There are so many important things that go on in the litter...between both the puppy and the mother and the puppy and it's littermates.  After about the 3rd week the puppies begin to really learn...and the things they learn are very important for their adult life.  They are learning "how to be a dog".  They learn bite inhibition.  Because of these important things, a puppy should be a least 7 weeks old before you bring him home.  Bringing home a puppy earlier than that can be setting yourself up for behavior problems..and that won't be good for you or for the puppy.

What do I need to have before I bring my puppy home?

Well, you need the basics, of course!  You need a good water & food bowl.  These should be sort of heavy for now because puppies have a tendency to tip things over while they play in their food & water!  

You need a good leather or nylon collar and leash.  You want to make sure the collar fits your pup well, because puppies have a tendency to back out of their collars.

You need a crate!  Crate training is the best way to go with a new puppy.  Look for more information on Crate Training in the Training Tips area of the site.

You need good chew toys!  Nylabones...Kongs...marrow bones that you can stuff with peanut butter or cheese are all good, safe choices for your new puppy!

Why is my puppy biting me?

Well, he's being a puppy!  That's one way that puppies communicate in their litter...and it's part of their learning of how to become a dog!  If you watch a litter closely, you'll see that when the puppies play together, they bite each other.  When they bite too hard, you will hear the puppy YELP!  This is the pup's way of telling the littermate, "Ouch!  That hurt!"  Throughout this process, the puppy is learning BITE INHIBITION.  It's teaching him that it's not okay to bite!

When your puppy comes home to you, he doesn't have this lesson completely learned!  It's your job to continue teaching him.  Part of the reason his "bites" is play, and part of the reason is that he doesn't know any better.

Is it okay to put my puppy in a crate when he misbehaves?

Absolutely not!  That is the worst thing that you could do!  The crate is suppose to be a comfortable, safe, happy place for your pup to sleep, relax or just hide out.  If you start putting him in the crate when he misbehaves, you will be sending a message that his crate is anything but comfortable, safe and happy!  In no time at all, he will learn to hate the crate.  

There is more offered on Crate Training in the Training Tip section!

How can I get my puppy to go to the bathroom outside?

Ahhh - potty training!  This is the fun part!  Especially if you brought your pup home in the middle of a Michigan winter!

Potty training should begin the moment that you step out of the car in your driveway with your new puppy!  Take him straight to the area that you would like for him to go, set him down and let him get to know the area.  He'll sniff around a bit...and this is the time you should be issuing your new command that will let him know it's time for him to do his business!  Choose a command that you will remember and not feel silly saying - because you will be saying it a lot!  I always use "Hurry up".  Keep saying that until he starts to go....keep saying it until every last drop comes out.....and then PRAISE PRAISE PRAISE!!!!!  Having a little treat in your pocket to give him right at that moment will help to tell him that he did exactly what he was suppose to do!

You will find more Potty Training Tips in the Training Tips section!

Why is my dog digging and how can I make him stop?

Digging!  It's particularly bad when you head outside at night and don't know that there is a fresh hole there for you to trip in!  

Your dog could be digging for a number of reasons...it may be hot outside and he's looking for fresh dirt to lay down in and cool himself...he may be bored because he's outside all by himself so he's creating his own fun...or he may be one of the digging breeds!  

Whatever the case may be, you must show him that digging is not acceptable!  There are different ways to go about this, but the best way to prevent it is to not leave your dog in the yard by himself!  The behavior itself is linked to the prey drive, which you can "make tired" by making sure he is exercised.  

Why doesn't my puppy act like he likes me?

It's not about liking you...he likes you just fine!  It's about respecting you.  Early on, he's viewing you as another one of his littermates.  He doesn't know yet that you are the boss...his new "mom or dad" and it's up to you to let him know.  This is done by teaching him commands and not accepting anything but following through on his part.  

You must become the boss!

Should I take my puppy to Puppy Kindergarten?

Yes!  Puppy classes are a great way to begin your pups life!  They will help socialize your puppy to all different kinds of people, sites, sounds and other dogs.  It's where you learn the basics.....how your dog thinks and how to think like your dog!

How can I make my dog "come" when called?

Depending on how old your dog is, some dogs just get tired and bored of the word "come", or their humans use it at the wrong times (like asking your dog to "come" and then reprimanding him for something) so they choose to tune it out.  Just ignore it!  He figures that you're probably going to yell it at least 5 more times before he really needs to think about moving, anyway!

If it's an older dog and you think this may be the problem, start issuing a new command!  "Here"!  And when first beginning, make sure you have a treat in your hand to reward him, along with tons of praise, the moment he arrives at your feet!  Most importantly, make sure to NEVER issue this command and then punish your dog when he reaches you.

If you have a puppy, you have to start from the beginning and teach him what "come" means!  A good way to do this is outside with a 16ft. Flexi lead.  Let him wander around and away from you so he forgets he's on the lead.....then drop to your knees and issue, "Buddy, Come".......and then gently reel him in!

Can I give my puppy rawhides?

This is a topic that causes lots of argument, but I am a huge advocate of NOT giving them at any age!  

Rawhides break apart.  They swell as they get covered in saliva.  Which means, if a piece breaks off and your dog is chewing on that piece, as he chews, the rawhide is getting bigger than what he originally broke off.  When he gets ready to swallow it, it could be too big and it will get lodged in his throat!

I once knew a couple that had a young Siberian Husky - about a year old.  The dog was great and excelled in training!  They always gave him rawhides.  One night while everyone slept, the dog roamed around and found a comfortable spot in the living room to chew on his rawhide.  The next morning, this couple woke up to find their dog laying dead in the middle of the living room floor.  The vet did what they do to find the cause of death and guess what he found?  A chunk of rawhide lodged in his throat.