Puppy Do’s And Don’ts: 10 Essential Tips For New Owners

There is nothing more exciting than getting a new puppy. They’re fluffy, chunky (and have floppy ears if they’re a Corgi!), and don’t get me started on that puppy smell. You just want to bury your nose in their fur and breathe it in all day. And the garlic breath? I’m getting carried away, but you get my point – puppies are the greatest source of joy on this Earth. 

But getting a puppy isn’t all about making a fuss over them and asking who the cutest little lord/lady is. They’re a lot of work, more than kids sometimes, and they need loads of attention and training. The way you raise and socialize your pup determines what they’re going to be like when they grow up. It’s a lot of pressure for you as a new dog owner.

Let me take you through the 10 puppy do’s and don’ts to get you started. 

Key Takeaways

• Puppies need a lot of training early on and socialization with other dogs 
• Positive reinforcement training is way more effective than disciplining them 
• Mental stimulation is how you stop chewing and destruction 
• Getting them used to the world is how you avoid a frightened adult dog 
• What puppies need most is lots of cuddles and playtime 

Do: Train Them Early On 

Training should start from an early age. After you’ve had them for a couple of days, you can start practising things like sit and stay with them for an hour or so each day. Use their regular kibble as treats to keep things gentle on their stomachs, and make sure you don’t get frustrated with them if they are distracted or take a while to pick things up. 

Training early is about getting a headstart and giving them more mental stimulation. You should never get angry with a puppy, especially when they are young. 

Don’t: Discipline Them (Seriously) 

Firstly, puppies should never be told off or told no until you have had them for around two weeks. This is because it gives them time to settle into their new home and feel confident around you. It takes a couple of weeks to build a bond and become a family group, and yelling at them or telling them off before this time can make them fearful. 

Instead, redirect them when they’re bad. Even after this time, discipline is not the way forward. When they’re naughty, ignore the bad behavior or redirect it to something positive. Negative reactions are a form of attention that can fuel them further or simply make them afraid of you. Positive reinforcement training is the only way forward with puppies. 

Do: Give Them Plenty Of Mental Stimulation 

Puppies are naturally destructive because they are teething and get bored easily. Instead of leaving them to their own devices, make sure they have durable chew toys and that you play plenty of games with them. This will help tire them out and keep them away from your shoes and the baseboards (baseboard destruction is the worst, I’ve been there). 

Don’t: Take Them Out Before Their Vaccinations 

Puppies get their final set of vaccines at around 10 weeks old and they are usually clear for walks at 12 weeks of age. This is because it takes time for the vaccines to take effect, and having them out on the ground outside of the home before this time can leave them open to catching awful (and potentially fatal) diseases like Parvo. 

Do: Get Them Used To Grooming 

Whether you have a shedding breed or not, it’s a good idea to get them used to grooming. If you do have a breed that sheds a lot, like Corgis, this is very important! Because Corgis shed a lot. They are fluff machines and need to be groomed several times a week. This means you need to get them used to being held, brushed, and kept still for periods of time while they are groomed. Cradling is often the best way to do this because it’s comfy for them in your arms, and it also makes clipping their claws easier in the future. 

Pro Tip: Play with your puppy’s feet, but don’t tickle them. You want them to get used to being handled without bothering them and tickling makes claw cutting a pain later. 

Don’t: Feed Them Scraps And Rich Treats

Puppy stomachs are very sensitive, which means they’re going to end up getting sick if they are fed scraps or rich treats when they are young. They shouldn’t have anything outside of their kibble until they are 3-6 months old, and even then, you should stick to treats made for puppies instead of the ones targeted at adults. It’s better for their health and for your garden. 

Do: Socialize Them In Puppy Classes 

All puppies need to be socialized from a young age. Of course, they can’t be around older dogs without being fully vaccinated, and that’s where puppy parties/classes come in. These are gatherings for puppies aged 8-12 weeks where they can run around in a sanitized area and play, socialize, and get used to being around other dogs. 

They are really good for helping your puppy learn how to behave properly and set boundaries with other dogs. Puppies are rough and rude without meaning to be, and they only learn from playing and being with other dogs. Most vets or pet stores will have puppy party events. 

Don’t: Be Concerned When They Sploot 

Splooting is this cute thing that lots of breeds do, including Corgis. They lay down and stretch their back legs out flat behind them. Many breeds do it, but Corgis are well-known for the position. I’ve known a lot of new dog owners who panic when this happens because they think something is wrong. It’s not, this is just a very comfortable position for them to relax in and it shows they’re calm. 

Do: Get Them Used to Sounds and Experiences

Nervous dogs are ones who haven’t been exposed to the world. Use the vacuum cleaner, play fireworks on the TV, and expose them to the various sights and sounds of the world in a calm and relaxed manner. Don’t panic or coddle them if they seem nervous; act calm and show them that there is nothing to worry about. Encourage them to be curious, and they’ll be confident. 

Don’t: Use Outdated Training Methods 

Yelling at them to stop barking, smacking their bums, and shoving their nose in their pee are all examples of outdated training methods. They actually do a lot more harm than good, and positive reinforcement will have much better consequences. When they pee in the house, ignore it and don’t even look at them when you clean it up. 

When they go pee outside, shower them in praise and get super excited. Tell them how good they are, and they will associate those happy emotions with peeing in the garden. Using outdated methods can actually make messing in the house worse because they become nervous and fearful of you. That’s not something you want. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Now we’ve gone through the 10 puppy do’s and don’ts, let’s take a look at related frequently asked questions.

Are Puppies Hard to Look After?

Puppies can be hard to look after if you’re not prepared or don’t know what to expect. They are high-energy dogs who want to run around and play as much as possible, and this energy doesn’t go away when they grow up. They need plenty of mental exercise, even when they are old enough for long walks, to keep them occupied. 

Do Puppies Nip a Lot? 

Herding breeds, like Corgis, are more prone to nipping. As for other breeds? Well, all puppies go through a biting stage, and it’s fairly easy to overcome this with redirection training and time. It’s part of how they initiate play with other puppies, and it gets worse when they are teething. However, they are also herding dogs, which means they are prone to nipping heels and herding people (and animals). 

Do Puppies Like Being Picked Up? 

Puppies do enjoy being picked up a lot of the time. It can be a great way to get them used to being handled, and it means you get extra time to cuddle with them. Just make sure you try to avoid picking them up around other dogs as this can make them nervous as adults and more prone to being fearful. 

Final Thoughts 

Getting a puppy will be the best day of your life, but being prepared for the work that comes with them is important. They need attention, socialization, and a gentle hand so that you can help them grow into a well-rounded dog. Be prepared to be up all night, and you’ll probably cave and let them sleep in the bed (they’re pack animals; it’s what they do). 

Remember as well that not disciplining them doesn’t mean you don’t train them. Positive reinforcement training has been proven to have a much better effect on dogs and results in dogs that are happier, more confident, and more obedient. If you’re ever concerned, you can always hire a professional to help guide you. Good luck with puppyhood!