Adolescence, it can be a scary word for many parents around the world. Did you know your puppy goes through an adolescent stage as well? This time of life is critical to your puppy’s development, so it is important that you are prepared. In today’s blog, we discuss the adolescent stage in puppies, what to expect and what your puppy needs from you in this phase of life.

The Adolescent Period

Your puppy will emerge into adolescence at around six months of age. Adolescence ends when a dog reaches physical maturity. For most dogs, this is around two to three years of age. Don’t panic yet, the majority of “issues” you might encounter due to adolescence are usually between six to twelve months of age.

Your puppy might relate a lot to your teenage children during this time period. They may appear gawky or as if they are growing into their bodies. Like teenagers, you may find that your puppy is a bit more “rebellious” in this stage. At this point in his/her life, your puppy is finding out who they are and what rules they need to abide by. It is critical that you set clear boundaries that your puppy understands so his/her stubborn streak doesn’t cause issues in the home.

Bonding

The adolescent period is a critical time to bond with your new addition. While their behaviors might test us during this time, it is important to remember that patience is key. How you react to their somewhat naughty behaviors will impact not only their confidence, but their faith in you.

As always, we cannot stress enough how important it is that you rely on a certified trainer during your puppy’s formative years. As your puppy starts to test the waters a bit, you will be thankful for a strong foundation in the basic commands. Further training will allow your puppy an outlet for their energy and mental development. This is the time when your puppy should understand the basic obedience commands. Trust me, “drop it” and “leave it” are crucial during these potentially ornery months! Be sure to use positive reinforcement during the training process to further solidify your bond with your puppy.

Teething

By six months of age, your puppy should have all of his/her adult teeth, but don’t get too excited just yet. Teething is, unfortunately, not quite over. There is a secondary chewing phase that begins around eight to ten months of age, so keep those chew toys handy. One thing to keep in mind is that your puppy’s chew toys will need to grow with her/her age. Chew toys that may have previously taken them a while to go through may now be too easy for them to bite off in chunks, which could result in a choke hazard.

Toys we love that are puppy-approved include:

• Kong toys
• Hard nylon toys
• Thick rope toys
• Interactive toys with treats inside

And don’t forget to never feed your puppy any kind of cooked bone! Cooked bones can easily splinter and become lodged in the throat or digestive track.

Archview Tip: If your puppy is a vigorous chewer, toys filled with stuffing or thin rubber squeaky toys are a no-no. These toys are easily destroyed and are not only a mess around your home, but they pose a choke risk as parts can be swallowed easily. 

Socializing and Exercising

This is the most critical time to socialize your furry friend! We have previously written an entire blog on socialization practices that are Archview approved, so we will hit on the highlights today.

• Always make sure your pooch is properly vaccinated before taking them to high-canine-traffic areas.
• Be an expert at reading your dog’s body language and never force them into a situation that compromises their confidence.
• Slowly introduce them to things that might trigger a fear response out of your pup.
• Prepare them for experiences they may not have everyday, but will be a part of their life such as grooming or going for car rides.

Your best friend through the entire adolescent periods is exercise… and lots of it! Take your pups for walks, allow them to interact with other dogs that they are friends with or toss around a toy in the backyard. Keep your pup moving and their brain working so that they are simply too tired to test the boundaries or destroy a beloved household object. Remember, a tired pup makes for a happy owner!

So don’t fear the adolescent period! While it might bring it’s own series of challenges, it truly is an exciting time. You get to watch your pup blossom and transform into a wonderful family friend. As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions you might have. We are always happy to help!

For most puppy parents, a dog is a member of the family. We would do anything it takes to ensure the health and well-being of our four-legged family members. Like with children, accidents and illnesses unfortunately do happen to our furry friends and the expenses can be costly. One option for peace of mind is to enroll your puppy in pet insurance. In today’s blog we breakdown the benefits of pet insurance and why we recommend it.

What the Heck Is it?

Pet insurance is a lot like human health insurance. These programs are in place to help you cover the cost of medical care should your dog get hurt or become sick. Like with human healthcare, pet insurance polices have deductibles and copays. Each policy will be different depending on the provider.

