Getting Started Right with Your New Christmas Puppy

Bringing home a puppy for Christmas can be one of the most exciting and joyful experiences for your family. However, with all the holiday bustle, it's easy to overlook some important training milestones. To set your new puppy up for success, there are a few key areas you should focus on early, especially if your puppy is under 20 weeks old.
Here’s a guide to help you navigate those crucial early weeks and months of puppy training, ensuring that your new furry friend grows into a well-behaved companion.

The Importance of Socialization (Especially Before 16 Weeks)

One of the most important things you can do for your puppy’s development is socialization. But socialization isn’t just about letting your pup play with other puppies. It’s about exposing them to a variety of sights, sounds, smells, and experiences that they will encounter in the real world.

Between 8 and 16 weeks, your puppy’s brain is like a sponge, absorbing new information and shaping their understanding of the world. For example, if your puppy hears a motorcycle or a loud car zoom by regularly, they will begin to accept that sound as a normal part of their environment. However, if they never hear such noises until they are much older, they may react fearfully because it’s an unfamiliar experience.

The key here is to expose your puppy to as many new, positive experiences as possible, whether it's meeting new people, seeing different types of animals, or experiencing various environments. Make sure to keep each exposure short and positive, as puppies have a limited attention span and get mentally tired quickly. For instance, if you take your puppy to the pet store, a 10-minute visit will likely be more beneficial than an hour-long trip that could overwhelm them… and you.

Potty Training your Puppy

The holiday season can be chaotic, but don’t let your puppy’s potty training slip through the cracks. Getting your puppy on a consistent potty routine is essential to prevent accidents and make the process smoother in the long run.

The formula for potty training success is simple, but it requires consistency:

Effective Correction: If your puppy has an accident inside, stop them in the act with a verbal correction or a brief interruption.
Proper Alternative: Immediately take them outside and show them where they should go potty.
Reward: Praise them with treats or verbal affirmation when they do their business outside. This reinforces the behavior you want.

Remember, the more consistent you are with this process, the quicker your puppy will learn (… and stop pottying inside). While it might feel like a lot of work during the holiday season, it will pay off when your puppy becomes fully potty trained and your home stays clean!

Training Is Always Happening

From the moment your puppy enters your home, training is happening. Whether you're teaching them to walk on a leash, respond to commands, or stop unwanted behaviors, every interaction is an opportunity to teach.

Even if you're tired or it's the end of the day, don't let yourself slip into bad habits by ignoring negative behavior. Puppies learn quickly, so it's important to be consistent at all times.

Crate training is a great way to give both you and your puppy a break. Crate training provides your puppy with a safe space where they can relax and rest, which is just as important for their mental and physical development as playtime.

Toys for Your Puppy

Less is more

It’s tempting to buy a huge variety of toys for your new puppy, but research suggests that having too many options can actually overwhelm them. Instead, stick to a few toys that offer variety in texture and material.

Here are a few recommended types of toys for puppies:

Antlers or Nylabones: These are great for hard chewers and can last a long time.
Rubber toys like Kongs: These are perfect for teething puppies and can be stuffed with treats.
Soft/plush toys for teething: While these may get shredded quickly, they are helpful during the teething phase.
Rope toys: These are perfect for chewing and even help floss your puppy's teeth.

To keep things interesting, rotate your puppy’s toys every week or so. This will prevent boredom and make them feel like they have a fresh set of toys to enjoy.

The Leash Trick

The Leash trick for your puppy is a Game-Changer!

One pro tip for managing your puppy's behavior inside the house is to let them wear a leash at all times. Just a regular 6’ leash. They will just drag it along behind them wherever they go. This simple trick can be a game-changer in stopping unwanted behaviors. Whether they’re chewing on something they shouldn’t, jumping on guests, or running off with your socks, having a leash attached gives you immediate control.

Don’t worry; your puppy will quickly get used to the leash, and it will help you manage their behavior without chasing them around the house. Just make sure to remove the leash when they’re in their crate to avoid any safety hazards.

Crate Training

Your Puppy’s Crate should be their Safe Haven

Crate training is one of the best things you can do for your puppy, and it has many benefits. First, it gives your puppy their own space—a "room" where they can rest, relax, and feel safe. Puppies need regular rest, just like young children, and they won’t always choose to nap on their own. By using a crate, you can ensure they get the downtime they need, while also preventing destructive behaviors when you’re not around to supervise.

Plus, crate training gives you a much-needed break when things get overwhelming. It’s important to recognize that you’re not "abandoning" your puppy; you’re providing them with a safe, quiet space to rest. You’ll both benefit from the mental and emotional recharge.

Puppy Training

Invest in Training your Puppy Early

Training is an investment in your puppy's future, and it’s always best to start early. If you wait until your dog is older and already developing undesirable behaviors, it can be much harder to correct those issues.

Start teaching your puppy essential commands, socialization skills, and potty training as soon as possible. This can prevent or reduce some of your behavioral issues like jumping, barking, and chewing from becoming ingrained in your puppy’s behavior. Plus, it will make your life much easier as you raise a well-adjusted, obedient dog.

Wrapping Up (your Christmas Puppy 🎁)

Raising a puppy is a rewarding and life-changing experience. By focusing on key areas like socialization, potty training, and consistency, you’ll be well on your way to having a well-behaved and happy dog. If you're in Simpsonville, SC, and need guidance along the way, we’re here to help with expert training services designed to make the journey as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

Whether you're dealing with puppy challenges or want to set your dog up for success from the start, don’t wait to start training. The sooner you invest in their education, the happier and healthier both you and your puppy will be for years to come.

CLICK HERE to see puppies that we are training in our home during a board and train program right here in Simpsonville, SC.

This video shows what many families experience before and after training.

Find more "How To" Dog Training Videos HERE:

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What to Do With My New Christmas Puppy