Newbie Puppy Owner

Alikins · 08-31-2005, 07:36 AM

Hello!!

I'm a newbie to the puppy forums

I'm getting my first time ever dog tomorrow and I'm extremely nervous about making sure housebreaking, crate training, and making sure she is loved enough.

Any tips/suggestions that would help is appreciated. Thanks!!

mrsgrubby · 08-31-2005, 08:15 AM

Good Job, the first step in being a good puppy owner is asking questions. That means that you care enough to find out. I'd start by reading through other people's questions and answers in this "puppy" section, chances are many of your questions will be answered here.
I'd also check at your local pet supplies store or rescue agency to get a recomendation of a good trainer, then I would sign up for puppy kindergarten. In this class you will form a bond with your puppy as well as learn how to teach your puppy to do the things you want it to do. Many "old" rules that folks used to use don't work, for example in the "olden days" people said that when a puppy went to the bathroom on the floor you were supposed to rub their nose in it and tell them NO. Well this DOES NOT work and only breaks down the trust your puppy has for you. However people who have not worked to get trained still think it works.
Puppy Kindergarten will help you get the basics like sit, lay down, walk nice on a leash, and your puppy will get socialized a bit which is really important, plus allow you to set aside one hour of uninterrupted "puppy time".
Lastly, just remember, your puppy is just the same as a new baby. it will potty alot, cry some, get you up several times each night, and won't remember what you told it. You wouldn't spank a new baby and shouldn't spank your puppy for normal puppy mistakes or expect more than it is capable of doing.
Just be consistant giving it love and affection, excercizing it, and getting it outside to go potty.
Good luck and enjoy your new baby!!!!

621mum · 08-31-2005, 08:44 AM

Congrats! It sure is fun to have a new pup (but a lot of work, of course). There are some great dog books out there. I would pick up a couple, just to get more than one perspective. I, personally, like How to be Your Dog's Best Friend (new edition) by the Monks of New Skete. But, there are plenty of others as well!

Alikins · 08-31-2005, 10:36 AM

Thanks for all the tips!!

Alexis · 08-31-2005, 10:51 AM

Firstly, congratulations! How exciting. What kind of puppy are you getting? My suggestions would be to puppy proof the house. Make sure chords are not accessible, trash cans are put away, etc... Go to your local pet supply store and ask about high quality foods (some suggestions if you haven't already picked a food: Nature's Variety Prairie, Wellness, Innova, California Natural, Chicken Soup for the dog lovers soul...), puppy training (as mentioned....SUPER important). Always keep an eye on your puppy when she is not in her crate. Aslo, puppies can only hold their bladder for their age in months plus one (ex: a 2 month old puppy can only hold it for 3 hours). Take your puppy outside after naps, after eating, and after playing. Take things slow with your puppy don't have expectations that are too high. Introduce her to new situations and always make new experiences fun. Make sure that she has lots of fun toys so that she doesn't get bored. Boredom leads to distructive behavior. Well, that is everything that I can think of right now amongst all of my work...

Good luck1

Jamilupine · 08-31-2005, 11:14 AM

Congratulations and Good luck! My fiance and I just got a puppy, not my first, but I had forgotten how much work they can be! I agree with the others about buying a book, or get online and find websites regarding crate training. We read a lot of web pages on crate training. Then, follow the rules EXACTLY! Justin told me that this made the puppy "less fun", but by 3 months she was trained to go to the door when she had to go to the bathroom. Now, at 4 months, it's been a week since her last accident. Remember to be patient. There are a lot mistakes in the begining, on her behalf and on yours, but as you get the hang of it, so will she. Now, lucy has full run of my one bedroom apartment, stays out of the cat litter, doesn't pee in the house, and doesn't destroy things too much. Of course, I still crate her when I leave for any more than 10 minutes! This was the first time I crated a dog and I will ALWAYS use this method in the future!

Good luck! I also found this forum to be VERY helpful in the recent weeks! So, keep visiting!

Keep us updated! And what kind of puppy are you getting?! Make sure to post pictures when you can!