The majority of policies will have a flat monthly premium or a once a year premium that you will need to pay to guarantee coverage. In turn, if your puppy has to be hospitalized or requires emergency care, your policy will pay out a lump sum to assist with the costs of this care. One difference in pet health care and human health care is that you are required to pay the bill upfront. Once you have submitted documentation to your insurance company, they will reimburse you according to your policy.

The Fine Print

Almost all pet insurance companies have a set waiting period for your policy to come into effect. The insurer will also most likely require that your puppy receive a check-up prior to the coverage going into effect. This is so that your insurance company can determine if your dog has any pre-existing conditions they may not wish to cover.

Many insurance companies also have exclusions in their coverage, so be sure to read the fine print! Common exclusions are:

• Dental diseases
• Hereditary conditions
• Grooming
• Routine care
• Hip dysplasia

Thankfully, your puppy adopted from Archview comes with a two year health guarantee against life-threatening genetic defects.

Another thing unique to pet insurance is that, unlike human healthcare,  you can select any vet of your choosing. There is no such thing as in- or out-of-network doctors with pet insurance policies.

Important Questions to Ask

Personally, we use Trupanion for our pet insurance needs, but we encourage you to do your research and select the company that is the best fit for your family. One of our adopters did some extensive research on pet insurance and stumbled across this article which compares multiple companies.

Different companies may offer a wide variety of policy options. The more extensive your coverage is, the higher your premium will be. Some companies also take other things into account when determining your premium such as your dogs breed, age and location.

Archview tip: One thing to ask before committing to a particular company is if they require rate increases as your pet ages. 

 

A few questions we suggest you ask when gathering quotes include:

• Can you control your deductible?
• How quickly will you receive your reimbursements?
• Does my policy cover the actual vet visit or just the treatment or procedures?
• Are well-pet visits and routine check-ups covered?
• Are there any lifetime limits or set limits per year?

As with any type of insurance, there will be pluses and minuses to take into consideration. We recommend reaching out to several companies for quotes and coverage information. Take your time and carefully review your options before committing to a policy. And if pet insurance is not for you, be sure to set back money into a savings account that you can tap into in the case of an emergency.

 

We are all guilty of sneaking our four-legged friend a little table scrap every now and then. It is especially difficult around holiday season when you have so much good food around the house! How are you supposed to resist those adorable “please feed me” eyes? But did you know that several human foods can be dangerous or even toxic to your pup? Check out our no-no list of foods for your furry friend to make this holiday season a little safer for your family.

Choke Hazards

When we think of choke hazards, we often think of the most common items on the list. For example, never feed your doggy rib bones as they can splinter while your dog is chewing on them and become lodged in your pup’s throat. While bones and hard foods are definitely a choking hazard to watch for, some of the most common choke hazards for dogs may not be on the top of your list.

If your dog gets excited over food, they are especially at risk for choking on dog and human snacks. If your dog is easily worked up over treats, they are more likely to gulp their food down which can be very dangerous. Bread, for example, is a common result in choke in dogs. Bread expands and clumps together when it is wet. So when your puppy tries to scarf down a big lump of bread without chewing, it can become caught in the back of their throat and cause them to choke.

Other potential choke hazards are hard candy, fruits such as peaches or plums because of their pits or corn on the cob.

Dangerous Snacks

While not all human foods are toxic to dogs, many pose serious health issues if ingested in large quantities. Avoid sharing these foods with your pup:

• Salty snacks such as pretzels or chips
  • Why?: An overdose on salt in canines can lead to seizures!
• Coffee
  • Why? Coffee causes an increased heart rate which can also lead to seizures.
• Acohol
  • Why? Like humans, your pup can suffer from alcohol poisoning.
• Dairy products
  • Why? Did you know most dogs are lactose intolerant? Dairy products can lead to vomiting, diarrhea and other tummy troubles that could require a visit to the vets office.

Toxic Foods

The following foods are dangerous and can even be fatal to your furry friend. Avoid them at all costs and contact a vet immediately if your pup comes in contact with them:

• Chocolate
  • Why? Probably the most well-known of no-no’s for dogs, chocolate can lead to vomiting, dehydration, seizures and death in dogs. Even the smallest amount is potent.
• Onions and garlic
  • Why? Onions and garlic contain an ingredient called thiosulphate that can damage your pup’s red blood cells, causing anemia.
• Nuts, especially Macadamia nuts
  • Why? Nut toxicity is a real thing in canines. It can cause seizures, lethargy, vomiting, or loss of muscle control.
• Grapes
  • Why? While it is still unknown as to why, grapes can cause rapid kidney failure in dogs.
• Cherries
  • Why? The non-pulp parts of the cherry contain cyanide which can lead to breathing problems, dilated pupils, shock or death. Be especially watchful of cherry trees and shrubs in your backyard.
• Candy
  • Why? Certain candies or gums that contain Xylitol (a type of sugar) are extremely toxic for dogs. Even small amounts can lead to seizures, low blood sugar, or liver failure.

So while you gather around the table with your loved ones this holiday season, do your dog a favor and gift them  some vet-approved dog treats. While it is tempting to sneak your pup a snack, you never know what they may or may not get into that could be dangerous for them to eat! Teach your pup good table manners and always keep trash and scraps out of their reach.

Once you have your new puppy home you are going to have a list of things you want to do with your new friend! While going to the vet may not be the most glamorous thing on that list, it needs to be one of the most important. As part of our adoption contract, we require all adopters take their new addition to the vet for a health exam within 72 hours of obtaining your puppy. This initial exam will be an assessment of your puppy’s overall health and will validate that your puppy has no life threatening diseases or disabilities. We take pride in producing happy, healthy puppies and have a policy in place to protect you and the puppy in the rare case that something should pop up.

In today’s blog we explain what that initial vet visit will look like and when you should take your puppy to the vet in the future.

Picking a Veterinarian

The first step to any successful first health exam is finding a veterinarian you trust. If you have had dogs before, you probably already have an existing relationship with a vet in your area. If you are a first-time puppy owner, however, you need to do some research! Reach out to local puppy groups such as dog schools, boarding facilities or groomers to get references on vets in your area who are known for going above and beyond when providing care to your pooch!

Once you have picked the veterinarian of your choice, you need to schedule your puppy’s first visit PRIOR to picking your puppy up from Archview. Many vets stay very busy and may limit the number of new clients they bring in a week. Our contract requires you to have your puppy assessed by a licensed veterinarian within 72 hours of adoption, so it is very wise to have that first appointment established before your new furbaby joins your household.

The First Exam

Your puppy may be nervous in this new environment, which is understandable! Try and keep the visit as relaxed as possible. Because your new puppy is still susceptible to contagious diseases such as parvo, it is very important that you do NOT place them on the floor of the veterinarians office. Hold your puppy and keep them calm by offering lots of love and praise.

Your vet will examine your puppy’s eyes, ears, heart, coat, lungs, teeth and gums during this first visit. They will take your puppy’s weight and take their temperature to make sure they do not have a fever. Your pup will also receive some basic puppy vaccinations as well to help get him/her on the right track to health! There will be follow-up vaccinations 2-4 weeks after the initial visit, so be sure to schedule that appointment before you head home.

Follow-Up Exams and Emergencies

Puppies will get lots of vaccinations in their first year of life, so it is important to stay on a schedule with your vet to ensure they are protected. Here is a list of recommended vaccinations and the age when your puppy should receive them:

• 6-8 weeks of age: DHPP and Bordatella
• 10-12 weeks of age: DHPP
• 12-24 weeks of age: Rabies
• 14-16 weeks of age: DHPP
• 12-16 months of age: Rabies, DHPP

Like babies, puppies are very susceptible to illness as their immune system grows and develops. It is very important to watch out for warning signs which may tell you your puppy isn’t well. Catching these illnesses in the early stages are imperative to preventing serious illness or death. Make sure you have established who your emergency veterinarian will be after business hours. Some clinics offer a 24/7 hotline where you can report after hours emergencies. If you live in a larger city, there may be a 24 hour animal hospital nearby where you can go in times of emergency.

