Puppy Potty Training 101: A Guide To Train Your Puppy Fast

white Jack Russell Terrier puppy sitting among blue flowers in summer

Congratulations, you have just brought home your fluffy new family member and everyone is in love! You’ve pulled the tags off your puppy’s new collar, leash and toys, washed his new food bowl, and assembled his crate. Let the fun begin! And then, the pup has an accident on your rug…and then you find another accident on your bedroom carpet…and a puddle is noted on the kitchen floor…AHH! Get that puppy potty trained ASAP! 

Our veterinarians usually advise on variations of a similar approach to puppy potty training, all with the same common themes of consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement. Some puppies are geniuses and will learn very quickly in a matter of days, where others take their time to catch on and will often even have periods of regression weeks and months into the process. Not only do puppies need to learn where it is appropriate to relieve themselves, they are also learning where NOT to!

Crate Training

Crate training and house training go hand in hand. Knowing how to crate train a puppy helps to foster independence, creates a safe and cozy spot for your puppy to rest, and also will help them learn to train and control their bladder from a young age! Dogs like to keep their den sleeping area clean and will not soil where they sleep. The puppy’s crate should be just big enough for him to lay down, stand up, and turn around, and any extra space should be blocked with a box so that the puppy cannot go potty and then escape to another area. Follow the crate training steps to get your young puppy adjusted and comfortable in their crate while at the same time expediting the house training process using the following helpful hints.

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The Easiest Way to Potty Train a Puppy

Get Ready to Go Outside… a Lot!

The easiest way to help your puppy catch on to your desired potty-training program is to not allow them the opportunity to potty in the house! From the moment that you bring your 8-week-old puppy into your home, get ready to take them outside frequently. Puppies are like infants, and they require a lot of energy from their parents when they are very young. This is all normal, though, and once you have put in the time to establish good habits and expectations, it gets much easier! Keep up the routine and consistent positive message, and your puppy will be faster and more accurate in due time!

When your new puppy first wakes up in the morning, or when you first arrive home from being out, take them out of the crate and immediately go outside to the potty spot (carry them or rush them quickly on a leash). Say a phrase like “go potty” and stand quietly waiting for your puppy to do their business. It is critical to stay still and quiet while the puppy is sniffing around so that you don’t distract them from using the bathroom — their attention spans are very short! 

When they do go potty, praise them extensively and give them a treat; positive reinforcement goes a long way! Puppies need to have the treat within two seconds of exhibiting the desired behavior for their brain to associate the action and the reward. Training treats that you keep in your pocket are an essential tool for potty training. 

Once your puppy has performed #1 and #2, it is time to return inside. If they do not accomplish both tasks, you have the option of returning your puppy to their crate for another 15 minutes and then repeating the process, or you can keep your puppy closely tethered to you on a leash inside so you can watch for signs that they need to go (sniffing the ground, whining, circling, looking towards the door or outside) and then plan on returning outside every 15-30 minutes until the full mission is accomplished. 

Once your puppy has used the bathroom outside, try to frequent the potty spot again and again, approximately every hour when you are just starting out! Puppies have tiny bladders and will often pee when they first feel the urge, so taking them outdoors often enough to prevent random squatting in the house will keep the concept clear.

Keep On Schedule

Keep in mind that puppies generally need to potty within 30 minutes to an hour after eating. So, in addition to navigating what to feed a puppy, it’s also important to create a potty schedule around their diet. Plan on feeding your pup their three meals a day and spending some time outdoors during that hour after eating until you witness their potty accomplishments. Timing these trips will give more opportunity for success and help your puppy to master the concepts more quickly! Prior to bedtime, take your puppy out for a final potty break just before putting them in their crate and turning in for the night.

Training Setbacks and Accidents

What to do when you catch your puppy in the act of squatting in the house? Pick them up immediately and go outside to the potty spot (or gently nudge them towards the outdoors if they are too large to carry). Hopefully, they will stop mid-process and ideally continue the job outdoors. Punishing an accident indoors only creates fear, and we do not recommend any repercussions for these slip-ups. Praise when finishing the deed outside is always encouraged! Although accidents in the house are frustrating, it’s important to remember that rewarding the behavior you want and ignoring the behavior you don’t want is much more effective than any punishment — and it creates a stronger bond between you and your puppy.

And when you find the puddle or pile on your rug or hardwood floor and the pup is long gone? Just grab your enzymatic cleaner (one of the essential things you need for a puppy) and clean up that mess! Your puppy has already forgotten about that mistake, so once you’ve tossed the evidence, you should too! Showing them their mistake or telling them about it does nothing but potentially cause fear. Just clean up the mess, and move right along, making plans for your next outdoor potty outing with your puppy!

