Buying and Raising a Puppy, Step 2: Initial Upbringing

1. Basic socialization

As you will soon realise, raising a puppy is quite a job! A good breeder should already take care of your puppy's socialization during the first eight weeks. But then they hand the leash over to you.
Have as many people come by as possible. That won't be a difficult task because who wouldn't want to come and see such a sweet puppy? This way the dog becomes social and not afraid of strangers.

• Introduce your puppy to other animals as well. Your dog can safely play with other dogs, provided that they are sufficiently socialized themselves. You want to avoid your little fluff ball having an unpleasant experience with another dog at this age.

• Many things that we consider normal are new and potentially terrifying for your pup. Let your dog gradually become acquainted with objects that he will be confronted with in every day life: his leash, the car, a broom ... Do not force these things on your four-legged friend, but act as you always do, without fuss or excessive caution.

• Do the same with all kinds of sounds, for example from phone, doorbell, vacuum cleaner, or car. Couple those sounds with a nice reward and your dog will always experience them as positive.

• Are you bringing an eight-week-old puppy home? Then you can go to puppy school right away to teach her how to interact with puppies that are the same age. Once your puppy is twelve weeks old, you can start training together at dog school, as long as all her vaccinations are in order. Have fun teaching her to become a hot dog! Remember: raising a puppy is as much about teaching him or her to obey as it is about building their confidence.