So you're all settled in at home with the puppy; that's when the real fun begins. In this article we explore the different behaviours that your new puppy might start showing.
One of the major challenges you will have with your puppy is doing the toilet inside. One great piece of advice is putting dirt and grass on your puppy's inside indoor toilet box. They associate the smells with going to the toilet, and will eventually start only using the box. After a while you won't need to put the dirt and grass in there.
Socialisation is also very important, so once they are able to, it is a good idea to get them outside to encounter different people, animals (particularly other dogs) and situations. Make sure you do this after 13 weeks. Socialising at home is also really important, some tips include:
- Feed your pets separately to avoid competition at dinner time
- Give them their own space to live and sleep
- Ensure cats have space higher up (e.g. raised surfaces), as they will feel a lot more comfortable with a new dog around. Don't worry if there are little squabbles with the cat at the start, that's what breeds familiarity with your pets. Just try to keep it playful.
- Getting your puppy training on a reputable course is also great idea - ask your friends for some recommendations. You can enrol them in puppy school from about 12 weeks old.
- Looking out for poisonous plants in your outdoor areas is also vital. There are plenty of innocent looking plants that can be serious for your puppy.
There are over 80 plants that are poisonous to your pets, including: