There’s no better way to celebrate National Puppy Day than adopting a puppy of your own! Whether it’s your first puppy or you’re an experienced puppy parent, Operation Kindness is happy to help you learn the best practices for taking care of your new furry friend.
How to potty train a new puppy
Teaching your puppy the appropriate time and place to potty can be one of the biggest challenges a puppy parent can face. Potty training takes time and requires patience, but with a positive mindset, you are sure to tackle the challenge.
Establishing a consistent routine is key to helping your puppy understand when to relieve themselves. To help craft your own schedule, visit our recommended potty training schedule.
Crate training a puppy
Welcoming a small puppy into a new, large space can be overwhelming. Crate training is a great way to help your new dog learn boundaries and have a comfortable space of their own.
The first step in crate training is making sure you pick the right sized crate for your pup, one that isn’t too big for them to potty in nor too small where they can’t comfortably stand.
Make sure you show your dog that their crate is a safe space through positive reinforcement in the form of praise and treats. More tips and tricks on how to introduce your dog to crate training on our website.
Help a mouthy puppy
As puppies grow, they are learning new ways to communicate and navigate life. Puppies typically use their mouths to explore, which leaves pet parents to learn how to manage a mouthy pup. Anytime your furry friend starts nipping at you or a piece of furniture, redirect them to toys that are appropriate to chew on. Remember not to get upset with your puppy, using their mouth is a natural instinct that can easily be fixed with time. Plus, we have more training tips available to help you teach your puppy appropriate communication.
Manage separation anxiety in dogs
Some pups can be wary when left alone for the first time, especially when they are still trying to get accustomed to a new space and routine. Signs that your new puppy may have separation anxiety include constant barking, urinating, whining, shaking and destructive behavior.
Specific behaviors call for different plans of action to decrease your dog’s stress. For example, if your dog chews on furniture due to being anxious, then giving them an enrichment toy, like a lick mat, can keep their mind and mouth busy. To explore different ways to manage your dog’s separation anxiety symptoms, visit our page.
We are excited about the new adventures you and your puppy will enjoy together! For any additional training resources, check out our dog and cat training tips. If you are interested in adopting, you can browse our adoptable dogs anytime!
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