Some General Tips and Tricks

As a rule of thumb, puppies can be crated and hold their bladders for the same number of hours as they are in months. For example, an 8-week-old puppy can be crated for up to 2 hours a day and through the night if they are sleeping. Also, be sure they did not drink a large amount of water and that they had a potty break prior to crating. When you are in the earlier stages of crate and puppy potty training, it is wise to place the crate overnight in the bedroom, so you can hear any whining that might indicate the youngster needs to take a potty break outdoors. We do need to be careful that we are not praising whining by allowing them out of their crate for fun playtime. Whining at night should be greeted by a quick trip outdoors, minimal excitement and fun (unless they potty, then they can be praised), and then straight back into the crate with a treat to continue bedtime.

Again, some puppies will take an extended period of time (months even) to become fully house-trained but keep at it! If your puppy seems to relapse a bit, backtrack in your training and continue the frequent trips outdoors every 1-2 hours until you have reminded them of the program. New surroundings and changes in the home may be greeted by some potty regression, too … just back up a little and get them back on track! 

Sadly, many dogs are relinquished to shelters for potty-related behavior issues, likely due to incomplete training when they were young, and it can cost them their family. If your puppy seems to be having what seems like an abnormal experience, your AskVet veterinarians are ready to assess your situation, provide some troubleshooting tips and assess the need to take the next steps to have your family veterinarian test for a urinary tract infection, bladder or kidney problem.  

Puppy Training Pads and Real/Artificial Grass Substrates 

Where it is traditional for dogs to use the outdoors and nature as their restroom, the modern city dog, some tiny toy breeds or during times of adverse weather conditions and global pandemics, some pet parents turn to an indoor potty pad or real/artificial grass substrates for their puppies. The same principles apply as above, just take your puppy to the desired potty option and be consistent and positive! Changing from indoors to outdoors can cause some confusion, but with repetition, patience and persistence, it can be accomplished. 

Yay, My Puppy is Potty Trained!

Congratulations on being a puppy owner that put the time and patience into teaching your young puppy the appropriate place to relieve themselves. That is no easy task! As puppies learn and mature, your trips outdoors can become less frequent and more focused on enjoying the outside world. Continue providing them their daily walks and outdoor exercise since it is vital to their mental, physical and emotional health and more fun for you both! And always remember that your AskVet Care Squad is available to answer questions and help you make the most of your time together!  

Our AskVet Veterinarians are available to discuss all of your pet’s needs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Whether you have an immediate need or are looking to improve your pet’s overall wellbeing, just sign in to your account, and one of our friendly and knowledgeable veterinary experts will attend to your needs, no appointment required!

 

Written by:

Alexa Waltz, DVM

Dr. Waltz was raised near the beaches of Southern California but has spent her adult life living all over the beautiful United States while serving in the military and as a military spouse. She left California for the first time to pursue a career as a veterinarian at Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine and graduated as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2006. She was accepted into the US Army Health Professionals Scholarship Program during vet school and upon graduation spent her military years as a veterinarian in San Diego working for the US Marine Corps and US Navy Military Working Dog programs as well as caring for pets of service members. After her military service, she became a civilian veterinarian and continued as a small animal general practitioner at clinics in California, Rhode Island, Colorado, and Maryland. Dr Waltz loves to see her “in person” patients just as much as communicating with and assisting pet parents virtually on AskVet. Dr Waltz is also a Mom to 3 humans, 2 guinea pigs, and 1 Australian Shepherd and in her spare time she loves traveling, adventures, exercising, and doing just about anything out in nature!

How To Crate Train A Puppy: A Full Guide

Closeup of fox red Labrador retriever puppy inside wire crate sleeping on his back

Tiny collar, new bed, new toys, NEW CRATE! Bringing a new puppy home is an exciting time! Aside from being full of cuteness and snuggles, it is also a time for learning and change – both for the puppy and for their new family. Our veterinarians consider the dog crate as one of the essential things you need for a puppy. We recommend obtaining a comfy crate and starting to crate-train right away!      

 While many people immediately think of a dog crate as a “prison” to your pup, in fact, it is just the opposite – a safe space where good things happen. Just like we feel secure in our homes and bedrooms, dogs naturally enjoy sleeping in den-like small, enclosed spaces. Using positive reinforcement to harness their natural instincts, dogs are easily trained to recognize a crate as a cozy and safe place.      

Puppy training using the crate also fosters independence, self-confidence and gives your dog a place of their own away from the chaos of the household. Future travel by car and airplane is much less anxiety-provoking if dogs are crate trained beforehand, and the crate can also serve as a useful tool in house-training young puppies since they don’t like to soil where they sleep!  Crate training and house-training go hand in hand, so refer to some helpful tips on how to potty train a puppy to combine these two techniques to achieve puppy training success. 

