So, you have decided to add a new puppy to your life and your family. Hopefully, you have chosen a breed that is well suited for you and your family. Before puppy training begins, an important part of this choice is to understand what you expect of the dog as a puppy and as an adult. This is crucial, especially if the dog is to serve a special purpose like herd dog, watch dog, or guard dog. Make sure that what you teach the puppy is not what you expect of an adult dog. Doing some research on dog training and breed selection should begin before the puppy comes home.
Before the puppy comes home, you should have already puppy-proofed your home. Make sure that whatever areas you are going to let the puppy roam are free of hazards: check for dangling cords, items left on the floor, dangerous chemicals that might be left out in the open. Puppies are curious, so make sure he is not harmed by his own curiosity!
Wherever you get your puppy from, make sure to discuss the puppy’s previous diet and bring home the same foods he was eating, if not, the change in diet could cause diarrhea. Also, it is good to have some toys and a blanket to bring along to introduce the puppy to you.

It is also good to have a dog crate to keep while training your puppy in for the first few days. Now, this isn’t a cruel thing and is actually beneficial for the puppy as he gets used to his new surroundings. It is good idea to make sure this is a small, easy to clean crate that will make house breaking easier. The crate should be big enough for the puppy to stand up, lie down, and turn around. Also, make sure it is portable so you can carry it to the bedroom at night that way the puppy doesn’t feel alone and you can hear if it goes to the bathroom in the middle of the night.

Once the puppy sets foot in the house, treat him exactly as you would want him to behave. Be consistent in your approach. If you don’t want him to jump on people or furniture, don’t let him do these things no matter how cute everyone thinks he is acting. Also, don’t just let him run around acting excited and hopping all over your family. Carry the puppy in your arms and introduce him to everyone first so that he can get to know everyone and become comfortable with his new family.
Most of all enjoy and love your new puppy and he will love you back! In the next article I will explore the first night with a new puppy and other issues of puppy training.
If you are looking for information relating to guard dogs, check out my other site www.guarddogsguide.com .