Thinking about getting a puppy?
Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting time for any family. Whether you’re a seasoned dog owner or this is your first time, preparing for this new adventure is essential to ensure a smooth transition for both you and your furry friend. I’m going to share the top three things that have helped our family and our puppy adjust.
1. McCann Dog Training Videos on YouTube
I had less than a week to prepare for our sweet puppy. I was feeling nervous and overwhelmed at the idea of having a puppy to care for. Once I heard the puppy was going to be ours I went online and started googling puppy training videos. I came across videos from McCann Dogs on YouTube and I can not sign their praises enough! One of the first things you’ll want to do when bringing a new puppy home is to start training them. Proper training is essential for building a strong bond with your puppy and teaching them how to behave in their new environment. Luckily, there’s a wealth of resources available online to help you with this, and one of the best places to start is McCann Dog Training Videos on YouTube.
McCann Dog Training, based in Canada offers a range of informative and easy-to-follow videos covering everything from basic obedience training to more advanced tricks. Their videos are designed to help families train their dogs effectively and efficiently. Whether you’re dealing with potty training, leash pulling, or simply teaching your puppy to sit and stay, McCann Dog Training has you covered.
Their training methods are based on positive reinforcement, which means rewarding your puppy for good behavior rather than punishing them for bad behavior. This approach not only helps to build a strong bond between you and your puppy but also makes the training process more enjoyable for both of you.
If you are prepping for a new puppy watch these videos first:
Your Complete First Day Home Puppy Training Schedule
Key Points:
-
McCann Dog Training offers a range of videos covering various aspects of puppy training.
-
Positive reinforcement training methods.
2. Dog Crate and Crate Training Tips
A dog crate is an essential tool for any new puppy owner. Not only does it provide a safe and comfortable space for your puppy to rest, but it also aids in house training and can prevent destructive behavior when you’re not around to supervise. Here are some crate training tips to help you get started:
-
Choose the Right Crate: Make sure the crate is the right size for your puppy. It should be large enough for them to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably, but not so large that they can use one end as a bathroom.
-
Introduce Gradually: Introduce your puppy to the crate gradually, using treats and praise to create positive associations. Start by leaving the crate door open and placing treats and toys inside to encourage your puppy to explore.
-
Use a Schedule: Establish a schedule for crate time, including regular bathroom breaks and meal times. This will help your puppy learn to associate the crate with routine and reduce accidents.
-
Avoid Punishment: Never use the crate as a form of punishment. It should be a safe and comfortable space for your puppy, not a place they fear.
-
Use a Cover: Our pup feels cozy and barks less with her crate covered.
-
Be Patient: Crate training takes time and patience, so be prepared to take it slow and be consistent with your training efforts.
In addition to crate training, providing your puppy with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation will help prevent boredom and reduce the likelihood of destructive behavior.
BONUS TIP: Get this water dish that attaches to the wall of your crate. Puppies can get dehydrated easily.
Key Points:
-
A crate provides a safe and comfortable space for your puppy.
-
Crate training helps with house training and prevents destructive behavior.
-
Tips include choosing the right crate size, introducing gradually, using a schedule, avoiding punishment, and being patient.
3. all the Dog Toys
I went to the Google to help me prepare for our puppy, but I also reached out to friends with puppy experience. They told me to get ALL the chew toys because puppies chew A LOT. Let’s face it: No puppy is complete without a collection of toys to play with. Not only do toys provide entertainment and mental stimulation, but they also help satisfy your puppy’s natural urge to chew and play.
-
Snuggle Puppy: One of the first things a friend recommended was this sweet snuggle puppy. It has a battery operated heartbeat that mimicked my pup’s littermates. The first evening we had our sweet girl we put her in her crate while we ate dinner. She was vocal for about a minute then walked over to her snuggle puppy [which was about her same size] and plopped down on top of him tot take a rest. I was amazed, and it has been her crate mate ever since.
-
KONG Classic Dog Toy: This durable rubber toy is perfect for puppies who love to chew. Fill it with treats or peanut butter to keep your puppy entertained for hours.
-
McCann Dogs Tug Toy: I saw this toy in many McCann videos and it’s been an excellent investment so far! High quality and our pup LOVES it. I also follow their suggestion and only take out this toy when I’m playing with her. She does not have access to it any other time.
-
Nylabone Puppy Chew Toy: Designed specifically for teething puppies, this chew toy helps soothe sore gums and discourage destructive chewing.
-
Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel Puzzle Toy: This interactive toy is great for keeping your puppy mentally stimulated. Hide the squeaky squirrels inside the tree trunk and watch as your puppy tries to find them.
-
Benebone Real Flavor Wishbone Chew Toy: Made from real bacon, peanut, or chicken flavor, this chew toy is sure to become your puppy’s new favorite.
-
Outward Hound Fire Biterz Firehose Material: Great chew toy with no stuffing and made of durable material.
These are just a few examples of the many dog toys available on Amazon. When choosing toys for your puppy, consider their size, age, and chewing habits to ensure they’re safe and appropriate.
bonus tip: Although our pup loves plush toys she is able to get them open quite quickly and then we find fluff everywhere and worry about her ingesting it.
I found this toy she loves and it has NO stuffing.
Key Points:
-
Dog toys provide entertainment and mental stimulation for your puppy.
-
Consider your puppy’s size, age, and chewing habits when selecting toys.
In conclusion, welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting but challenging time. By following these three essentials—utilizing McCann Dog Training Videos for effective training, incorporating a crate and crate training tips for a safe environment, and providing a variety of dog toys for entertainment and stimulation—you’ll be well on your way to building a happy and healthy relationship with your new furry family member. Remember, patience and consistency are key, and with time and effort, your puppy will become a beloved member of your family.
I’d love to hear other things that have helped you if you’ve been through puppy-hood. Comment your faves below!
If you live in San Diego, or plan on vacationing in So Cal with your puppy please considering capturing those precious moments with your new bestie. book a family session!! Just like our kiddos, puppies grow SO fast. I’m SO glad I have great images of our sweet girl when she was her smallest with us, and along the way as she grows up. I’d love to capture this special time for your family too!
Follow Our Puppy’s Growth on the Gram