Here are some warning signs that your puppy may not be well:

• Vomiting or diarrhea (It is important to note that an upset belly may be normal when transitioning to a new food, but chronic or excessive diarrhea is not normal. Always phone your vet if you are ever worried!)
• Loss of appetite
• Runny nose or oozing eyes
• Excessive thirst or irregular urination
• Change in demeanor (such as a playful puppy become lethargic or a normally happy puppy becoming inexplicably grumpy)

Having a close relationship with the team at your veterinarian’s office will put your pup on the right track for a healthy life. And as always, feel free to give us a call if you ever have any questions regarding your puppy’s health or development!

 

SNOW DAY! Is there anything better than a good romp in the snow with your four-legged friend? Snow can bring us lots of joy. It can also pose a handful of problems in regards to your puppy’s health. In today’s blog we discuss how to enjoy a walk in a winter wonderland with your pooch.

Potty Problems

If this is your pup’s first snow, you may receive a mixed bag of responses. Some dogs immediately take to the snow and love to roll around and play in it. Other puppies, however, are hesitant to even walk on the snow which can lead to some bathroom issues at times. Not only is the snow cold on their tender toes, but it also blocks the scents that they associate with their potty space.

One way to help encourage your puppy to potty outside in winter weather is to clear a place in the backyard several feet wide for them to use as a potty space. This works even better if this space is covered so that your puppy is not standing out in the rain or snow while trying to potty. Make sure you clear a path to the potty place as well. That way your puppy isn’t having to wade through the snow to get there!

If the weather is really poor and your pup just isn’t feeling going outside, you can set up a designated indoor potty space with a puppy pad as a backup plan.

Bundle Up!

Younger puppies and older dogs have a hard time regulating their body temperature in extreme heat or cold. If your dog’s coat is a bit on the longer side they may be better able to stay warm while outside. If they just recently had a grooming, however, the absence of a long coat may make them more prone to shivering.

Bundle your pooch up with a coat if you fear they may get cold! If you plan on spending a lot of time outdoors, invest in some boots for your pup too. The wet snow can cause the pads on their feet to form painful cracks or ice balls can get trapped between their toes causing irritation. Protective booties will help keep your pup happy and healthy!

Reduce Outdoor Time

Just like humans, pups can suffer from a variety of issues if exposed to extreme cold for lengthened periods of time. If you can’t sit outside comfortably for more than ten minutes, then your pooch shouldn’t be expected to either. Monitor your pups time outdoors and make sure that when they are inside that they are eating and drinking normally. Eating leads to the burning of calories which is what helps keep your dog warm.

When bringing your pup inside watch for tell-tale signs of overexposure to the cold such as shivering. If your pup appears to be chilled, dry them off with a warm towel or wrap them up in a blanket until they have warmed back up. Your puppy should adjust to the warmth or the cold at a steady pace. If at any time you are concerned about your dog’s well-being, you should call your vet immediately. Hypothermia in dogs is very real and can be very dangerous.

Share your cute snow-puppy photos in the comments for all of us to enjoy! If you are ready to add a new puppy to your family, be sure to check out our available and upcoming litters!

Australian Labradoodles are TONS of fun, which is why so many people love them! They have the happy-go-lucky attitude of the Labrador and the super intelligent mind of the Poodle. Paired together, you get a fun-loving pup with an aptitude to learn. With a brain like that, your new Labradoodle will benefit from professional education from a certified instructor, but how do you go about finding a trainer you can trust?

Assess their Education

Unfortunately, dog training is an unregulated industry so any person off the street can claim to be a dog trainer and expect you to fork over tons of money for training. You want to get your bang for your buck when sending your dog to school, so always look for trainers who have received some sort of certification or education.

The Association of Professional Dog Trainers  has tons of resources you can use when trying to find the perfect trainer for your pup. You can look up trainers near you, check out one of their many educational blogs and even research which training programs best align with your beliefs!

Like hair dressers or mechanics, people who are involved in a trade have plenty of opportunities for continued education. Does your dog trainer belong to any clubs or organizations that provide continued training?

Watch and Learn

A great way to decide if a trainer is a good fit for you and your pup is to watch them work. Observe the way they interact with the pups in their program and see if you get a good vibe from their methods. Is the trainer patient? Encouraging? Calm-natured? Do they bring out the best in the dog they are working with? Do they explain to the owners why they are doing what they are doing and what the desired end result is?

