Congratulations on becoming a new puppy parent! Welcoming a fur baby into your life is an incredibly exciting and joyful experience.
However, just like with any new venture mistakes are often made.
Today, I’m going to share with you the number one mistake new puppy parents tend to make so that you can avoid it.
So what is the #1 mistake new puppy parents make?
The number one mistake new puppy parents make is giving their fur babies too much freedom, too soon.
I too am guilty and I had to learn the hard way…
My puppy would get into everything! He would find everything but his toys to chew. And let’s not mention what it was doing to my potty training efforts!
Giving your puppy too much freedom too soon can lead to behavior issues, house training problems, and potential dangers.
Don’t worry, I’m here to help you avoid all that and find the right balance so that you can set yourself and your pup up for success!
The Eagerness for Freedom
As new puppy parents, it’s natural to want to shower your pup with love and affection…
You want your new puppy right with you snuggled up on the couch. You want to make them feel like a part of the family.
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We often get carried away trying to make them feel comfortable and we allow free roam of the house from day one. ( I say we cause this was me too!)
While giving your puppy freedom may seem harmless, it can actually lead to various problems down the road.
From one paw parent to another… freedom in the house is not to be given, it is to be earned.
Here’s why…
The Importance of Proper Structure
Just like children, puppies need structure, guidance, and boundaries as they gradually adjust to their new home.
They need to learn what is appropriate behavior, what isn’t and what is expected of them.
By granting them too much freedom too soon, you risk overwhelming your fur baby (and yourself) and you are setting them up for potential behavior issues.
House Training Woes
One of the biggest challenges faced by new puppy parents is house training.
When puppies are given full access to the house without proper supervision, accidents WILL happen (trust me, I know!), making it harder for them to learn appropriate elimination behaviors.
RELATED: How do I Punish My Puppy for Peeing in the House? The Surprising Truth!
You can’t keep your eye on your puppy when your puppy has full access to the house. It’s like have a crawling baby or a toddler roaming the house without being supervised… You just can’t do it!
Gradually introducing different areas of the house, one room at a time, can make the house training process smoother and much more successful.
Destructive Behavior and Safety Concerns
Letting your new puppy roam freely before they are ready can also lead to destructive behavior, such as chewing on furniture, shoes, or other household items.
Again, think how quickly a baby or toddler can destroy a house or get into trouble. By trouble I mean getting into something that can cause them harm.
Allowing your puppy free access to your home will expose them to potential dangers such as electrical cords, toxic substances, or small objects that they could swallow.
Avoid This Mistake by Setting the Right Foundation
To help your puppy grow into a well-adjusted and well-behaved adult dog, it’s essential to provide them with a solid foundation.
Start by crate training, setting up a puppy-proofed area, or using baby gates to confine their space when you need to leave them alone or when supervision isn’t possible.
RELATED: How to Crate Train a Dog Successfully: The Ultimate Guide!
If your eyes can not be on your puppy (this means actually watching your puppy), then they need to be in their crate or area.
Start with allowing access to one room.
Gradually increase your puppy’s access to other rooms, one are at a time, as long as your puppy has not had an accident and demonstrates responsible behavior and respond positively to training.
That means no chewing on things they shouldn’t, etc.
If your puppy makes a potty boo boo or demonstrates irresponsible behavior then go back to the step you where at before until your puppy once again demonstrates responsible behavior or doesn’t have an accident.
Conclusion
As new puppy parents, it’s easy to get caught up in excitement and shower your fur with love and freedom.
However, by finding the right balance between freedom and structure, you can set them up for a lifetime of successful companionship.
Remember, structure and gradual increases in freedom will go a long way in house training your puppy and shaping your puppy’s behavior and overall well-being.
So, enjoy your new puppy and shower them with love, guidance, and consistency!
Did you make the same mistake that many new puppy parents, including myself, and give your fur baby too much freedom too soon? Share your story and let us know what you learned from the experience!