Puppy Basics

A growing puppy needs much more than a dish and a doghouse to thrive. Preparation is important and having some items already on hand will make your puppy's transition smoother.

Puppy supply list:

• Teething toys. Puppies have an intrinsic need to chew and love to explore with their mouth. If you don’t have an adequate supply of chew toys on hand, they will find something to chew on. So set your puppy up for success. Blue Seal has plenty of toys designed just for puppies. Durable enough to handle aggressive mouthing, these toys are a little smaller and softer than adult toys, because puppy teeth are more prone to fracturing.
• Puppy food. Growing dogs need a food that is appropriate for their developmental stage. At Blue Seal, we deliver quality foods that adhere to the highest standards of pet nutrition that not only match their stage of life, but the activities they enjoy. Our nutrient-dense puppy food formulas contain the appropriate protein and fat levels to help puppies grow into energetic and healthy adults. Plus omega-3 fatty acids to help support active brain development.
• Training treats. All dogs love treats and while they can highlight a puppy’s day, they can also make training easier and improve the human-puppy bond through positive reinforcement. Blue Seal dog biscuits are a healthy, nutritious snack that come in various sizes and several delicious flavors. Not only are they great treats and training rewards, but they also help to keep your dog's teeth clean and white.

Puppy training tips:

• Housebreaking. Start housebreaking the very first day. The longer you wait, the more mess you'll have to deal with and the harder it will be to train your dog. Put a carpet-cleaning battle plan in place, because accidents will happen. Your most potent allies in the quest to house-train your puppy are patience and planning. Make sure to give lots of positive reinforcement whenever your puppy goes potty outside. Develop a routine. Knowing when to take your puppy out is almost as important as giving praise. Here’s a list of the most common times to take your puppy outside.
  • When you wake up.
  • Right before bed.
  • Immediately after your puppy eats or drinks a lot of water.
  • When your puppy wakes up from a nap.
  • During and after physical activity.
• Teach obedience. By teaching your puppy good manners, you’ll set your puppy up for a life of positive social interaction. Teaching your pup to obey commands such as sit, stay, down and come will not only impress your friends, but help keep your dog safe and under control in potentially hazardous situations. Many new puppy owners find that obedience classes are a great way to train both dog and owner. Classes typically begin accepting puppies at age 4 to 6 months.
• Be sociable. Just like obedience training, proper socialization during puppyhood helps avoid behavioral problems down the road. At approximately 2 to 4 months of age, most puppies begin to be open to other animals, people, places and experiences. Socialization classes are an excellent way to rack up positive social experiences with your puppy. Just be sure to ask your vet about what kind of interaction is safe at each vaccination stage.