Puppy-Raising Basics

Bringing home a puppy is a big decision, loaded with responsibility and commitment. It should also be extremely rewarding, and a lot of fun! The first thing to remember is your puppy is, well, a puppy. He's immature, growing, learning, and he'll look to you to be his parent and teacher. He needs lots of affection, but also consistent rules and discipline. And just as importantly, he needs to be exposed to the world in a safe and reassuring manner, so he'll become a confident and well-adjusted adult.

Training

Training can begin as soon as you bring your puppy home, whatever his age. Keep things as simple as possible. You wouldn't expect a 5 yr old to tackle college-level academics, and neither should you expect your puppy to understand everything you want. Start with the very basics of household manners and obedience, work on just one or two new things, and don't expect him to "get it" the first time. "Come here" is most easily taught to puppies, and should be practiced regularly and with enthusiasm, so he'll continue to respond as an adult. If your puppy shows fear or confusion, slow down. He won't be learning when he's stressed, afraid, or confused. Puppies learn best when they're having fun!

Preventing Trouble

Puppies will get into trouble if you let them. Don't expect them not to! Prevent misbehaviors with supervision and confinement. When the puppy is out, watch him. Keep him near you using a leash, doors or baby gates. If he begins to misbehave, tell him "no!" in a deep, forceful voice. If he persists, remove him or distract him. When he stops misbehaving, even if you had to physically stop him, praise him. Immediate forgiveness should be your mantra when puppy-training! If he leaves your sight and gets into trouble, take a deep breath, and let it go... you were supposed to be watching him!

Crate-training

When you can't watch him, your puppy should be confined to an appropriately sized crate. The crate shouldn't be a jail, but a secure, comfortable "den." Ideally the crate should be in the bedroom, so you'll be with him at night. Feed him in the crate, and be sure he has toys and chewies there. The first time, close it only moments, and tell him what a good fellow he is. Wait to leave the room until he's sleeping or chewing on a toy. Never make a fuss about leaving, and greet him calmly when you return. Many puppies will cry a bit when they realize they can't get to you. It's important not to reward him by responding. If you're in the room, use a firm "no." Otherwise, the best thing is to ignore him until he quiets.

House-training

With supervision and confinement, house-training is fairly simple, but it's still a process. The younger the puppy, the shorter the time he can "hold it." Very young puppies may require you to get up during the night. He'll also need out after eating, after sleeping, and after playing. When he goes appropriately, praise him with enthusiasm. Work on a schedule and learn his signals. Get him out before he reaches the point he can't hold it. If he begins to go in the house, tell him "no" and rush him out. If he goes and you miss it, tell yourself "no" and swat yourself with a rolled-up newspaper... you were supposed to be watching him!
Socialization

Puppies must be exposed to a wide variety of people, places, sights, sounds and smells, in order to become confident and stable adults. The key to socialization is making your puppy feel comfortable and confident in new situations. Never place your puppy in a position where he could be hurt or terrified. A little shyness is normal for some puppies, but every situation should offer an easy route to confidence. Don't coddle him. He may mistake your sympathetic words for praise, or perhaps he'll think you're worried, too! Encourage him with an up-beat tone, and praise him when he takes any step in the right direction. If things aren't going well, end on any high note you can find. Some puppies have no problems with shyness, but need help to meet and greet in a polite manner. Encourage calmness by going forward only when he's settled down, even a little, and ask people to greet him only when he's sitting and behaving politely. Socialization is an on-going process. It should continue at least through your puppy's adolescence.

Puppy Kindergarten

Many obedience schools offer "puppy kindergarten" classes. A good one will get you off to the best possible start with your puppy. Besides offering advice and introducing you both to obedience, these classes give your puppy the chance to play and socialize with other puppies. Dog-to-dog social skills are extremely important! If you can't get to a class, introduce your puppy to well-behaved dogs in the neighborhood, at the pet store, or in the dog park. Dog parks offer space to play, but dog park crowds may be too much for some puppies. If the play gets rough or any dog behaves aggressively, it's time for a break.

Terrible "Teenagers" - A Warning

Just when you think your puppy is finally growing up and "getting it," just when you think the worst is over, it comes... adolescence! This may be the most trying period of your dog's lifetime. Just like human teenagers, adolescent dogs will test and bend every rule. They may develop sporadic deafness, and may complain about the unfairness of it all. You'll have to redouble your efforts to be firm, fair, and absolutely consistent. If his training seems to be going nowhere, go back to the basics, and work on them daily. This is a great time for a beginner's obedience class. Keep in mind this is a phase. Expect your adolescent to ease into a more mature frame of mind sometime around 18-24 months.

Trouble-shooting

Sometimes you can do all the right things, and still things go wrong. It's important to tackle problems early. Temperament problems don't usually resolve themselves. If your puppy exhibits a serious issue that doesn't seem to be improving, it's time to consult the experts, and the sooner, the better. Find a trainer whose methods you understand and trust. Sometimes a simple beginner's obedience class can do wonders, but other problems (especially aggression) need private training sessions.

Further Reading

My Smart Puppy by Brian Kilcommons and Sarah Wilson
Before and After Getting Your Puppy by Dr. Ian Dunbar
The Art of Raising a Puppy by the Monks of New Skete
Puppies for Dummies by Sarah Hodgson