There really is no better time than when we welcome home a new set for furry paws for the first time. Pouncing and prancing around in a whole new environment, life can be a little daunting for your little furry friend during the first few months of being in your home and their behaviours can be a little tricky to manage if you don’t have some tips and tricks to make life the best it can be when your canine companion comes home for the very first time.

Dedicated to promoting pawfect puppy nutrition from day one, here at Soopa we love giving you everything you need to ensure your the newest member of your household does everything they should to keep themselves and you as happy as ever before. So with just some simple changes, you can settle your new pup into your home in the best way pawsible.

Reinforce & Reward

As one of the most fundamental stages in your dog’s life, training your dog from the onset will set them up for a happier and healthier life later on. Despite the chaos of the first few weeks, patience is key for both you and your puppy. Toilet training your puppy properly will not only teach your pooch a fundamental rule of going to the toilet outside but will also avoid any nasty mess in your home. However, do expect a little of this - with some antibacterial spray and trays of puppy pads, it won’t be long before your puppy knows exactly where to go.

Here at Soopa, we never condone negative reinforcement. Shouting at your puppy when they have an accident indoors is not the most effective way to train them. If you see them wanting to use the bathroom, head outside, let them go and then positive reinforcement with rewarding cuddles and noises and give your dog a treat. After some attempts, your puppy will start actively asking to go outside (as they know a treat is in store) and will begin associating toileting outside with positive reinforcement.

Lead The Way

For those with more active puppies, lead training from an early age can help eradicate any issues your dog might face later on in life. For breeds such as spaniels, lead training at the puppy stage can help with problems with pulling that are common with these beautiful breeds. Attending puppy training classes won’t just be fundamental in socialising your puppy with others during training classes but will also make walks more enjoyable throughout their life.

We encourage investing in a good harness and lead set rather than regular slip on lead that causes excessive strain on your dog’s neck. A good chest harness that your lead will slip onto will support your dog’s chest area and help distribute weight when out and about on the lead.

Socialisation is Key

One of the most important factors in training your puppy is socialisation both with other dogs and other humans. If dogs aren’t socialised effectively from a young age, this can have detrimental effects on their health and wellbeing later on in life. Attending puppy classes will help with both lead training and will get your puppy accustomed to seeing other dogs and humans when out and about.

An unsocialised dog may become nervous, anxious and sometimes even aggressive when other humans or dogs are near. However, puppy socialisation should be done in stages and no socialisation should occur without properly managed conditions. Always keep your puppy on a lead and keep away from other dogs displaying behaviour that might upset or agitate your puppy. Socialisation is all about keeping your puppy calm and relaxed and by the end they will become much happier and more confident dogs.

For when your dog needs a treat or two when their behaviour has been blissful beyond belief, be sure to give them a SOOPA treat. With puppy designed dental sticks and healthy bites available, your puppy won’t wait to do something good and get their paws on our superb selection of scrumptious snacks that they will adore time and time again.