If you've just welcomed a new bundle of fluff into your family - congratulations! Puppies have such a wonderful ability to infuse our lives with lots of extra laughter, love and affection, but as you're probably already figuring out, helping them to learn the behaviors that are expected of them in your home can certainly bring its fair share of challenges.
While the best puppy toys and treats are certainly useful when it comes to rewarding good behavior and helping your pup to stay motivated, expert dog trainer Miles Hamilton says there's a common mistake he sees new pet parents making that can derail their puppy's progress - and that's giving them too much freedom.
@hamiltondogtraining ♬ original sound - Hamilton Dog Training
"This is the number one mistake I see new puppy owners making - giving their dog too much freedom too soon," Hamilton explains in a TikTok video, which you can view above.
"The puppy is peeing in the house, they're chewing the shoes, they're jumping on the counters, they're chewing furniture, it's complete chaos."
Thankfully, Hamilton has three tips to help you stay on track during that first year of being a puppy parent and get the behavior from your dog that you're looking for - and it all comes down to management.
"Management is the secret to raising a puppy and keeping your sanity in the process," says Hamilton. So, what does good management look like? Well, according to Hamilton it all comes down to these things...
1) Puppy proof your environment: "Pick up the cables, pick up the shoes, pick up everything off the ground."
2) Use a crate: "When you're not home, put the dog in a crate. When you are home, you can keep the dog on a place board."
3) Limit access to the house: "Only give them access under direct supervision. You can slowly increase the amount of freedom you give them as they prove to you that they can handle it."
Training a new puppy takes time, patience and consistency. If you feel you're not seeing the progress you'd like or expect within a few months, we recommend reaching out to a professional trainer for advice and guidance.
Finding that first year of raising your fur friend more challenging than you expected? Then be sure to check out our guide to the puppy blues where an expert shares tips and tricks to help make those first 12 months a little easier.
