Puppies need love, attention and care which includes gooming and training. In preparing for your new arrival, you should consider the same types of things you would with a crawling child. Puppies chew as they grow new teeth, and chewing is a natural function to dogs. Accordingly, you should puppy-proof your house so that she does not have access to harmful objects such as electrical cords, socks and other delectable items that may cause her harm. At the same time, you should provide your puppy with acceptable items to chew on that she cannot devour such as nylabones or hooves. We do not recommend rawhide chewies that they can tear apart and eat. Likewise, a puppy does not discriminate between an old sock or shoe and a new one. Habits that are formed at a young age may be difficult to break later on so when you’re inclined to let her chew on your fingers consider whether this will be acceptable behaviour for an adult dog. Diversion to an acceptable object or behavior is both the kindest and most productive way to train your puppy.

We strongly recommend crate training for puppies. A crate that is large enough for a dog to stand up and turn around in is the safest way for him to travel and is invaluable in housebreaking. The puppy will quickly claim his crate as his home where he can feel safe and will be reluctant to soil it. The key to house breaking is consistency and patience. Puppies’ organs are small so make sure they have the opportunity to relieve themselves outside frequently and when they do so praise, praise, praise! The best time to allow them more space indoors for play is immediately after they have relieved themselves outside. Do not keep your puppy in a crate for long periods of time during the day but do confine him to an area through the use of an x-pen, baby gates or a play pen with newspapers on the bottom to catch the inevitable accident. He will learn to use the outdoors for his needs with time but remember that he is still just a baby.

We also never leave our adult dogs loose in the house when we are gone. They are naturally curious and can easily find toxic or other dangerous substances to ingest or chew on which can be fatal when they are left unsupervised. Once your puppy matures, he will be able to remain in his crate while you’re at work or out of the house without soiling it. Other unacceptable behaviours should also be addressed immediately. Please remember that Finkies are intelligent and sensitive. Rather than using harsh methods a spray bottle of water will discourage the unwanted behaviour without traumatizing your puppy.

Finally, in order to have a well-socialized adult dog, we recommend a “puppy kindergarten” class where your dog will be exposed to others and will learn basic obedience commands. In addition, your adult dog will not be afraid of other animals, children or new situations if you take her as many places as possible in her first year of life. So take her with you for a treat to your local ice cream parlor, to the pet store, to the park, in the car and to visit friends. The effort you put in during that first year of her life will be rewarded for many years to come with a well adjusted, well behaved companion.