TEN GOLDEN RULES FOR NEW PUPPY OWNERS

  1. Teach bite inhibition before your pup reaches 18 weeks of age, after which, your pup has adult teeth and a strong jaw, which means he will not have a "reliable mouth" when he is fully grown. This is the single most important thing you need to teach your puppy.
  1. Socialise your puppy with3 new dogs, 3 new people, and 3 new life situations everyday for the first 12 weeks of its life. Thereafter it should be 1 new person, 1 new dog and 1 new life situationfor the rest of its life in order to consider that your dog is well socialised. The most important part of your puppy's life is the first twelve weeks.
  1. Have “people parties” at home to socialise your pup prior to being able to go out into the world, and ensure that vaccines are done as soon as possible - 8 and 10 weeks of age is the norm.
  1. Leave your puppy alone for short periods from day one in order for them to build up confidence. Dogs that lack confidence can develop separation anxiety, which is extremely hard to cure.
  1. Play hide’n’seek indoors from day one to aid recalls. Practise recalls outside on a long line or extending lead until your puppy is reliably coming back every time. Continuerecall training for life.
  1. Leadership is the most important of a dog's basic needs. Set the ground rules from day one and be consistent with your "command" words. Ensure that you are a worthy leader...... every day.
  1. House train considerately by letting your puppy out at regular intervals. Reward them for going in the right place.
  1. Try not to give your dog excessive attention, and get them used to being handled all over their body.
  1. Take your puppy to training classes for at least the first year of its life to ensure a smooth transition from puppyhood through adolescence and into adulthood. Training is for life, not just for puppies.
  1. Teach children to respect your puppy and teach your puppy how to interact safely with children. Children are the dog owners of tomorrow - help them to have a safe, lasting and rewarding relationship with dogs.

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