The festive atmosphere of picking a new pup and taking him home to meet the family is an exciting time for all.
There will be plenty of oohs and ahhhs as everybody comments on the puppy.
Now you must realize the responsibly that inherently comes along with that new puppy.
Over the years I have seen several new dog owners make the assumption that the pup is an accomplished hunter from birth.
These poor pups will be put in a kennel in the back yard.
Regretfully, they will only see their master when he comes out to feed and water them.
As that pup grows and matures in the solitude of that kennel, he will develop his own independence, personality and habits, more than likely bad habits.
You must be committed to the proper health care, housing, training, and nutrition of your new family member.
The bottom line is that puppy can be a joy or a burden, it's your responsibility to direct which path he takes.
So what do you do next? First and foremost let's get him socializing with other pups and humans to build some confidence, security, and character into the little guy.
Between forty-five and sixty-five days old you should look for every opportunity available to allow pup to interact with others.
The puppy has got to build trust in his new surroundings and master.
Allow other pups, your kids or grand kids to run and jump with pup, always being mindful of his safety.
Your actions toward the pup should always be in a deliberate manner, encourage the little fellow when the opportunity presents itself.
The little guy will understand the difference in praises and a stern "No".
The best thing I have found to aid in the socialization of the pup is the local playground.
Hold him in your lap and let the kids pet and scratch him.
The interaction with human touch is going to benefit you down the road when you start training the pup.
Allow him to explore, with your careful supervision.
Early training sessions with your pup are all about encouragement and repetitive interaction to start the education process.
You can't be there every minute of the pup's early life, but you can give him attention in the morning before you go to work and evenings when you get home.
Five to fifteen minute sessions, four to five times a week will ensure solid development of your pup.
Make special time for them on weekends and days off.
Make sure the pup is getting proper exercise, food and care.
This routine will start sticking with the pup, or as I call it, branding.
Repetitive actions become expected routines.
Patience is the key to building a solid foundation for future training and an A+ student.
There will be plenty of oohs and ahhhs as everybody comments on the puppy.
Now you must realize the responsibly that inherently comes along with that new puppy.
Over the years I have seen several new dog owners make the assumption that the pup is an accomplished hunter from birth.
These poor pups will be put in a kennel in the back yard.
Regretfully, they will only see their master when he comes out to feed and water them.
As that pup grows and matures in the solitude of that kennel, he will develop his own independence, personality and habits, more than likely bad habits.
You must be committed to the proper health care, housing, training, and nutrition of your new family member.
The bottom line is that puppy can be a joy or a burden, it's your responsibility to direct which path he takes.
So what do you do next? First and foremost let's get him socializing with other pups and humans to build some confidence, security, and character into the little guy.
Between forty-five and sixty-five days old you should look for every opportunity available to allow pup to interact with others.
The puppy has got to build trust in his new surroundings and master.
Allow other pups, your kids or grand kids to run and jump with pup, always being mindful of his safety.
Your actions toward the pup should always be in a deliberate manner, encourage the little fellow when the opportunity presents itself.
The little guy will understand the difference in praises and a stern "No".
The best thing I have found to aid in the socialization of the pup is the local playground.
Hold him in your lap and let the kids pet and scratch him.
The interaction with human touch is going to benefit you down the road when you start training the pup.
Allow him to explore, with your careful supervision.
Early training sessions with your pup are all about encouragement and repetitive interaction to start the education process.
You can't be there every minute of the pup's early life, but you can give him attention in the morning before you go to work and evenings when you get home.
Five to fifteen minute sessions, four to five times a week will ensure solid development of your pup.
Make special time for them on weekends and days off.
Make sure the pup is getting proper exercise, food and care.
This routine will start sticking with the pup, or as I call it, branding.
Repetitive actions become expected routines.
Patience is the key to building a solid foundation for future training and an A+ student.