You can also talk to current or former students to get their feedback on the trainer! A reputable trainer will have quite the following and should get tons of praise from proud puppy parents. Find a trainer who makes the dog happy and the owner happy, those are the trainers you will enjoy working with!

Focus and Facilities

What you want your dog’s focus to be will also determine which trainer is right for you. If you are just looking for a well-behaved family pet, seek out a trainer who can help you with obedience training. If you are hoping to use your dog as a therapy animal or an agility competitor, a trainer with a more advanced skill set will be necessary. find a trainer who is involved in the activities you want to be involved in. Think about it this way: you wouldn’t pay for dance lessons from a person who has never danced before, would you?

Another way to gauge the trainers you are researching is by having a look at their facilities. Are they clean and well-kept? Are the dogs going in and out happy to be there? Do they have plenty of toys, treats and equipment for your dog to use? A good trainer can never be great with sub-par equipment.

We highly recommend that all of our graduates go through at least a basic obedience course. Puppies are tons of fun, but can also be tons of trouble as well. Taking the time to polish your pups education when they are young sets you both up for success in your lives together. As always, we have tons of resources to help you along the way in picking an appropriate trainer for your pooch.

The day you bring your new puppy home is an exciting one! Everyone in the family will be overjoyed to have your new addition in the household. Your puppy will appreciate all the love and care you give them, but will understandably be nervous. Bringing home a new puppy is a lot like bringing home a new baby. That being said, it isn’t uncommon to have a few restless nights as your new puppy adjusts. In today’s blog we are going to talk about puppy sleeping patterns and how you can prepare your puppy for a good night’s sleep in his/her new home.

Determining Where Your Puppy Will Sleep

Each puppy will have his/her own preferences in regards to their favorite place to sleep. We 100% recommend continuing on with your puppy’s crate training until he/she is completely house trained. Puppies thrive off of their connection with humans or other dogs. Allowing your puppy to sleep in his/her crate in your room will give them a sense of comfort throughout the night.

Picking the right place for your puppy to sleep will determine how quickly they transition to their new life. Your small children may want the puppy to sleep in their room. This may not be the best place for your puppy to start. Your puppy might need to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night, so being with an adult who will let them out as needed is best. Your puppy can transition to sleeping with your children once they have adjusted to their new schedule!

Getting Ready for Bedtime

We all have our own bedtime rituals and so should your puppy! Like with young toddlers, your puppy isn’t going to want to go to bed if he/she is excited. It is a good idea to play with your puppy a few hours before bedtime so that they are naturally tired. So head out on a walk or toss around a toy for a little bit to wear your little ball of fluff out.

In order to help with the adjustment process we will send you home with a blanket covered in momma’s scent. Placing this blanket in your puppy’s kennel will help soothe them through the night as they acclimate to their new life. Some people have had success with placing ticking clocks near their puppy’s kennel to mimic the steady rhythm of the mother’s heartbeat. Your new puppy from Archview will have already begun their familiarization with crate-training so their adjustment process should be pretty smooth overall. It isn’t uncommon for your puppy to be concerned the first few nights, however.

Potty Breaks

Most puppies are not going to soil the space they know as their “safe space” or “sleeping spot.” Instead they are going to cry to let you know that they need to go outside! How you handle these potty breaks determine how quickly your puppy will go back to sleep. Don’t treat these trips outside like play time and get your puppy all riled up. Make this trip strictly about one thing: potty time.

Once your puppy has done the deed, reward them with a simple “good boy/girl” and send them back to bed. Keep the lights off in the room, don’t make too much fuss and simply put your puppy back in their crate for the night. The more attention you give your puppy in the middle of the night, the more likely they are to just wake you up seeking that attention.

It is hard to ignore those sweet (and sometimes loud) puppy cries, but that is the best thing to do as they adjust. Some people will lock their puppy away in a separate room, but this will only frighten your puppy even more. Give them time to understand their new routine and they will eventually settle down and go back to bed. Over time, your puppy will be able to hold it longer and longer throughout the night until they don’t need those late night trips outside! Just make sure the first thing you do in the morning is take them back out again to start their day on the right note!

