The first time with the new family member is definitely the most exciting.Both the puppy and the people first get to know each other in living together and have a good time together.
With these tips we would like to help you to master the first time safely.
✓ Management
The be-all and end-all to avoid unwanted behavior on the one hand and not to let it be practiced on the other. Everything that is sacred to you and that the dog must not get between his teeth or knock over, you should bring to safety. Provide your dog with enough alternatives to play or chew so that he can meet his needs afterwards.
✓ Promotion of stress-free getting to know new situations and stimuli
Your dog should be able to explore new situations and stimuli in a relaxed and uninhibited manner. Allow him as much time as he needs. If you are already familiar with marker training (eg clicker), you can reward your puppy precisely for approaching creepy objects.
✓ Practice touching
You can playfully touch the puppy, which you need for later veterinary or nursing measures. Important: do not force your puppy to do anything! We do not want him to be afraid of it, but that he would like to cooperate with us.
✓ Train / promote bite inhibition
There are many things you can do to teach your dog to use his teeth wisely. For example, you should only play with the dog with a toy and never allow him to bite your hand or clothes. The careful acceptance of food from the hand and the handing out of things that the dog takes into its mouth are also beneficial.
✓ Stay alone training
All puppies should learn to be able to stay alone in the apartment or house for some time. It is important to start this training step by step and ideally when the dog is tired from a walk or play. A chewing job is also a good way to bridge the gap.
✓ Promote house cleanliness
In short: Didn’t the puppy take care of the apartment well enough! Pay attention to early signs that the puppy has to go: eg by scratching, whimpering, up and down or walking in a circle. Mostly this is after playing, after eating and after sleeping.
✓ Watch the game
Do not leave your dog unattended when playing with other dogs. On the one hand you can intervene immediately if necessary and on the other hand you learn a lot about dog behavior!
✓ Family rules
Establish rules:
where can the dog go? (eg on the guest sofa)
Where shouldn’t he go? (eg in the kitchen)
What should the dog do in certain situations? (eg if he is leashed, he should sit down)
Hang it up visibly for all family members. If everyone follows these rules, your dog will learn desired behavior faster.
✓ Acquire knowledge of body language
Last but not least: Recognizing, understanding and correctly interpreting the dog’s body language will help you with your assessment in all situations. School yourself in it! Read books about it and watch the dogs play and interact.
