3 Tips for Training Your New Puppy During the Holidays

 Hey there! Frank from Sit Happens here. I get asked this a lot: What are some tips for training new puppy during the holiday season? Well, here are 3 I came up with.

1. Create a routine and stick to it: No matter what the holidays bring in terms of extra chaos, stress, and busy schedules, it is important to establish a daily routine for your puppy. Regular meals, play, and bathroom breaks at the same time each day will help your pup to adjust to their surroundings faster. Establish a specific area outside of the house for potty training, and try to bring the puppy out at the same time each day. This will help them to get used to the process of going to the bathroom and will also be helpful in getting them house trained quickly. Make sure your puppy gets plenty of exercise throughout the holidays. It is a good way to tire them out and will help them with their behavior. Take your puppy for daily walks and consider enrolling them in puppy obedience classes or puppy playgroups. This will help them socialize and prevent boredom. Exercise can also help your puppy expend their energy naturally, making it easier to provide better behavior at home. 

2. Provide lots of training and positive reinforcement: With all of the distraction of the holidays, it can be difficult to make sure your puppy is getting enough training and positive reinforcement. During this time, it is important to make time to work with them on basics like sit, stay and come. Positive reinforcement is key - make sure to give them lots of treats and pats after completing a command correctly. This will help the puppy learn faster and build confidence in their new environment. You can also find local puppy classes or even online courses to help with the training process. Structure– Structure is very important in training a new puppy. Make sure to set up daily routines, such as set meal times, bedtimes and potty breaks. During the day, try to keep your puppy busy with scheduled activities, such as training sessions, playtime, supervised activities and long naps. Having a set schedule can help make things easier for you, as well as your puppy.  

3. Socialize them with other people and animals: Socialization is critical for any puppy and the holidays can provide plenty of opportunities to do this. Invite family and friends to come over and meet the pup, let them sit on the laps of their new family members, and bring them on outside trips - if they are up to date on their vaccinations. The more they interact with people and other animals, the better they will adjust to their new home. It is also important to set boundaries and make sure the puppy knows to respect people’s personal space and to not bite. In addition, make sure to take them for walks, to the park and around the neighborhood. This will help them get used to other animals, sounds, and smells - all of which are important for proper socialization. Training your new puppy during the holidays can be challenging, so make sure to keep a calm and patient attitude. It will take time for your puppy to learn new commands and behaviors, so it is important to be patient and not take the process for granted. This can be difficult in the midst of holiday gatherings and distractions, but it is important to keep your focus and work with your puppy to help them learn. If you find yourself getting frustrated, take a break and come back to it later.

Overall, the holidays can be a great time to train and bond with your new pup. With basic planning, a routine, and plenty of positive reinforcement, you can ensure that your puppy will receive all the care they need during this special time of year!