Picking a Crate for Your Puppy

Browsing crates at the pet store can be overwhelming! Crates come in many sizes and materials, but above all, you want to be sure the crate is safe, durable and comfortable. But what size crate should you purchase? 

The theory behind the success of the crate as a puppy training tool is that dogs find comfort and safety in small, familiar spaces. They also like to keep their cozy sleeping area clean and will not soil where they sleep. When the puppy is small, it is ideal to block excess space with a box so that they are not tempted to potty in one end and retreat to the other. Where purchasing or borrowing multiple-sized crates is not always practical, a good guideline might be to anticipate the puppy’s adult size and imagine them inside the crate laying down, standing up, and turning around easily. 

Keeping your puppy’s adult size and needs in mind will likely result in a crate that will be a good long-term fit. When your puppy is little, just enclose the extra floor space with a plastic or cardboard box, depending on their ability and desire to chew different materials! Alternatively, some crates have built-in adjustable dividers that can be moved to accommodate your large-breed puppy as they grow.

Manufacturers offer crates in several different materials and designs, and each option has different pros and cons:

Plastic, or “flight kennel”  

  • Medium weight
  • Durable
  • Easy to clean and move
  • Provides more of a darker den-like atmosphere with less visual stimulation for your puppy 
  • Can be used on a plane flight

Metal wire 

  • Easy to move
  • Folds flat
  • Clear visibility inside the crate
  • Least secure and easiest to escape

Fabric/soft sided or collapsible 

  • Lightweight, but not secure for strong and active dogs 
  • Fabric can get wet and hold moisture
  • More difficult to clean
  • Better used for temporary car travel

Furniture/designer crates  

  • Aesthetically pleasing 
  • Heavy and durable 
  • Not easily moved or used for transport 

Crate alternatives (exercise playpens or limiting space in a room) 

  • Large and not as amenable for potty training
  • Not as secure 
  • More space to move around 
  • Suitable for puppies that need to be restricted for longer than they can hold their bladder (since you can put potty pads or a grass substrate inside) 
  • Can put a small sleeping crate inside the pen, but does not achieve the same result as crate training

Now that you have selected your puppy crate, what do you put inside of it? To create a cozy and inviting interior for your puppy, there are several options. You can place a firm crate mat, small bed or just a towel or blanket on the floor of the crate.

AskVet Tip: Some puppies are chewers, and it is wise to limit the opportunity for your puppy to tear up and destroy their bedding! Pieces of bedding might be swallowed, creating a medical emergency, so the durability of the bedding material and your puppy’s chewing habits might dictate what can be used inside the crate. Less might be more when just starting out with a new pup! 

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How to Crate Train Your Puppy

You and your new puppy are now ready to take on the process of crate training!

It is SO important that, to your puppy, the crate is a positive and comfortable place and never a punishment. Consistent positive reinforcement is key; puppies are rewarded with treats, toys and attention for being calm inside their crate. Negative behavior like barking and whining are not rewarded … until they are followed by calm behavior! Limit the time in the crate based on the dog’s age, bladder control and total crated hours daily. 

To reduce crate time, hire a dog walker or consider daycare as an option for long days. Anxiety, depression and behavior issues can develop when a dog is crated all day and night through lack of human interaction, mental stimulation and exercise. If done correctly, your puppy will grow to love their crate as their own special place where they can rest, nap and feel secure! 

The Process: 

