Dog FAQ

Acquiring a new puppy may mean big changes for you, but not nearly as much as the change it will mean for the puppy herself, who has gone from being with her mum and her brothers and sisters, to being all alone in a strange place. Many people wisely provide their puppy with a nice warm hot water bottle to replicate the body heat that was previously provided by the warmth of the family nest. Some people even suggest also placing a ticking clock in the room where the puppy sleeps, to mimic the heartbeat of their litter mates.

Talking of sleeping places, it is a good idea to make sure from the start that your puppy is given her own private sleeping place that is not used by anyone else in the family or another pet. Your puppy will benefit from short periods left alone in her little den. And don’t forget to reward your pup for being relaxed and quiet – that way you will reinforce the behaviour and increase its frequency. Your dog will learn that she doesn’t have to be noisy in order to get attention.

Do however try to make sure that your puppy receives attention and entertainment for short but regular intervals throughout the day. Long periods of being left unstimulated and bored can lead to disruptive behaviour later when your pup grows up into adulthood. Entertain your puppy by playing little games of fetch, which will not only stimulate her, but give her some exercise too.

Filed under: Puppies, Training & Behavoir, Dog Care Basics