What does every puppy need?
“It needs food, water, a bed, a home, a blanket, and a food bowl.” – Mallory
“Food and water, love and games and friends.” – Tyson
Liberty K-9: Every puppy needs love and someone to be their person. This person will provide a good home, good nutritious food, veterinary care, and teach the puppy everything it needs to know. Puppies also need to learn obedience at a young age and it is your job to teach them. Do not underestimate what your puppy can do!
What do puppies love to eat?
“Bones. Steak. Chicken.” – Christina
Liberty K-9: Everything, whether it is good for them or not! Puppies need a variety of nutritious food so that they can grow healthy and strong. Natural food is always better than processed food—processed food comes out of a bag. Puppies also like natural uncooked bones. Do not give your puppy rawhide, and stay away from store bought treats. If you wish to give your dog treats, it is much healthier and less expensive to make your own. (See recipes on the next page.)
What do puppies like to play with?
-Caroline
Liberty K-9: Most puppies like to play with sticks, balls, things that move, and even other puppies. Make sure that whatever your puppy plays with cannot be swallowed. Beware of squeaky toys that can be easily torn open or damaged as these can be dangerous for your puppy. Playtime is very important and necessary for your dog. Never underestimate the power of play!
Where should puppies sleep?
“They have to sleep in a cage with a nice soft bed for them to sleep nice and quiet.” – Izzy
Liberty K-9: At first, puppies should sleep in a crate. The crate should not be too big or too small for them. It is a good idea to tire the puppy out with exercise and play before introducing them. Most dogs enjoy sleeping in their crate, and it prevents them from waking up and relieving themselves on the floor or chewing up something they shouldn’t. Crate training your puppy to sleep at night helps them to be well-trained, successful pups.
How do you potty train a puppy?
“When they shake.” – Alden
Liberty K-9: House breaking a dog is either easiest, or hardest thing for new dog owners. Puppies need to be watched all the time and can’t be left on their own to wander about or they will find a spot in your house to relieve themselves. You will have to take a young puppy out every 10-20 minutes. When you cannot watch the puppy, take them outside and make sure they do not have a lot of food and water before putting them in their crate. When taking them out of their crate, immediately take them outside to relieve themselves.
With the dogs we train we say, “Give me a PEE,” and “Give me a POO.” When they go pee or poo, we say, “GOOD pee,” and “GOOD poo.” By giving your puppy lots of praise, rather than treats, they will quickly learn what these words mean.
How often do puppies need to be walked?– Atticus
Liberty K-9: When in doubt, take them out. Young puppies should be walked every 10-20 minutes, but as they get older, they will be able to hold it longer. If you are playing with your puppy, they will need to go out more often, about every 10 minutes. If they are sleeping, they will need to go out as soon as they wake up.
Where should puppies be kept when you are not home?
“Put them to bed.” – Sarah
Liberty K-9: Puppies need a safe place where they cannot get themselves into trouble. If you are going to be away for a long time, then you need a safe, secure kennel. Otherwise, they will be forced to relieve themselves in their crate, which is not a good idea. Before you get a puppy, you need to consider where they will be when you are not home. If you don’t have a kennel and the puppy will have to spend long periods of time in the crate, it may be best to wait to get a dog until you are better prepared.
What should you do if your puppy does something wrong?
“You scold it.” – Atticus
Liberty K-9: You must teach and show the puppy what they can and cannot do. You should NEVER hit your puppy for any reason. If your puppy has an accident on the floor, NEVER rub their nose in it. Just say, “No,” and pick them up and take them out to the spot where they are supposed to go. If a puppy is chewing or biting on you, tell the puppy, “No,” and give the puppy something good to chew on.
Dog training is simply praise and correction. Praise keeps the good stuff going and correction stops the bad stuff from continuing. It is your job to show the puppy what is right and what is wrong. Have fun and enjoy your puppy, but remember you set the standards on what your puppy can and cannot do. Keep your standards high and have fun!