  1. To start out, during the day, place the empty puppy crate in a central location where the household family members spend a lot of time. In the evening, when your puppy is ready to stay overnight inside the crate (see below), placing the crate in closer proximity to the bedroom will facilitate hearing young puppies whining to potty. With progress, the crate can be left in one central location 24 hours a day. 
  2. When first introducing your puppy to the crate, take the crate door off or secure it, so it does not move suddenly and create fear if the puppy bumps it. Allow your puppy to explore the new crate at their leisure and get used to seeing it as a normal fixture in the environment. Placing treats near the crate will establish it as a positive object through the eyes of your puppy!     
  3. Start cheerfully giving your young puppy daily meals just outside the crate opening for a few days. 
  4. Once your young puppy is comfortable with eating just outside the crate, move the food bowl just INSIDE the crate opening. Serve all of your puppy’s meals here.  As your puppy becomes more and more comfortable, the bowl can be placed further inside the crate, all the way until it reaches the back wall and your puppy’s body is completely inside. The speed at which comfort is established will depend on the puppy. Some will be trained to go all the way in for their meals in a matter of a few feedings, and others will take days to a week. Patience, consistency and positivity are key! 
  5. Once your new puppy is eating their meals fully inside the crate, close the door while they eat. When they are done and notice the door is closed, relaxed and calm behavior can be rewarded with additional treats. Opening the crate door and having them remain sitting or lying down calmly can also be rewarded. Running out, whining, pawing at the door and barking are not rewarded — it is essential that your puppy only be rewarded when they are relaxed and calm inside the crate.      
  6. Adding a command: Start to train your puppy to enter the crate using a desired command like “crate,” “house” or “kennel.” While you are placing the food inside the crate, throwing in a treat or loved toy or pointing to the crate with a treat in your hand, say the same command word. With repetition, your puppy will associate that word with the action of entering the crate and being rewarded. When they do enter, praise them and give a treat, toy or their food as a reward, and then close the door.
  7. Once your puppy is comfortable in the crate with the door closed, they are ready to spend more time inside. While they are resting or sitting quietly in the crate, busy yourself nearby for 5-10 minutes. At the end of the period, reward a nicely relaxed puppy with a treat and attention. Continue short periods like this, but expand your activity to other rooms of the house where you are out of your puppy’s sight. Increase the period of time you are away from your puppy, and repeat this several times a day — always coming back to reward a nice, calm puppy. Your puppy is learning that he is ok on his own without you and that you always come back! Once they can stay calm for 30 minutes with you out of sight, crating your puppy while you leave the house for short periods of time is appropriate.
  8. When short trips out of the house are successful, your puppy can graduate to spending a longer duration in their crate. Always be sure they have had a potty break prior to spending any length of time inside the crate. Vary your routine prior to leaving the house, as to not create anxiety due to anticipation of your absence. At this point, your puppy is also ready for overnights inside the crate.

Some Additional Helpful Tips for Crate Training

  • As a rule of thumb, puppies can be crated and hold their bladders for the same number of hours as they are in months. For example, an 8-week-old puppy can be crated for up to 2 hours a day and through the night if they are sleeping. Also, be sure they did not drink a large amount of water and that they had a potty break prior to entering. 
  • Favorite toys and chews, Kong food toys, slathering peanut butter (Xylitol free) on the rear interior wall of the crate, and hiding treats around the floor of the crate always make time in the crate more desirable too. 
  • If your puppy seems to not be taking well to the crate, our AskVet Care Squad is happy to troubleshoot and help answer your questions and provide some suggestions. 

Yay, My Puppy is Crate Trained! 

Congratulations on devoting the patience and persistence needed for your pup to become comfortable in their crate! Your puppy now has a cozy space to call his own, will have less anxiety while traveling or being caged in other settings (like the vet clinic or at the groomer), and will be more confident and relaxed if he is separated from you. You may even find that when you are home, your puppy will chill out and nap in his crate on his own! Crate training makes a more balanced and happier puppy and improves their overall safety inside the home! 

Our AskVet Veterinarians are available to discuss all of your pet’s needs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Whether you have an immediate need or are looking to improve your pet’s overall wellbeing, just sign in to your account, and one of our friendly and knowledgeable veterinary experts will attend to your needs, no appointment required!

 

Written by:

Alexa Waltz, DVM

Dr. Waltz was raised near the beaches of Southern California but has spent her adult life living all over the beautiful United States while serving in the military and as a military spouse. She left California for the first time to pursue a career as a veterinarian at Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine and graduated as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2006. She was accepted into the US Army Health Professionals Scholarship Program during vet school and upon graduation spent her military years as a veterinarian in San Diego working for the US Marine Corps and US Navy Military Working Dog programs as well as caring for pets of service members. After her military service, she became a civilian veterinarian and continued as a small animal general practitioner at clinics in California, Rhode Island, Colorado, and Maryland. Dr Waltz loves to see her “in person” patients just as much as communicating with and assisting pet parents virtually on AskVet. Dr Waltz is also a Mom to 3 humans, 2 guinea pigs, and 1 Australian Shepherd and in her spare time she loves traveling, adventures, exercising, and doing just about anything out in nature!

Most Important Things You Need for a Puppy

sleeping puppy

As fellow pet owners, we share in your joy as you prepare to welcome a puppy into your home. We know you’ve likely been looking at pictures of cute puppies and browsing shopping lists of items such as dog food bowls, a cute new dog bed, nail trimmers and puppy pads. But what does your veterinarian want you to know before you take the plunge? 

As veterinarians, we are in a unique position to know the common questions and concerns that arise as a new pet owner prepares to welcome a new puppy into their home. After all, we help people like you every day! 

In this post, we’ll point out some easy, common-sense ways you can be prepared to help your new puppy become your healthy and treasured lifelong companion. 

