Meet Cosmo - our new Havanese puppy! He's 12 weeks old and has now been a part of our family for almost four days. The other day, I officially welcomed Cosmo into our home on Instagram - along with a request for any and all new puppy advice. Even though my husband and I both grew up with dogs, we're pretty clueless as to how to train a puppy (it's just now dawning on us that our parents really handled that responsibility).
The response to my plea for help was great. We received a lot of advice for new puppy parents like us. Some of the tips were suggested by multiple people- which really made me take notice. Here's a few of the ones that stood out - and by all means, please feel free to add your own to the list!
- Be consistent with taking him out for potty training.
- Keep a schedule and crate train him for sleeping.
- Use a potty puppy bell on the door. (This was the most popular piece of advice- having never heard of this before, I did some research and ended up getting this one. If nothing else it looks pretty on the door- but honestly, so many people have raved about training their dogs this way that it makes me think we can do this too!)
-It takes about two weeks for dogs to adjust to the new surroundings, be patient.
-Invest in some baby gates.
-Keep a ticking clock and a t-shirt that's been worn next to the puppy when he sleeps. (we don't have a ticking clock-but I found an old sound machine from our baby days, and might try this)...
Wish us luck, hoping to be on a better sleep schedule soon, as I'm someone that really needs her sleep. #cranky but also #puppy:)!!!!
He is SOOO Cute!!!! Enjoy every minute with this precious little guy.....only advice, give them lots of love as you will not find a better friend:)
ReplyDeleteAnd crate training really works!!
He is adorable!!! Nothing like a sweet puppy to snuggle with on a cold winter day...of course it's not fun taking him outside on a cold winter day though! Good luck with the training and take lots of pictures of that adorable face! So sweet!
ReplyDeleteCongrats! Shelley
He is precious....and he makes me want a puppy!!! Love the name!!! Stay warm in the snowstorm! xoxo
ReplyDeleteI think the reason for the ticking clock is that it sounds like heartbeat. Dogs are used to co- sleeping, and it may make your puppy feel less lonely. We used this trick 50 years ago when I got a puppy!
ReplyDeleteYour doggie is adorable! Congrats.
OMG!I'm in love with Cosmo.That is the sweetest face.I was 'dog stupid' when we got a puppy. My advice is to keep him 'confined' within eyesight. If they roam around the house to explore they squat and pee. Congrats! Your capacity for love just blew off the charts!
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ReplyDeleteOops!
ReplyDeleteThis is so fun Sue;) When they are babies it's tough but the difficult moments pass in time. I'm such a dog-lover and we are talking about getting another one (crazy, right?) The puppy stage can be challenging depending on your pup's temperament but it goes by fast (unlike humans;) YES to crate training and being consistent. Also when Layla was a puppy we never allowed her "human" food from the table or kitchen. NOW she does NOT beg (yay!). It's a pain when we teach our dogs to want our food. Are you on Snap? I'm 4prettypetals;)
So cute! The sound machine is a great idea, both our pups loved it. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteSo cute! Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteThis breed is so sweet and smart! Have fun with adorable Cosmo!
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