Bringing home a new puppy is a life-changing decision. Even for experienced pet owners, raising a new puppy is a challenge. Being a responsible dog owner is about finding the balance between providing a safe environment and not overprotecting your pup.

The American Kennel Club offers these tips for raising a happy and well-adjusted dog.

Don’t play too rough. Although puppies naturally love to play, it’s important for them to learn the appropriate levels of rough play from the start. It’s especially crucial to keep this in mind for learning good manners and socialization with other people and dogs. Playing too rough as a puppy can lead to detrimental habits as an adult dog. Don’t let your dog go untrained!

Watch the treat intake. Puppies know they’re cute – especially when it comes to begging for treats. Be sure to limit the amount of treats you give your pup, as it can shift their appetite away from balanced, nutritious meals. It’s also important to avoid spoiling them. Puppies will learn quickly if begging, crying or acting out gets them what they want.

Provide lots of exercise. To keep your puppy healthy, both physical and mental exercise are important. For mental stimulation, have your puppy play with puzzles and toys. For physical exercise, spend lots of time outside. Bored dogs are misbehaving dogs.

Stay consistent. Before your pup arrives to their new home, decide which parts of the house and what items of furniture will be off limits and stick to it! Being consistent while enforcing these rules is crucial. Don’t scold your pet for being on the couch one day and let them be up there the next.

Be mindful of household hazards. Puppy-proof your home in preparation for their arrival. Ensure that there are no places in your home where your puppy can fall or become trapped. Additionally, remember that common household items can be dangerous to dogs, like medications, cleaning supplies, garbage and some house plants.

Learning leash etiquette. Teach your pup leash etiquette before jumping right into long walks. Familiarize your dog with the feeling of a collar or harness as soon as possible. This will help ease them into the learning experience and leash training on daily walks. Don’t forget to reward them during training.

For more information on responsible dog ownership, visit the AKC website at www.akc.org.

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