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Dog Training Guidance

New Puppy – The Ultimate Toolkit

17 Dec, 2019

Whether your new puppy has already arrived or you’re patiently waiting for them to reach 8 weeks, this is the ultimate toolkit to get you off to a great start!

Firstly, there is one book which is invaluable to any new puppy owner – Easy Peasy Puppy Squeezy by IMDT Head Trainer Steve Mann. Using simple, proven, science based and ethical techniques, this really is a Puppy Bible! You’ll be able to make a great start in that period between puppy arriving and starting your puppy class.

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Puppy Comforter

Hopefully your breeder will have given you a piece of fabric which smells of mum to help your new puppy settle during their first few nights in their new home. In addition to this, you can also provide a new Snugglebuddy (complete with heartbeat) or Snugglesafe to replace those cozy littermate pillows.

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Crate & Puppy Pen

Providing a crate within a puppy pen is a great way to help with building your new puppy’s confidence of being out of sight of you (and being content) whilst providing you some much-needed respite from the constant monitoring that they are safe and not chewing/digging/exploring in the wrong place! It’s really important to positively condition your crate so that puppy knows it’s a great place to be – crates/pens should never be used as punishment. The crate must be big enough for your puppy to stand and turn around in.

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This adjustable crate enables you to increase your puppy’s “free play area” as their toilet training improves.

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Chew Toys

Take the number of toys you think you will need and double it (at least). For the first 17 weeks of your puppy’s life they will be in daily discomfort with their teeth (teething continues to 7 months but the pain does lessen). If your puppy doesn’t have sufficient toys to chew on, they will re-direct onto your furniture or your legs! You cannot have enough toys.

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https://amzn.to/2Eo9zU2 (For puppies over 12 weeks)

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Enrichment Toys

Physical exercise for puppies must be restricted due to their developing joints. The current guidance is no more than 15 minutes per month of age (twice a day) until your puppy is fully grown. In the meantime, you can substitute physical exercise with mental exercise. 15 minutes of enrichment activity is thought to be the same as 1 hour’s walk for how it stimulates your puppy’s brain. Here are some of my favorites.

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Harness

Dogs naturally walk quicker than humans so until your puppy has been taught to walk at your side, they will pull. It is very important to protect their delicate neck and spine with a supportive harness whilst you are training.

Once your puppy is fully grown, I recommend a Perfect Fit or T Touch Dog harness, which are both “Y” shaped harnesses and provide excellent support but given your puppy is growing so quickly, you may prefer a cheaper option (as you will need to replace as they grow) during those first 12 months. These are some great “Y” shaped harnesses.

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Remember, if your puppy is travelling in your car with a seatbelt clip, you must ensure you have a crash safe harness – some walking harnesses are not designed to be used in vehicles. By law your puppy must be secured in your vehicle, either in a crate/pet carrier/dog guard or seatbelt harness.

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Please note, if you decide to purchase though the links provided above, I will receive a small commission from Amazon. Thank you.

Louise Burton IMDT
Hilton Dogs Training Academy

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