Schedule – Establish structure and a routine from day 1 with meals / potty / sleep
Sleep – Allow them to sleep 20+ hours a day, use a crate for nap time
Play – Have structured, fun play every day!
Exercise – Let them explore, but skip the running or hard exercise until joints/bones and growth plates are fully formed
Calm – Teach an off-switch and train calm. Do not allow chaos or rowdy play time with other dogs
At home – It’s ok to use a leash indoors to prevent jumping, counter surfing, or poor behavior
Affection – Reward calm behavior with calm affection – you get what you pet!!
Leash – Start with short leash walks to learn leash pressure, manners and no pulling!
Hint… Read our top Loose Leash Tips to get started!
Explore – Climb on playgrounds, experience as much as possible and keep it positive and neutral
Exposure – Expose puppies to all the things in the first few months! Play loud music or TV during the day, sit and watch the world go by.
Building a solid foundation in the puppy stages will create a calm, confident and happy dog in the future!
~Shannen