The saying that dogs are man’s best friend isn’t really up for debate – for dog lovers, at least. Fiercely loyal, curious, affectionate, and naturally protective over their owners, dogs are true companions that will accompany you until the very end.

Getting a puppy is the start of that one-of-a-kind bond, but puppies can certainly be a handful, which means you might have to give up some of your favorite hobbies, like scrolling through TikTok for the latest trends or scouring casinos.com for the best slot deals. Just like babies and toddlers, puppies are only just starting to gain their footing in the world and need their owners’ effort, time, and attention to thrive. Especially if you’re the new pet parent of an overly energetic breed like a Jack Russell Terrier or a breed that requires plenty of stimulation like an Australian Cattle Dog, you’ll want to be well-prepared to navigate their unique personalities and meet their needs.

Common Issues in Puppies - Training

Puppies need training, which means they might have issues at the start with barking, nipping, chewing on furniture, and jumping – behaviors that you’ll need to teach them over time are a no-no. While occasional playful barking and jumping out of excitement are natural behaviors that shouldn’t be condemned, excessive barking or jumping on every person they see is a trait that needs to be trained out of them. With time, patience, and the right training, you’ll be able to address those misbehaviors, provided you use the right tools and commands. When you show persistence and consistency, your dog will respond accordingly.

Potty Training

Potty training is usually the first and most pressing concern that new dog owners have. What if they do their business inside? What type of discipline do I give them? Where do I even start? The best approach is prevention, which means providing ample chances for your pup to go outside. Most dogs will take around four to six months to be fully house-trained, but it ultimately depends on your specific dog.

There are three main components to potty training: cues, consistency, and rewards. You might choose to take your dog out as soon as they wake up or after meals using a cue word. Once they go, reward them with praise and a high-value treat. It’s also important never to punish them for accidents, as it’ll only ruin the trust between you.

Puppy bladders take time to develop, so they’ll need patience and frequent potty breaks to help them along the way. Instead of harsh discipline, take your pup immediately outside and reward them if they finish their business there.

Preparing Your Home

Before you even bring your new pup home, it’s essential to have all your basic supplies and a comfortable space ready to go. While you might leave the extras for later, your dog’s necessities include a collar or harness, a leash, food and water bowls, a variety of toys, treats, poop bags, and a cozy place to sleep. Although not mandatory, crate training can be particularly useful for housebreaking, where they can feel safe and avoid accidents more effectively.

Establishing a Routine

Dogs thrive off routine, as it gives them a sense of security from knowing what to expect and supports their mental and physical health. It also helps the owner establish a healthy schedule and set aside quality time for dog-human bonding. This doesn’t mean 6 am walks are the be-all-end-all, though, it simply means you want to stick to a general schedule marked by a morning, afternoon, and evening walk around the same time, for example. The same goes for meal schedules and snack times (if you choose to do those). It’s all about letting your puppy learn how life works in your home and helping them feel comfortable and stable.

Socialization and Exposure

While it might feel easier to pull your puppy away from everything it sees, exposing them to various environments, creatures, sounds, sights, situations, and people is extremely important to their adjustment as an adult dog. Instead of feeling anxious around new places and beings, they’ll be more inclined to react calmly (or not react at all). But rather than thrusting them in front of every dog or in the middle of every situation, take a gentle approach and baby steps to avoid overwhelming them.

Mental and Physical Stimulation

Other than their daily walks, puppies need to have active stimulation for many reasons. For one, it’ll help improve their cognitive function and keep them mentally healthy for years to come. There are also reasons relating to mood, stress relief, and overall happiness that benefit their daily lives. And while you can provide that stimulation through games and play, plenty of toys and tools like snuffle mats, puzzle toys, and more will prevent them from feeling restless and begging for attention. As your puppy continues to age, they’ll also appreciate longer walks in new environments – just make sure you’re not overexercising a younger pup!

When to Seek a Professional Trainer

Occasionally, you might come across some uncommon behavior problems like extreme separation anxiety, aggression, specific phobias, and other problems that take more than patience and basic training to overcome. If you’ve given it your best shot and your pup is still experiencing these issues, it might be time to seek a professional trainer and help curb them before they stick. The faster you intervene, the more effectively your puppy will flourish into a well-adjusted adult dog.