You've got a puppy and now you're feeling the puppy blues. Or maybe it's just growing pains as you learn each other's quirks. Either way, I'm sure we agree: raising a puppy is not all sunshine and roses. And that's okay!
"So what do I do when things are hard?" Great question. I don't always know. But here are a few tips I have learned with my experience training my own dog, boarding puppies, and teaching clients, to help keep you sane.
Here are my top 5 tips for puppy owners:
#1 Find the things you both enjoy
It's so easy to get wrapped up in all the should's and schedules of puppyhood. Try to remember that their youth is fleeting, so if you can find ways to build your relationship first, all the rest gets easier (or at least can come with time.)
#2 Build a support team
Puppy rearing isn't a one man show. Let go of some of the pressure by making friends and finding professionals to support you! Playmates, puppy owners, breeders, dog walkers, trainers, groomers, and veterinarians can all contribute to meeting your dog’s needs so some days you can throw in the towel and pick up on some much needed 'you' time.
#3 Keep routines
Puppies may act (or even look) like wild animals, but giving them structure is pivotal to a happy life in the human world. Not only do little rituals build good habits, they also add predictability and safety to your dog’s life reducing frustration, anxiety, and conflict. Start by keeping a little log of activity, food, water, and behavior. You may be surprised what patterns you find!
#4 Reward what you like…And avoid rewarding what you don't like
There's no magic rule or precise time frame on this one, and reading a situation is a complex skill, but remember the big picture: if you let your dog know when they're doing good they'll want to do more of it. Help your pup prevent misbehaving as often as you can, but when they do make mistakes remember to stay calm and avoid big negative reactions or being a pushover.
#5 Socialize just a little everyday
Socialization is not just exposure to new things and not just positive exposure to new things. Socialization is about teaching your puppy how to behave in the real world so they can approach life with confidence and respect. Greet each day ready to introduce one new sight, smell, sensation, or sound and you'll learn quickly where and when your dog needs help. Everything is brand new to your puppy so they'll learn quickly too! When practicing, try thinking of it this way: positive exposure builds confidence, setting limits builds respect.
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