How exciting! Your kids have been asking for a pet for so long, and you’ve finally caved—-it’s time to get a puppy!

One question: Are you ready for this? Preparing to bring a new puppy home is an exciting and challenging time for any family. Whether you are experienced with pet ownership or not, there are some simple steps you can take to make sure this transitional time is joyful for everyone involved. Make an appointment with us for our Puppy Obedience School, and get ready for some fun. Follow these simple steps to making sure your new pet feels welcome and safe in your home:

1. Get your home “puppy ready”

You would do whatever you could to baby proof your home for a child, you need to adopt the same line of thinking for a new puppy as well. You would not believe how much a new puppy can get into! Start by removing plants and other items from the area your puppy would be in that would be toxic to him. Purchase and install electrical cord protectors and outlet covers to ensure that puppy will be safe from electrical mishaps, and remove anything in the immediate area that he could potentially chew on. Buy some designated chew toys and have them readily available when he has the urge to bite down on something to soothe itchy puppy teeth.

2. Schedule a visit with a trained veterinarian

Most shelters do exams before releasing pets into the care of new owners, but it is impossible for them to accurately treat and diagnose every animal that comes through their doors. Scheduling a visit with a vet soon after you take puppy home will ensure that you start out on the right path toward maintaining his health.

3. Start socializing early

At Puppy Obedience School, dogs learn not only how to behave and take commands from their owners, they also learn the basics of socializing with other dogs and pets. Introducing your pet in this safe, controlled environment to other animals is a perfect way to see how they react and what will need to be taught as you move forward with training. In addition, it will be necessary to expose your pet to other people to see how he will handle those situations as well. The more exposure you give him to these situations, the more comfortable and relaxed he will feel.

4. Exercise your new puppy

New puppies have lots of energy! In addition to puppy classes, look for other opportunities to play with and work some of that puppy energy off. Take your dog for walks, engage in some vigorous play sessions, and give your puppy opportunities to run and jump. The more energy he works off, the better he will sleep at night. More sleep for your dog means more sleep for you!

5. Housebreak your puppy

Potty training your new dog will be the most time-consuming process of adjusting that you will all go through. Your puppy will need to go out between 6-8 times per day, and it will be important to get the kids on board with taking him out and learning the process of clean up, containment, and disposal. Establish routines for taking him out, cleaning up the yard, and cleaning up messes that occur in the house. The quicker your puppy recognizes what is appropriate and what is not, the easier it will be to train him. At Puppy Obedience School, this is one of the components of training that will be covered, so pay attention to our expert tips and advice, and in no time your potty routine will be running like a well-oiled machine.

6. Offer rewards for good behavior

Offering a reward for good behavior is more effective than punishing bad behavior; your puppy might associate the attention as a positive thing and continue the undesirable activity he was engaged in. Offering treats for good behavior will help to reinforce those things that you want him to do, and it will strengthen the bond you are trying to establish with him.

7. Where is there a dog obedience school near me?–Go to school

Proper training for dogs usually isn’t offered until a puppy is three or four months old, but you don’t have to wait that long to start training. You can teach simple skills at home like sitting, lying down, and entering his kennel in exchange for simple treats. Establishing good habits early will set you all up for success as you adjust to living together.

8. Be consistent!

Nothing is more confusing to a new puppy than mixed signals from different family members. Nothing is more frustrating to you than a puppy who just isn’t getting simple directions and learning the ropes. Do yourself a favor and establish procedures for training the puppy and setting a schedule for feeding, crating, and walking your pet. A dog thrives in a consistent environment, so following an established set of routines will benefit all of you as you move forward together.

Gather all of your needed supplies, call and schedule your appearance at our Puppy Obedience School, and get ready to embrace your new little bundle of joy! Call the professionals at Wag Ur Tail ; we are experts in getting you and your new pet off to a great start. Visit https://wagurtaildogtraining.com/ or call 540-834-8353 for more information and to set up a free consultation. A happy, healthy relationship with your pet is a must–contact us today!