You’ve just adopted a new puppy or dog and you want to get off on the right foot with your furry friend. Training your new pup is an important part of bonding, so what should you focus on first? We’ve got some tips for you to help your efforts go smoothly.
Get Familiar with Your Dog's Personality and Preferences
One of the most important things to do in the first week is getting to know your pup. Take some time to observe their behaviors, likes, and dislikes. Every dog is different—some may have more energy than others, some may be more timid or submissive—so it’s important that you understand their personality before you start training them. This way, you can tailor your training methods based on what works best for them.
House Training Basics
If you’ve just adopted a puppy or a young dog, they will likely need to be house trained. The basics of house training involve teaching them how to use the bathroom outside or in designated areas indoors if that’s appropriate for your situation. House training also involves teaching them where they can and cannot chew, as well as other bad habits like jumping up on people or furniture. It may take some time—and patience!—but it will be worth it when they learn these skills and become a well-mannered companion in the home.
Basic Commands and Socialization Skills
Teaching basic commands like “sit”, “stay”, “down”, etc., are also important in the first week after adoption. These commands help create structure for your pup and help them understand boundaries and expectations from their human family members. In addition to commands, socializing is also key; make sure to introduce your pup to other people (with proper precautions) and let them explore different environments so that they can get used to all sorts of sights, sounds, smells, etc., which will make future outings much easier.
The first week after adopting a pup or dog can seem overwhelming but don't worry—you've got this! Start by getting familiar with their personality and preferences before introducing basic commands like sitting/staying/downing as well as socialization skills that are essential for any pet parent-pup relationship. With consistency and patience from both sides involved in this process - soon enough you'll have a furry best friend who knows exactly how to behave at home (and out). Good luck!