Jami

annie_so_pink · 08-31-2005, 11:52 AM

Congratulations on getting a puppy!
They require a lot of paitience, but they are fun.
You will need to socialize your puppy as much as possible, take the puppy to petsmart, petco, a dog park, or just a regular park. Get your puppy socialized with other dogs, and people too. Puppy school is also a great thing to do with your puppy. It not only helps to socialize your puppy, but it also teaches them basic obedience. Crate training works great for housebreaking. What kind of puppy are you getting? Puppies are great! So have have with your new little bundle of joy!!!

flyndog · 09-02-2005, 03:34 PM

For all those pressing puppy questions: http://www.globalpaw.com/thread6862.html

animal_luver_girl17 · 09-03-2005, 10:22 AM

There's a really great book called "The Everything Puppy Book". It literally has everthing you need to know! You'll probably be able to get it from your local library, or if not, order it from another branch.

Be sure to socialize it as soon as it has it's shots. One way I socialized my puppy was just bringing it to Petsmart. There's always plenty of dogs there!!! Also, if your petsmart has a little dog training "room" that you can see into (and hopefully hear), see when their puppy classes are. You don't have to sign up, but just show up when the class is going on. Learn what you need to without having to pay! Then go home and practice it on your puppy.

Alikins · 09-06-2005, 07:42 AM

Thanks for all the help guys!!

Allie Mae is a Yorkie Poo who is almost 10 weeks old.

dedeeboru · 09-07-2005, 02:02 PM

awww...a yorkie poo....I haven't seen one of those yet. You'll have to put up some pictures. I love poodle crosses.
I just got an odd one--a Jack-poo.

08-31-2005, 07:36 AM	#1 (permalink)
Alikins New Owner Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Southern Maryland Posts: 36 Rep Power: 59	Newbie Puppy Owner Hello!! I'm a newbie to the puppy forums I'm getting my first time ever dog tomorrow and I'm extremely nervous about making sure housebreaking, crate training, and making sure she is loved enough. Any tips/suggestions that would help is appreciated. Thanks!!

08-31-2005, 08:44 AM	#3 (permalink)
621mum in the House of Chaos Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 101 Rep Power: 63	Congrats! It sure is fun to have a new pup (but a lot of work, of course). There are some great dog books out there. I would pick up a couple, just to get more than one perspective. I, personally, like How to be Your Dog's Best Friend (new edition) by the Monks of New Skete. But, there are plenty of others as well!
	__________________

09-02-2005, 03:34 PM	#8 (permalink)
flyndog Unleash The Possibilities Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Marfa, TX Posts: 3,969 Rep Power: 183	For all those pressing puppy questions: http://www.globalpaw.com/thread6862.html
	__________________ mARFa Dog Training and Behavior

09-03-2005, 10:22 AM	#9 (permalink)
animal_luver_girl17 Zoe_the_Chiweenie Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 44 Rep Power: 0	new pup There's a really great book called "The Everything Puppy Book". It literally has everthing you need to know! You'll probably be able to get it from your local library, or if not, order it from another branch. Be sure to socialize it as soon as it has it's shots. One way I socialized my puppy was just bringing it to Petsmart. There's always plenty of dogs there!!! Also, if your petsmart has a little dog training "room" that you can see into (and hopefully hear), see when their puppy classes are. You don't have to sign up, but just show up when the class is going on. Learn what you need to without having to pay! Then go home and practice it on your puppy.
	Last edited by animal_luver_girl17 : 09-03-2005 at 10:27 AM. Reason: Forgot to say something

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08-31-2005, 08:15 AM	#2 (permalink)
mrsgrubby Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Michigan Posts: 2,476 Rep Power: 144	Good Job, the first step in being a good puppy owner is asking questions. That means that you care enough to find out. I'd start by reading through other people's questions and answers in this "puppy" section, chances are many of your questions will be answered here. I'd also check at your local pet supplies store or rescue agency to get a recomendation of a good trainer, then I would sign up for puppy kindergarten. In this class you will form a bond with your puppy as well as learn how to teach your puppy to do the things you want it to do. Many "old" rules that folks used to use don't work, for example in the "olden days" people said that when a puppy went to the bathroom on the floor you were supposed to rub their nose in it and tell them NO. Well this DOES NOT work and only breaks down the trust your puppy has for you. However people who have not worked to get trained still think it works. Puppy Kindergarten will help you get the basics like sit, lay down, walk nice on a leash, and your puppy will get socialized a bit which is really important, plus allow you to set aside one hour of uninterrupted "puppy time". Lastly, just remember, your puppy is just the same as a new baby. it will potty alot, cry some, get you up several times each night, and won't remember what you told it. You wouldn't spank a new baby and shouldn't spank your puppy for normal puppy mistakes or expect more than it is capable of doing. Just be consistant giving it love and affection, excercizing it, and getting it outside to go potty. Good luck and enjoy your new baby!!!!