Getting Your Puppy

The journey to bringing a new puppy home starts with a choice—what furry little pup will be the best companion for you, your family and your lifestyle? Questions to consider before you choose a new puppy: 

  1. Are you an outdoorsy person who wants a hiking buddy to take with you on long treks in the outdoors? Or are you more of a simple homebody who wants a pooch to cuddle with you on the couch every night? Some dog breeds are more active and athletic and love to explore the outdoors. However, some breeds are more laid-back and need less exercise.
  2. Do you want to run your fingers through a long, luxurious coat and don’t mind regular grooming visits and daily brushing—or would you prefer a short-haired pup that needs less maintenance? 
  3. Are there young children in the household who need more of a patient dog personality? 
  4. Do you have access to a large yard or doggie daycare to satisfy an active, intelligent puppy who seems to NEVER get tired out? (We’ve been there!)
  5. When your cute puppy is fully grown, how much space will they need to sleep–and to transport? Will you be able to pick them up and carry them to safety in case of a medical emergency? Do you have the financial capability to “pay by the pound” for a large breed’s dog food and medications, or would a smaller new dog be more within your budget?
  6. Do you have the financial resources to care for a purebred dog’s likelihood of expensive health problems (like allergies), or are you more comfortable with the (possibly healthier) mixed breed pups at a shelter? 

Our Care Squad is happy to help answer your questions about common dog breed traits and what to consider as you welcome the new puppy of your dreams. The American Kennel Club (AKC) also has a wonderful tool to help you explore the right dog breed for your lifestyle. 

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Everything You Need for a Puppy: Training

One of the most prevalent concerns for a new pet owner is—you guessed it—dog training! We have you covered with a whole section devoted to housetraining and how to potty train a puppy fast. Here are some items that you will find helpful as you teach your new pup this important skill:

Crate 

Make sure the crate you choose is appropriately sized for your puppy. After you choose the perfect crate, learn how to crate train a puppy. Doing so will make the rest of the training process a breeze. 

Choosing the Right Collar

Puppies have delicate necks, and traditional nylon collars are the softest and best way to train your new pup how to walk on a leash. We do NOT recommend choke or pinch collars for young puppies and do not recommend using a harness until they are older. Choose a comfortable and appropriately sized collar that can’t slip off little necks, but also make sure you’re able to insert two fingers under the collar while wearing, to ensure it is not too tight. 

Choosing the Right Leash

In general, veterinarians usually do not recommend a retractable leash because these can make dog training sessions more difficult. Also, the cord of a retractable leash makes a “runaway puppy” more likely, since it is easier to chew through! 

Waterless Shampoo and Enzymatic Cleaners for Accidents 

Just like humans, appropriate hygiene is important! For those housetraining accidents, a waterless shampoo is a great option for a quick clean without having to give a full bath to your puppy. Enzymatic cleaners will ensure that accidents are cleaned with little remaining evidence. 

A Consistent Schedule 

Puppies thrive on routine. A regular schedule makes housetraining easier and can avoid anxiety issues later in life. Try to create a consistent schedule for the puppy of meals, time outside, playtime, and bedtime. Having this schedule planned BEFORE you bring your puppy home—and before your days are filled with puppy love—can make a big difference!

Training Treats

These are small, low-calorie treats that are designed to be carried with you to reward your puppy quickly whenever they succeed at something—like going potty outside.

Puppy Classes

Group puppy classes are essential for your new puppy to learn basic obedience skills and become comfortable around other dogs. Make sure your trainer has vaccination requirements for all of your pup’s future classmates, as well as good sanitation of the facilities before and after the class.

Things You Need for a New Puppy: Home Safety

Veterinarians see many injuries that can easily be prevented by pet parents. A pet parent can keep their puppy safe by making sure these items are taken care of BEFORE you bring your puppy home: 

Install Child Safety Locks 

Install safety locks on cabinets at puppy height, particularly cabinets containing household cleaners, chemicals, and medications. Doing so will ensure your new pup won’t get into things it’s not supposed to!

Create a Pet-Friendly Yard

If you have a yard, make sure any holes or weak spots in the fencing are repaired or blocked off from a curious puppy. We don’t want them to escape! Also, make sure the yard is free from litter, plastic, rat/insect bait, and ensure any plants are blocked off from enthusiastic puppies. Ingesting any of these harmful items can cause medical problems. 

Electrical Cord Covers 

A variety of inexpensive cord organizers and cord covers are available to protect your puppy from chewing on dangerous electrical cords. Not only are your expensive appliances at risk, but puppies can become electrocuted by chewing loose cords.

Puppy Toys

Of course, you are looking forward to PLAYING with your new puppy! Make sure to choose toys that are too large for your puppy to swallow (OR flimsy enough to be chewed into pieces that can be swallowed!) and that are soft enough for a puppy’s baby teeth. Broken baby teeth and intestinal blockages are common consequences of choosing toys that are not compatible with your pup. The right chew toys will vary based on your puppy’s size and chewing preferences. 

