Training Your Foster Puppy 

Training!

Here are some great resource about training! Helping your foster dog with the basics and overcoming issues is so helpful in getting them adopted. If you have concerns about your dogs Behavior  please contact the foster team packleader@pipsrescue.org

Crating: It is important to start puppies in a crate right away (crate training). If you can't have eyes on a puppy, they should be in a crate. Start with short periods of time in the crate and extend the time gradually. Puppies under 10 weeks old should only be in the crate an hour or two at a time. As they get older this time can increase. If you work and can't let a puppy out, we suggest using a pen and adding a pee pad. Make the crate a positive experience, treats to go in, safe toys or bones to chew on in the crate. As soon as you take the puppy out of the crate, take them outside to potty!

Potty Training: Adopters are going to ask if your foster pup is potty trained. It's ok to say no (99.9999% of puppies are not potty trained). Explain how you are working with your pup. Rule of thumb, what goes in will come out very soon for a puppy! If your pup drinks water, take them outside; they eat dinner, take them outside; lots of running around and playing- take them outside! Wake up from a nap, yup you guessed it, take them out. When they potty outside give them praise, make it a BIG, exciting deal. If they have an accident and you catch them in the act, take them straight outside. No need to punish them for it, it will just cause confusion, they are babies after all!

Puppy Nips: Puppies learn how hard they can bite from their littermates. If they nip you in play, they are essentially doing the same thing. If they bite you, yelp or say ouch loudly. If they stop, continue playing; if they do not, stop play and separate. Try again later. Replace whatever they are biting (your hand, shoelace, whatever) with an appropriate chew toy.

Basic Obedience: You can begin basic obedience with your pup. Keep it short and positive. Try ending your training session on a  positive note. Here are some links for some basic obedience training:

• https://www.rover.com/blog/important-dog-training-skills/ 

• https://www.cesarsway.com/5-essential-commands-you-can-teach-your-dog/ 

Socialization

• • Keep unvaccinated pups away from dog parks and other places where dogs use the bathroom. Try scheduling play dates with other pups around the same age that you know are getting vaccines on a regular basis.

  • It’s important to reinforce positive behavior while introducing your puppy to all of these new things. Developing positive associations with these new environments and people is key to helping them adapt and understand what to do and what not to do in the future.

  • Training treats are a great way to reward your pup for good behavior in these new situations.

  • Stash a handful of treats in your pocket wherever you go with your new puppy and be sure to verbally recognize good behavior as well as provide them with a treat. 

  • You never want to force your pup to socialize or interact with a new environment. If they seem nervous and uneasy, that’s a sign that you need to give them a little distance from whatever they are frightened of.

  • Pushing them too hard to interact with someone or be in a place where they are visually uncomfortable could end up in them negatively responding to that person or place in the future. If they seem too excited (barking, aggressively pulling, cowering) give them space and distance yourself from whatever is causing the excitement.

  • Here is a great check list of things to expose your pup to! 

Don't forget we have access to some great training videos: Method Training https://methodk9institute.com/sign_in

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