Now that your house is all ready for your new fluffy bundle of joy, it is time to puppy proof your yard! Your puppy will LOVE spending time with you in the great outdoors but first, you need to make sure your yard is safe. Read on for our favorite tips and tricks regarding puppy proofing your yard!

Fool-Proof Fencing

Fenced in yards are a great way to keep your puppy safe and sound when he/she is outside. If you already have a fence around the perimeter of your property, now is the time to walk it. Look for any damaged areas in need of repair, potential gaps in the fence that a puppy could slip through or places where it would be easy for your four-legged friend to dig out. Check all latches and gates and make sure they can close properly and are not easy for a dog to open on their own.

If you do not have a fenced in yard, you have many options. Chain link and privacy fence are the most traditional and both have pluses and minuses to them. Privacy fence lives up to its name and keeps your puppy from finding something outside of your yard that he/she may want to investigate. However, it is the more expensive option of the two. Chain link is easy to install and more affordable. If your dog is an adventurist, however, chain link is easy for dogs to climb out of. Whichever you choose, make sure it is tall enough for your new addition (big dogs need bigger fences!) and does its job in keeping your puppy safe in your yard.

Tuck-Away Toxic Products and Beware of Danger Zones

Your yard can be full of hidden toxins that are dangerous for your new friend. Go through different areas one at a time to ensure your pup is safe at all times in the backyard!

• Garages: put all chemicals out of puppy’s reach!
• Plants: check to make sure your plants are non-toxic to pets.
• Lawn care: follow all regulations regarding chemicals used on your lawn and keep pets away from the yard after use.
• Pools: keep pool cleaners and chemicals stored away in a safe space out of puppy’s eyesight.
• Carports: make sure there are no leaks, such as antifreeze, that your puppy might be tempted to lick up.

As much as we love firepits, decks or pools, they are not safe spaces for puppies. Block off or heavily supervise your puppy any time they have access to outdoor items that could cause them harm. Pools are a no-no as a tempted puppy could accidentally fall in and be unable to get out on their own.

Preparing a Place for Puppy

If your puppy will be spending quite a bit of his or her time outside there are a few essentials to giving them a comfortable place to play. Be sure your puppy has a shelter and plenty of shade. Most of us prepare for the less than desirable weather, but don’t forget about the threat of the summer sun! Access to a cool place for them to relax and stay comfortable is a must. And of course, make sure they have a fresh water source at all times.

Mowing and tending to your landscaping is also a necessity if your pup will spend some time outdoors. Ticks and fleas love to hide in tall grass and hitch a ride into your home on your four-legged friend. Secure any outdoor trash bins and store them out of puppy’s reach. Not only is it a pain to have to pick up trash everyday, but there are items we may toss that can be toxic or choke hazards to your new addition.

Now that your home and yard are all puppy-proofed, its time to bring your puppy home! Haven’t committed to a little fluffball of your own yet? Check out our available and upcoming litters, there is a little something for everyone there!

In an earlier blog, we discussed different items you needed to get in order when preparing to bring your new puppy home. While shopping for all the fun stuff is exciting, there are other things you should do before your new addition joins the household. Today we will discuss all the different ways to puppy proof your home to keep your puppy safe!

Chewing Champions

Your new Labradoodle will be full of energy and always looking for the next best thing to play with. Unfortunately, for your puppy that might be the remote or your favorite pair of shoes. Look around the room and evaluate it from a puppy’s perspective. If it is eye-level, it could look like the fun chew toy of the day. Until your puppy has learned the rules of his/her new home, it is best to remove any temptation and hide those objects.

Things to look for include:

• Power cords
• Plug-in air fresheners
• Picture frames
• TV remotes
• Cleaning products
• Trash cans
• Decorative pillows

And that is not all! Use your imagination and think like a pup when scouring your house for potential puppy pitfalls.

If You Love It, Hide It

Family heirlooms, antique furniture and cherished possessions should all have a special place in your home, but it is best if that place is far from puppy’s reach for the first few months. Your puppy doesn’t know the difference between toy and treasure. Placing those items out of sight will keep your pup out of trouble and your irreplaceable items safe.

When is it safe to restore these items to their proper place? That will vary depending on each puppy. Working with a reputable trainer is a great place to start! They will be able to assist you in gauging your puppy’s maturity level and ability to refrain from chewing on or marking on your beloved objects.