08-31-2005, 10:36 AM	#4 (permalink)
Alikins New Owner Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Southern Maryland Posts: 36 Rep Power: 59	Thanks for all the tips!!

08-31-2005, 10:51 AM	#5 (permalink)
Alexis Greater Swiss Mtn Dogs Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Vermont Posts: 282 Rep Power: 82	Firstly, congratulations! How exciting. What kind of puppy are you getting? My suggestions would be to puppy proof the house. Make sure chords are not accessible, trash cans are put away, etc... Go to your local pet supply store and ask about high quality foods (some suggestions if you haven't already picked a food: Nature's Variety Prairie, Wellness, Innova, California Natural, Chicken Soup for the dog lovers soul...), puppy training (as mentioned....SUPER important). Always keep an eye on your puppy when she is not in her crate. Aslo, puppies can only hold their bladder for their age in months plus one (ex: a 2 month old puppy can only hold it for 3 hours). Take your puppy outside after naps, after eating, and after playing. Take things slow with your puppy don't have expectations that are too high. Introduce her to new situations and always make new experiences fun. Make sure that she has lots of fun toys so that she doesn't get bored. Boredom leads to distructive behavior. Well, that is everything that I can think of right now amongst all of my work... Good luck1

08-31-2005, 11:14 AM	#6 (permalink)
Jamilupine We Graduated! Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Modesto, CA Posts: 547 Rep Power: 72	Congratulations and Good luck! My fiance and I just got a puppy, not my first, but I had forgotten how much work they can be! I agree with the others about buying a book, or get online and find websites regarding crate training. We read a lot of web pages on crate training. Then, follow the rules EXACTLY! Justin told me that this made the puppy "less fun", but by 3 months she was trained to go to the door when she had to go to the bathroom. Now, at 4 months, it's been a week since her last accident. Remember to be patient. There are a lot mistakes in the begining, on her behalf and on yours, but as you get the hang of it, so will she. Now, lucy has full run of my one bedroom apartment, stays out of the cat litter, doesn't pee in the house, and doesn't destroy things too much. Of course, I still crate her when I leave for any more than 10 minutes! This was the first time I crated a dog and I will ALWAYS use this method in the future! Good luck! I also found this forum to be VERY helpful in the recent weeks! So, keep visiting! Keep us updated! And what kind of puppy are you getting?! Make sure to post pictures when you can! Jami

08-31-2005, 11:52 AM	#7 (permalink)
annie_so_pink Rescue a dog=Save a life Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Illinois Posts: 900 Rep Power: 81	Congratulations on getting a puppy! They require a lot of paitience, but they are fun. You will need to socialize your puppy as much as possible, take the puppy to petsmart, petco, a dog park, or just a regular park. Get your puppy socialized with other dogs, and people too. Puppy school is also a great thing to do with your puppy. It not only helps to socialize your puppy, but it also teaches them basic obedience. Crate training works great for housebreaking. What kind of puppy are you getting? Puppies are great! So have have with your new little bundle of joy!!!

09-06-2005, 07:42 AM	#10 (permalink)
Alikins New Owner Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Southern Maryland Posts: 36 Rep Power: 59	Thanks for all the help guys!! Allie Mae is a Yorkie Poo who is almost 10 weeks old.

09-07-2005, 02:02 PM	#11 (permalink)
dedeeboru 2 Naughty Girls Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 91 Rep Power: 0	awww...a yorkie poo....I haven't seen one of those yet. You'll have to put up some pictures. I love poodle crosses. I just got an odd one--a Jack-poo.

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