wanted: tips of do's and dont's for a new puppy

[king-priest]

My family got a new puppy-we have four kids 8,6,5,18 mths. It's a mutt and won't grow very big and it's a girl named Maiya. I know of getting her to a vet for vacs and worming and one day ..fixed. She is 7 weeks old and and mainly a indoor dog. Any advice would be great.

Should we play wrestle with her by hand to her mouth? Is that a no-no or is it ok since she without a sibling?

 

[Dagna]

Don't use your hands to play with her, that can make her mouthy which can cause some scratches or bites (most likely not intentionally biting, but it hurts when they get older!) Always use toys to play so she learns that toys are for playing, not hands. It's very important that you teach her this since she has no siblings and she's only 7weeks. This time period is crucial for her to learn good doggie manners. Take her to basic obedience classes that use positive reinforcement as a training method. Also make sure she gets a good high-quality diet as it will help improve her health. Get her spayed sooner rather than later. Don't wait til she's 6 months old as she may go into heat before then, ideally she should be spayed before her first heat, so I would say about 4 months old should be ok. Also, if you're in an area where there are mosquitoes, she should be on monthly heartworm preventive as well as flea/tick treatment. Don't get the stuff from the store, get a brand from your vet as those are safe for dogs.

Also, I would encourage crate training, it will make housebreaking 100 times easier as well as give your new puppy her own space to feel safe and to get away from the kids when she doesn't want to play anymore.

 

[alwayz_remember_Calvery]

Remember, it's easier to prevent a bad habbit then it is to stop it. For example, if you don't want her to chew on you as an adult dog, don't let her do it now (my brother and dad had a lot of problems with that one ). If you don't want her on the furniture, don't let her on it now. If you don't want her jumping on people in the future, don't let her do it now. It may be cute while she is still a puppy, but when she gets bigger it isn't always as cute (especially if you're all dressed up to go out and she jumps on some one and gets them dirty, or for the girls puts a run in their hose...not fun).
T

 

[greenonion]

I agree with everything Dagna says! Definitly take the pup to puppy preschool if it is available in your area. Early socialization is very very important and training really helps strengthen the bond between the pup and the owner. Be consistent in your training and of your expectations for her- set firm boundaries and do not waiver. Let her know what you expect from her at an early age. Remember that accidents happen. Depending on the breed/s, Maiya may remain a puppy for up to two years. Dagna also mentioned crate-training, which is excellent. This will help immensly in house-training. Also, pups chew and get into all sorts of mischief, and when you are not supervising her, a crate is the safest place for a young pup. Puppies are hard work- very hard work. They demand a lot of attention, and these early months are of great importance to what kind of dog she will become. Good luck!

 

[Worldwide Epiphany]

Wow! You've received excellent advice already. I agree with all of the above.
I have only a few things to add:
Avoid competitive games, i.e. tug-of-war n such, especially with the little ones and the pup. Instead, playing "fetch the ball" or going for walks and other such play time is better.
With "potty training", remember something that is not much different than children: Puppies go potty after 1) sleep 2) play or activity 3) eating....so, by remembering that, often "accidents" can be avoided.
Avoid hi-calorie treats.
And completely avoid giving plush toys (pup may think all the stuffed toys in the house are appropriate, including pillows or couch cushions! LOL) No old shoes or knotted old socks, either...pup can't tell the difference between an old tennie and your Sunday dress shoes!
Do use plain rawhide chews...a great "chewing this is ok" immediate correction alternative if pup chews on something inappropriate. Much like children, just saying "no, no, no" all the time is not effective unless you also at the same time offer what IS acceptable in place of the unwanted behavior.

Oh, and one more thing: Take lots of pictures! God bless!

 

[king-priest]

Don't use your hands to play with her, that can make her mouthy which can cause some scratches or bites (most likely not intentionally biting, but it hurts when they get older!) Always use toys to play so she learns that toys are for playing, not hands. It's very important that you teach her this since she has no siblings and she's only 7weeks. This time period is crucial for her to learn good doggie manners. Take her to basic obedience classes that use positive reinforcement as a training method. Also make sure she gets a good high-quality diet as it will help improve her health. Get her spayed sooner rather than later. Don't wait til she's 6 months old as she may go into heat before then, ideally she should be spayed before her first heat, so I would say about 4 months old should be ok. Also, if you're in an area where there are mosquitoes, she should be on monthly heartworm preventive as well as flea/tick treatment. Don't get the stuff from the store, get a brand from your vet as those are safe for dogs.

Also, I would encourage crate training, it will make housebreaking 100 times easier as well as give your new puppy her own space to feel safe and to get away from the kids when she doesn't want to play anymore.

thanks - i will use the crate and definitley use toys instead of our hands.

 

[Sitting Duck]

Plenty of good advice already...

When you feed your dog, have the kids add some kibble to her dish while she's eating. That teaches your dog that children playing with her food means more food for her. It reduces the risk she'll be agressive later in life to protect her food and treats.

Expose your puppy to a variety of people and animals. The first three month of life are the most important for socialisation. Make sure your dog interacts with as much people as possible, of all ages and skin color, people with walking aids or wheelchairs, bearded or bald men, etc... If your dog becomes familiar with something while a puppy, she'll be much less likely to ever develop a fear of that something.

Make sure your dog interacts with dogs of all sizes, cats and other types of pets while she's a puppy. Your dog is much less likely to be agressive and see a guinea pig or dwarf rabbit as prey if she interacted with some as a young puppy.

Expose your dog to all kinds of sounds, like a vacuum cleaner, and ignore her if she shows signs of fear (You would risk reinforcing her fearful behavior if you did).

Whatever tricks you choose to teach your dog, practive the lay down the most. Ask guests not to pay attention to the dog or offer her treats unless she is laying down. It's hard to prevent/correct dog jumping on your guests (dogs love to greet guests), especially with some excitable breeds. If you teach your puppy early that the best way to get attention and treats is to lay down, you'll save yourself a lot of trouble later. I did this with my own puppy last year and now he greets guests by laying down with a toy in his mouth (He started doing this on his own). It's much less intimidating for people who are nervous around dogs that way.

Well, that's enough from me.

I wish you good luck and many years of joy with your new family member!