Things to prepare for when you arrive home

Besides gradually helping the puppy adjust to its new environment and establishing a daily routine, there are several tasks to address. While it’s natural to feel excited about letting the puppy explore freely, it's important to take it slow. Based on the environment, use a crate, playpen, and yard as part of a step-by-step process.

Crate Training:

Purpose of crate training: Crate training involves using both a playpen and a crate, and it doesn't mean confining the dog all the time. Dogs are naturally den animals, and a crate simulates the enclosed, safe feeling of a den, which can help them feel secure, especially after leaving their familiar environment. Steps for crate training:

  1. Set up the crate in a corner and cover it with a dark cloth, leaving only the door exposed, to create a den-like environment. Attach a playpen to the crate.
  2. Place a pee pad far from the crate to prevent the dog from associating the bed area with toileting.
  3. After arriving home, encourage the dog to use the pee pad in the playpen. Reward and praise the dog if it uses the pad.
  4. Guide the puppy into the crate using treats. If it resists, be patient and reward even small steps, such as touching the crate floor with its paw.
  5. Once the puppy is comfortable entering the crate, try closing the door for 10-20 seconds while continuing to reward it. Gradually increase the time inside the crate, ensuring the experience remains positive.

Playpen Training

  1. Transitioning from crate: Playpen training is similar to crate training but without the crate. The dog bed replaces the crate, and the puppy stays inside the playpen with some human interaction and reward-based encouragement.
  2. Increasing alone time: Over time, increase the time the puppy spends alone in the playpen to avoid overdependence on the owner.

Backyard Training (if applicable) :

  1. Simple and supervised: Let the puppy play and relieve itself in the backyard. Make sure the backyard is clean, secure, and supervised to prevent accidents or escapes.
Safety precautions: Check for sharp objects, toxic substances, or dangerous plants in the yard, and ensure the fence is high enough to prevent the dog from jumping over.