Protecting Puppy from Hazards

Our houses are filled with items that can cause your new puppy harm! Just like when preparing your home for a new baby, it is important to puppy proof your house as well. Loose coins are a choking hazard, cleaning chemicals are poisonous and cat litter boxes, while not necessarily unsafe, are a disgusting yet very tempting object for your new puppy.

If you are a fan of houseplants, be sure to do your research and ensure none of them are poisonous to dogs if ingested. Bloke off doorways and stairwells that lead to parts of the home you are not ready for your new puppy to adventure into just yet. And make potential falls inaccessible to your new four-legged friend. Your puppy has delicate, growing bones and a bad fall can be detrimental at a young age.

Like with infants, you may find that childproof latches are necessary to keep a nosy puppy out of your drawers and cabinets. Keep the lids on toilet bowls closed to prevent your pup from picking up on bad habits and potential drownings if they were to accidentally fall in head-first.

Better Safe than Sorry

When in doubt, leave it out! If you think an object could be tempting or life-threatening for your puppy, it is best to put it out of the way for now. It is better to be overly cautious than to regret later on. Later this week we will discuss how to prepare your yard for your new arrival!

Still haven’t found your furry bundle of joy yet? No worries! We have litters all year long and we know your new best friend is waiting for you. Check out our list of adoptable dogs here and don’t forget to fill out that adoption application!

When your puppy jumps on you when they are small, you probably see it as cute or a sign of affection. As your puppy grows larger, however, that habit of jumping becomes much less ideal! Today we line out a few of our favorite ways to redirect your puppy’s attention and curb the jumping habit for good.

Ignore, Don’t Reward

Most likely your puppy or dog is jumping up on you to gain your attention. They know that when your focus is on them, they get all the loving in the world! The first step to deterring your puppy from jumping on you is to ignore the behavior. Rather than acknowledging your puppy, even to scold them for jumping, simply ignore them and continue on with what you were doing. This may not be 100% effective at first, but it begins to teach your dog that jumping does not make you stop what you are doing to turn your attention on them.

The best way to make this work is to turn away from your dog as they jump up onto you. Avoid eye contact and simply turn the other direction away from, not into, your dog. Your dog may follow you and continue to try and gain your affection, but do not reward your dog until they have all four feet on the ground and are waiting patiently.

Give Your Dog a Distraction

We LOVE that our dogs are excited to greet us at the door, but not so much when that greeting is accompanied by bad behavior such as jumping. If the ignoring method isn’t vibing with your pup, try distracting them from their own excitement.

You can use a command, such as sit, to redirect your dog’s attention. If your dog has yet to learn those basic commands, you can also use a toy to distract them. Start greeting your dog at the door with the same toy every day. Soon they will associate your arrival with that toy and will happily meet you at the door with their favorite toy in hand… err… mouth! You can also make a game out of playing with the toy in the beginning, but be careful of following the same routine so often that your dog associates your arrival home with immediate playtime.

Incorporate Plenty of Playtime

Your new puppy is a bustling bundle of joy that needs to have the chance to burn off his or her energy! Be sure that you are setting time out of your day for designated playtime. Whether you are taking your new pup for walks, enjoying a romp around the backyard or meeting up with friends at the dog park, giving your dog plenty of opportunities to burn some energy will lessen their likelihood of jumping.

Puppies are full of energy and it is our job as their owners to set them up for success. If you have a particularly playful puppy and don’t have the time to let them unwind, you will struggle with getting them to break habits such as jumping or adventuring around the house. We highly recommend the use of a certified dog trainer throughout your dog’s lifespan. Not only will these trainers help you teach your dog much-needed basic commands, but it will also give you and your dog the chance to burn off some steam and take home some great mental and physical exercises.

Puppies are a TON of fun, you just need to take the simple steps necessary to break potential bad habits in the making. As always, one of the perks to purchasing a puppy from Archview is our never-ending support in your new life with your four-legged friend. We are happy to offer bits of advice, recommend a trainer or brainstorm over an issue with each of our Archview families. So what are you waiting for? Check out our available puppies today!