Child Safety

We know that ALL family members will be super excited to interact with your new puppy! Just like you, puppies have personal boundaries—BUT those boundaries are enforced with bites and nips. (This is part of their natural behavior and communication with each other.) It is especially important that children be educated on how to safely play with the puppy and respect their boundaries. Listed below are some helpful resources to assist you and your children in reading dog body language and enjoy each other safely for years to come: 

Things You Need for a Puppy: Mental and Physical Health

Did you know that your new puppy’s mental health is JUST as important as his physical health? Here are some items that are essential to ensure health in ALL aspects of your new puppy’s life. 

Medical Records

Whether you adopt your new puppy from the local animal shelter or purchase a puppy from a breeder, make sure to obtain your pup’s medical records. These should have your pup’s birthdate, dates of deworming, any testing for intestinal parasites and any vaccinations already administered. If you are purchasing your puppy from a breeder, it can be helpful to ask if the mother was fully vaccinated and dewormed prior to pregnancy (here’s a hint: if the answer is “no,” it’s time to pick a different puppy!). Make sure to bring any records to your puppy’s first veterinary check-up. 

High-Quality Food

Your new puppy is growing FAST, and high-quality nutrition is essential for their overall health. If you’re wondering what to feed a puppy, consult with a vet to help you find the right choice for your pup to reach its full potential! 

Socialization

Did you know that many behavioral problems later in life—such as storm phobia, barking at other dogs, separation anxiety and fearfulness—can be prevented in puppyhood? As a young dog, your new puppy’s brain is a sponge learning about the world—so take the time to create positive associations with anything you anticipate your puppy encountering in their daily life. This can be done by frequently giving treats as your pup is closer to or navigating different obstacles. (You may need a partner to help with these!)  We want your puppy to be calm and confident as they explore the world with you. Just like with crate training, reward calm and relaxed behavior. Here are some areas to focus on: 

  • Wheeled objects: Bicycles, garbage cans, skateboards, vacuum cleaner, baby stroller, cars
  • Loud noises: You can use recordings of thunderstorms, doorbells, dogs barking, fireworks and jackhammers in the background while your puppy plays with his favorite chew toy or enjoys his favorite treat. Gradually increase the volume of the recording until your pup is totally relaxed, even when surrounded by scary noises. 
  • People: Try to have as many different types of people play with your puppy as possible! This includes people of different heights/ethnicities/ages, as well as people wearing a hat, sunglasses, hoodie, backpack, using a cane/walker–anything you can think of!
  • New surfaces: Train your puppy to walk calmly over surfaces including sidewalks, grass and metal (using a baking sheet at home works well for this). If you have access to a see-saw, your puppy can learn to walk on uncertain surfaces, too!
  • Handling: Reward your pup for allowing you to open their eyelids, sticking your fingers in their ears, play with their paws/toes (this will help when trimming nails!), holding them upside-down, wrapping a towel around them, poking them (gently) with a capped pen in various parts of their body and massaging their gums with your finger. This will make future vet visits so much easier and not stressful for your puppy!
  • Veterinarian: Within a few days of bringing your new puppy home, make an appointment to have him examined by a local veterinarian. Make sure to bring any medical records you have with you to your first appointment. If you don’t already have a relationship with a veterinarian you trust, ask your local friends and neighbors if they LOVE their vet—and if so, who it is! As part of your pup’s healthcare team, our veterinarians are available for your puppy questions 24/7/365 as well—so feel free to reach out to us any time. 

Talk to a Trusted Vet

We hope this information helps as you prepare to welcome a new puppy into your home. Congratulations! Enjoy this exciting time—and be sure to take plenty of pictures, since it goes by fast! 

Whether you have a general question about your puppy or need urgent advice due to an unforeseen medical problem, your AskVet veterinarians are standing by and ready to help with your new puppy at any time. We are proud to be members of your new puppy’s team! 

 

Written by:

Allison Ward, DVM
Dr. Allison Ward grew up in the suburbs of Washington, D.C. and started working in veterinary hospitals when she was 14 years old. After graduating from veterinary school in 2011, she completed a small animal rotating internship in New Jersey, followed by a neurology/neurosurgery internship in Miami. After completing this advanced training, Dr. Ward then moved on to general small animal practice. Dr. Ward’s professional interests include feline medicine, neurology, and pain management. Her passion for educating pet owners carries over into her work with AskVet, and she loves being able to help pets and their parents at all times of the day (and night!). She currently resides in sunny south Florida with her two cats, Larry and George.

