Training Talk: Bringing Home a New Puppy
By Darian Smock Trainer at ZimmVet 763-856-4848
Many families chose the holiday season to add a pet to their households. Bringing home a new puppy can be a fun and exciting time for the whole family, but also filled with new experiences and challenges. A puppy goes through lots of sudden changes when coming into your home. Here are a few tips and tricks to help make the transition go as smoothly as possible!
- Ask for a comfort item from the breeder or rescue. A toy or blanket with familiar scents (such as mom or littermates) will help soothe the puppy.
- Keep them busy. A busy puppy is a happy puppy. Have a variety of toys and vet approved chews to keep their minds occupied and not worrying.
- Get a Kennel. Giving your new family member their own “safe space” allows them to rest comfortably when feeling insecure or overwhelmed. Starting kennel training early will also help curb separation anxiety.
- Start a routine right away. Dogs are creatures of habit. Putting your puppy on a regular schedule for feedings, potty trips, and kennel time will help them know what to expect.
- Sign up for Training classes. Until we teach our new puppies the household rules, they are guessing and pushing boundaries. Getting them signed up for obedience classes will help you set up the standard of expectation for their behavior from the beginning and prevents having to go back and fix bad habits as an adult.
Always feel free to contact the training department here at ZimmVet at 763-856-4848 or training@ZimmVet.com for more helpful tips on bringing home a new puppy or to ask about our upcoming puppy kindergarten classes.
