Every Puppy Should Have These Skills

Puppy!

• Potty 
  • Confined space
  • Busy place
  • On leash
  • On cue

• Name – start ASAP!
  • Value for their name
    • Should be a good thing (not stop that or get out of that)

• Social skills
  • Confidence- value for novelty, first reactions vary widely, all in pup’s own time (more info here)
  • Let the puppy watch your life. Trusting you is first
  • Puppies need naps – they link to confinement or social scene

• Reinforcement
  • Play – match energy, put play on cue
  • Food – nibble treats and swallow treats, play with your food
  • Toys – Try 3 different kinds of toys (not chew toys, these toys are for interactive play)
    • Fuzzy toys on ropes
    • Structured Toy Play
    • Musical Toys
      • The toy you have is always better than theirs

• Restraint
  • Crate, ex-pens, and barriers
    • Puppy sleeps in crate at bedside
    • Puppy in pen or large crate for daytime use
    • E-pens are your friend- puppies learn to watch and feel safe
  • Leash and Long Lines
  • Hands – handling for grooming and vet exams