Tips on What to Feed a Puppy

Three puppies eating food in the kitchen

Science Diet, Wellness, Royal Canin, Purina … large breed, small breed, breed-specific puppy food … OH MY! If you and your new pup get overwhelmed in the dog food aisle at the pet store, you are not alone! One of the most frequent questions we field as veterinarians is, “what type of food should I feed my puppy, and how much?” The number of options can make it very complicated for pet parents, but here are some useful tips that might help clarify the puppy food selection process. Choosing carefully is worth the time, as it is well-established that starting your puppy off with a balanced and complete diet will have a positive impact on their long-term health.

What Brand and Variety of Dog Food is Best for My Puppy?

There is a wide variety of dog food brands available, but how do you know which one is right for your pet’s nutrition? Aside from burning calories doing zoomies around the yard, puppies are busy building muscles, nerve tissue, bones and internal organs. Because of the rapid growth during their first 6-12 months of life, they require different nutrients than they will as adults. Finding a healthy dog food brand is one of the most important things you need for a puppy. It is essential that puppies are offered a balanced diet that is formulated and specifically labeled “for growth.” The optimal levels of protein, carbohydrate, phosphorus, calcium and DHA have been studied by veterinary nutritionists and extensively tested with respect to puppy growth and development. For these specific reasons, we do NOT recommend feeding a puppy formula that is labeled “for all life stages.”

To add another twist on the mission for the perfect puppy diet, large and giant breed puppies (Labs, Goldens, Danes) have different nutritional needs than small breed puppies (Yorkies, Miniature Poodles, Shih Tzus, or Pomeranians)! Large breed puppies tend to grow very rapidly, which can pose some growth-related bone and cartilage problems. The caloric density, along with mineral levels of phosphorus and calcium, are specifically dialed in to keep a large breed pup’s rate of growth ideal for healthy development.      

Some brands of dog food, like Royal Canin, have gone a step further and created breed-specific formulations for puppies and adult dogs. These diets focus on the common breed-associated metabolic and growth needs for some purebred dogs.

How Do Veterinarians Know What Nutrients are Good for Puppies?

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) implements regulations and standardizes the recommended nutrient profiles for dog and cat foods. The National Research Council of the US National Academy of Sciences is the leading provider of nutrient recommendations for dogs and cats, and their publications formulate the AAFCO nutrient profiles. Board-certified veterinary nutritionists are also constantly studying the effect of diets on animal health. Since pet food labels can be difficult to read and decipher, the best way to certify that the puppy diet in question has been extensively studied and proven as nutritious is to look at the bag for an AAFCO statement. These statements will indicate that the puppy’s diet is formulated to meet or exceed the nutrient guidelines, OR  that feeding trials following AAFCO guidelines have proven (even better!) that the diet provides good nutrition. Also, many brands of dog food will use words like “organic,” “natural,” “high protein” and “non-GMO” and these are largely a marketing appeal to pet owners and do not have any proven benefits.

One puppy diet type that veterinarians are cautioning against until further research is completed is the association of “grain-free” diets and a heart condition called Dilated Cardiomyopathy. Luckily, health problems related to consuming grain are extremely rare in dogs, so a balanced diet that includes grains is healthy and appropriate–without the risk of diet-associated heart disease.

Give your pet hte personlaized care

Do I Choose Dry Kibbles or Canned Food for My Growing Puppy?

A common question veterinarians hear is, “Which is better for my dog–canned food or dry food? Does dry food help keep their teeth clean?” While there are some prescription dry foods for adult dogs that are specially formulated to reduce plaque and tartar, the reality is that other dry foods don’t do much to keep those pearly whites shining. Since the puppy kibble breaks apart when chewed, any benefit from the “brushing” action of kibble pieces is pretty minimal–so the canned versus dry debate is more about your pup’s preferences and what is convenient for your family. 

If you decide to feed kibble, make sure the pieces are an appropriate size for your growing puppy’s mouth. Some small breed dogs require tiny kibble pieces (a feature of most “small breed puppy” formulations), and some short-nosed breeds, like Bulldogs, find it easier to eat specialized kibble shapes (like those found in the Royal Canin line of breed-specific puppy foods). 

On the other end of the spectrum, if you have a large breed puppy, make sure the kibble pieces are large enough that they aren’t tempted to vacuum up the food all at once (and sometimes vomit!). It is best for their digestion if they eat slowly! You can also try feeding from a slow-feeder bowl or food puzzle to minimize this issue, too.

How Much Do I Feed My Puppy and How Often?

Just like the foods we eat, dog foods all have a different calorie count per cup of food, which means that there is no one-size-fits-all recommendation for the number of cups (or cans) of food your pup needs per day. So, how do you know what portion size is appropriate for your puppy?

