born here in order to interact with them individually and help in training them basic commands, like coming when called and sitting and waiting.
We understand that most new families choose to rename their puppies when they get them home. In order to help your puppy transition into your home with a new name, it is imperative that you use both names when addressing the puppy in the beginning. We always recommend hand feeding your new puppy and this is a great time to practice their name. Each time you give them a kibble (or a treat) use both the name given here and the name you have chosen for your puppy. For example, when Dallas goes to his new home, if his family were to name him Frodo, I would recommend that they call him "Dallas Frodo" and "Frodo Dallas" starting out, in order for him to make a connection to the new name. It is important to do the name in both orders to help him make the connection fully and faster. Once this connection is made with lots of repetition and yummy treats, the pup once known as Dallas will begin to answer to Frodo alone without the "Dallas" part.
Hand feeding
We always recommend that new dog owners hand feed their pup. This is the best way to bond with your new dog and a great opportunity to work on teaching your pup to take things gently from your hand, which is a skill that will benefit them their whole life.
Your pup from us will have already been introduced to taking things from people's hands gently, but puppies sometimes regress when they get excited. If your pup is suddenly snapping when you try to hand them kibble or a treat, try turning your hand around so the treat faces you and the back of your hand faces your pup as you move the food toward them and then while reminding them to be "gentle" (which is the word we use here for it) twist your hand toward your pup only when it is within reach, to allow them to have the treat.
Kennel training
We are advocates of kennel training for safety. While no puppy should have to spend the majority of it's life in a kennel, it is important for every puppy to have a safe haven to keep them from getting themselves into trouble.
In some cases, kennel training can be beneficial for potty training, but in others, it can increase the difficulty of potty training, so that's a subject we will address in more detail in the potty training section.
We use kennels for some of our dogs when we leave the house to make sure they don't get into things that may be dangerous for them. For dogs who are known to chew on things they should not be chewing on, a kennel is a very useful tool to manage safety. For this reason, we introduce all of our pups to a kennel before they go to their new homes.
Puppy Proofing
Puppy proofing your home is a unique process for everyone, but is crucial for the safety of your new pup
Basic Obedience
Your puppy will likely know how to sit and wait before going to your home, but there is so much a pup can learn, so an early start is a must!
Leash Training
Prior to going home with you, your puppy will be introduced to the harness and leash.
Introductions to other pets
One major mistake I see frequently when people introduce new pets to each other is that it is done on leash.
Potty Training
Regardless of whether you introduce a puppy or adult dog into your home, potty training is something that will need to be reinforced in a new place. Even a fully potty trained dog can make a mistake in a new place, so it is important to help your new puppy to know where it is ok to relieve his/herself.