Basic Training

No one wants to have an uncontrollable dog. It is very important that you start training your dog when they are puppies.

Start off by teaching your puppy their name. Repetition is the key when training your puppy. They will learn their name after they hear it over and over.

Remember to be patient with your puppy.

Just a few tips:

• Spend 5 to 10 minutes of training twice daily.
• Keep your vocal tone consistent to avoid confusing your puppy.
• Be serious during training.
• Stay calm and keep your patience.
• Never hit your puppy. Use the term "no" firmly to correct your puppy.
• End your training sessions with a dog treat and a lot of praise.

Handling Your New Puppy

Try not to pick up your new puppy too often. When they are this young, they are very delicate. It is important that you follow these steps:

• Use both hands.
• Place one hand under his rear and the other on his chest to pick up your puppy.
• Hold your puppy against your body if he starts to fuss.

Teething and Chewing

Your new puppy will need some chewing toys when their teeth are coming through. To avoid them chewing on you furniture or any other forbidden item you will want to make sure that you have toys such as a rubber ball or bone.

Play games with your puppy and their chewing toys. Remember to praise your puppy for chewing on the chew toys and not the valuables in your home. If your puppy starts to chew on things that are forbidden, then simply state "no" firmly and give him a chew toy instead.

Bathing

When bathing your puppy be sure to use a quality shampoo. Giving your puppy too many baths can strip his skin and natural oils in the coat. Therefore, bathe your puppy only when needed. It is safe to bathe your puppy once they are 6 weeks old.

You can bathe your puppy in a tub or sink. When the weather is warm you can bathe them outside and let them dry naturally. It is important that they do not get cold or chill.

Grooming

Regular grooming is essential for most dogs. It is important to keep their coats clean from dirt and free of any parasites that may rest in their coats. You can take him to your local pet shop or grooming shop to have this done.

The longer the coat on the dog the more upkeep there is to maintain. Proper brushing is essential for many breeds and it is important to get your puppy used to this at a young age.

Exercise

Your puppy will be energetic and need to have the proper amount of exercise per day to maintain overall health. Each breed is different and requires different levels of activity. Please consult your veterinarian for more details.

Your dog will love a large enclosed area to run around in. Walking your puppy is a good start for getting your puppy exercise and begin their training program.

House Training

It is important to begin this process as soon as you bring your puppy home. The longer you wait the harder it is to break any bad puppy habits.

To begin, make sure that your puppy goes outside to do his business after eating and waking up after a nap, or first thing in the morning. Sure signs that a puppy needs to go outside are whining by the door, walking around the house and moving in circles.

Praise your puppy when he does his business outside. If your puppy has an accident do not raise your voice, yell, hit your puppy or put his face in it. He is too young to understand why you are scolding him.

Just remember to use a firm "no" when they have an accident. If you catch your puppy in the act, quickly take him outside and praise him when he is done.