Each package of food should have a puppy feeding chart on the packaging listing how much to feed based on their current age and weight or expected weight when they are fully grown. If you are having difficulties reading the puppy feeding guide, reach out to our vets on AskVet or your family veterinarian for some advice. Puppies grow quickly, so it’s also important to adjust the amount they eat per day along with increases in their current weight. In some large dogs, that means re-calculating their food every week!

To make sure your new puppy is maintaining a healthy weight and not becoming too thin or too chubby, you can evaluate their body condition score (BCS) at home. 

And as far as the frequency of meals? When they first arrive home as adorable tiny little bundles of fluff and until they are about six months of age, veterinarians recommend feeding a breakfast, lunch and dinner to keep that battery charged up all day long. Once they reach six months of age, twice-daily feeding is adequate, although some dogs prefer to take their meals once a day! Feeding a puppy diet is recommended until they are about one year of age, and veterinarians also recommend large and giant breed puppies to continue their puppy diets through about 18 months of age due to the longer time it takes for them to reach maturity. 

A word of caution, though: Any time a puppy’s diet is changed from one brand to the next, a slow transition over a minimum of 1-2 weeks is recommended to avoid stomach and intestinal upset due to new foods. Their stomachs are not adapted to varying diets like we are with our human food; find a high-quality food they love and stick with it.

Can I Feed My Puppy Treats?

As we all know, pups love treats – and we love treating them! How do you know what dog treats are healthy? It’s best to stick with products that are made in the USA, as there are more quality-control standards involved in the manufacturing of these products. When learning tricks, obedience skills, crate training your puppy and potty training your puppy, tiny “training treats” are designed to help you reward your dog and shower them with positivity. Try to keep your pup’s treats to 10% or less of their daily calorie intake, or they might start to decline their regular puppy food due to a treat-filled tummy. Too many treats can also lead to obesity and associated health issues.

Whenever you introduce a new treat to your puppy’s routine, make sure to watch for any signs of an upset stomach in case the treat doesn’t agree with them. If they have any diarrhea, vomiting or seem uninterested in their food, it may be that the new treat is too rich for them. Reach out to AskVet or your family veterinarian for advice and guidance.

What Foods are Dangerous or Toxic to My Puppy?

Although we consider our puppies to be members of our family, unfortunately, it is not safe for them to enjoy all of our foods with us! Common foods that we humans eat that are NOT safe for dogs include raisins, grapes, chocolate, xylitol (an artificial sweetener), garlic and raw meats. Meat bones also pose a risk of causing an obstruction in their stomach and intestines, so those are not recommended. If your dog has ingested any of these food items, or if you aren’t sure whether they may have, consult a veterinarian ASAP. We frequently help pet owners decide whether an issue is a true emergency or a close call!

Talk to a Trusted Vet

Next time you take your new puppy on a field trip to the pet store to replenish the food and snack bins, hopefully, you stride a bit more confidently down the food aisles armed with some new tips for identifying a healthy and complete diet for your puppy! AskVet and your family veterinarian are always wonderful resources for extra advice on the needs of your puppy too! Happy feeding… and growing!

Our AskVet Veterinarians are available to discuss all of your pet’s needs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Whether you have an immediate need or are looking to improve your pet’s overall wellbeing, just sign in to your account, and one of our friendly and knowledgeable veterinary experts will attend to your needs, no appointment required!

 

Written by:

Alexa Waltz, DVM

Dr. Waltz was raised near the beaches of Southern California but has spent her adult life living all over the beautiful United States while serving in the military and as a military spouse. She left California for the first time to pursue a career as a veterinarian at Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine and graduated as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2006. She was accepted into the US Army Health Professionals Scholarship Program during vet school and upon graduation spent her military years as a veterinarian in San Diego working for the US Marine Corps and US Navy Military Working Dog programs as well as caring for pets of service members. After her military service, she became a civilian veterinarian and continued as a small animal general practitioner at clinics in California, Rhode Island, Colorado, and Maryland. Dr Waltz loves to see her “in person” patients just as much as communicating with and assisting pet parents virtually on AskVet. Dr Waltz is also a Mom to 3 humans, 2 guinea pigs, and 1 Australian Shepherd and in her spare time she loves traveling, adventures, exercising, and doing just about anything out in nature!

…and…

Allison Ward, DVM
Dr. Allison Ward grew up in the suburbs of Washington, D.C. and started working in veterinary hospitals when she was 14 years old. After graduating from veterinary school in 2011, she completed a small animal rotating internship in New Jersey, followed by a neurology/neurosurgery internship in Miami. After completing this advanced training, Dr. Ward then moved on to general small animal practice. Dr. Ward’s professional interests include feline medicine, neurology, and pain management. Her passion for educating pet owners carries over into her work with AskVet, and she loves being able to help pets and their parents at all times of the day (and night!). She currently resides in sunny south Florida with her two cats, Larry and George.