There’s lots of advice out there for new puppy parents – so much that it can be overwhelming to take in! As a new dog owner, the most important people to listen to are your vet and trainer / behaviourist, who will be able to give you lots of specialist advice to keep your pup happy and healthy. But I’d love to introduce you to a few practical puppy tips from a fellow dog guardian who has been there, done that, and lived to tell the tail…
My Cockapoo puppy Lyra is the light of my life, but there are definitely a few tips and tricks I’ve picked up along the way that I wish I’d known when we first brought her home…
1 – Beware Online Advice
Unfortunately, when it comes to dog advice, there’s lots of information out there, and not all of it comes from good sources. For example, dog training is unregulated, so as pet parents, it becomes our responsibility to find the right people to trust with our pups.
Don’t take every Instagram carousel or TikTok video to heart – find yourself someone qualified who works with modern and science-based methods. Another tip – any worthwhile behaviourist or trainer will want to have a LOT of background info about your dog, their health, and your lifestyle, before they will give you any advice.
Lyra on her first day home – she was so small!
2 – Read All About It
The internet isn’t the only place you can learn about your new furry family member – there are some really fantastic books written by wonderful people that I really recommend! Here are just a few of my favourites…
Easy Peasy Puppy Squeezy by Steve Mann
The go-to resource for puppy parents, Easy Peasy Puppy Squeezy is stuffed full of helpful and practical advice for new dog owners! It’s also really easy to read and take in (especially in Audiobook format) and covers all the basics from toilet training to dog-on-dog etiquette.
Doggie Language by Lili Chin
Doggie Language is a wonderful encyclopaedia of all the fascinating body language your little puppy is capable of. Dogs might not speak like us, but they are always communicating with their body! This is an especially good one to read with kids, as the simple language and cute illustrations makes it easy for all ages to take in.
Be Right Back by Julie Naismith
The full title of this book is a bit of a mouthful – Be Right Back!: How To Overcome Your Dog’s Separation Anxiety And Regain Your Freedom – but it’s a new dog owner’s bible to teaching your puppy to be on their own, with kind and gentle methods. No need to leave them to “cry it our” with Julie’s tried and tested method!
Wearing our favourite Twiggy Tags harness.
3 – Don’t be Stingy with the Treats
When you have a puppy, you’re going to want to bring treats with you everywhere. Like, seriously – everywhere. Our little balls of energy are like firecrackers, which gives us a wonderful opportunity to shape their behaviour and make their lives fun and enriching with food. If you’re worried about your puppy’s weight, go for soft treats that you can break into almost crumb-sized pieces, or bring some kibble or carrot with you on outings as a healthy alternative to commercial treats.
When it comes to treats, I recommend setting up “treat stations” around your home – little pots of all your dog’s favourite snacks, so you can quickly grab some positive reinforcement when you need it! I also love a bumbag, which allows me to bring treats with me everywhere we go, and leaves my hands free for practical puppy management.
4 – Set Some Ground Rules
To set your puppy up for success, set some house ground rules – but not for the puppy! It’s really important that all the humans in your household understand how to interact with your puppy. A good example is, “When puppy is sleeping, leave them be”.
You may also want to set some clear but reasonable boundaries for your puppy, like whether they are allowed on the sofa and bed, but make sure you communicate these kindly. Your dog isn’t born with knowledge of what they “should” or “shouldn’t” do, so be patient and understanding with them. Talk to your trainer about the best way to implement boundaries.
Patience, perseverance and management are your best friends here. Make sure everyone sticks to your rules and boundaries – consistency and predictability will help your puppy pick things up more quickly!
After her first groom – looking much neater! Stay on top of grooming for fluffy pups.
5 – Don’t Dominate
Like we’ve said, there are some dodgy people out there claiming to be dog trainers. “Dominance” or “alpha” based trainers are a great example, because while this theory has been thoroughly debunked, many internet dog trainers still refer to the theory and claim that it is true.
When you’re working with a trainer or behaviourist, look for someone who is Master educated, who keeps up to date with new research and findings, and has qualifications from credible organisations. This blog post by behaviourist Roz Pooley is a good place to start.
6 – Slow but Steady
There can be a lot of pressure on new dog owners. From socialisation to training, there’s an expectation for puppy parents to be totally on top of things 100% of the time and raise an absolutely perfect dog. The internet certainly hasn’t helped with some of these expectations!
Try not to let these pressures get to you – take things at a pace that you and your puppy can handle. It’s absolutely true that old dogs can learn new tricks. Dogs learn throughout their lives, so make sure you enjoy them while they’re little and don’t let all the training and expectations get in the way.
To help with the feelings of overwhelm, why not download a FREE activity tracker to keep on top of training, food, sleep, toilet training, baths and more?
Before her first groom (can you tell?) with her favourite Christmas present!
7 – The Power of Play!
Your puppy is just a baby – and they will love to play! The enthusiasm and joy of a puppy playing is a wonderful thing to witness. And play has countless benefits – from giving puppies more confidence, helping them learn new things and keeping their brain active, and encouraging bonding with their humans. Take time to play with your puppy!
Bringing home your new puppy is so special and exciting. Hopefully these practical puppy tips will set you and your puppy up for success in their new home! If you liked this article, please consider sharing it with a friend, and following us on Instagram.
