We got a new puppy two months ago; she is the cutest.
But lately, her behavior has been less than ideal.
She’s chewing on everything, biting our ankles, and pooping all over the house.
It’s enough to drive any sane person insane.
But we love her and are determined to help her become a well-behaved pup.
So stay tuned for our continuing adventures with our 2-month-old puppy!
Table of Contents
Bringing Home Your New Puppy
Taking your new puppy home for the first time can be exciting and daunting.
First, however, there should do a few things to prepare for your puppy’s arrival and help them (and you!) settle into a routine.
2-month-old puppy
First, ensure you have all the supplies for a puppy – food, bowls, a bed, toys, etc.
You might also want to Puppy-proof your home by moving anything dangerous or valuable out of reach.
Next, it’s essential to establish some rules and routines from the start.
For example, decide where your puppy will sleep, eat and go to the bathroom.
Puppies need a lot of supervision initially, so it’s helpful to confine them to one room or area of the house until they’re older.
And finally, be prepared for some accidents!
Puppies will have accidents inside – it’s just part of learning not to go in the house.
Be patient and keep up with your potty training regimen; soon enough, your puppy will be completely house-trained.
What to Expect in the First Two Months?
Puppies go through several behavioral changes in the first two months.
It’s normal for them to fear new people and environments during this time.
They also may nip or mouth to play or explore their surroundings.
It’s essential to give your puppy plenty of positive experiences during this phase so they learn to trust and feel comfortable in the world around them.
Schedule short, positive interactions with new people and places daily.
Encourage your puppy to explore its environment through gentle play and exploration.
If they show signs of fear or anxiety, comfort them with a calm voice and gentle petting.
As your puppy becomes more comfortable in its surroundings, you’ll see its personality emerge.
Some puppies are playful and outgoing, while others are more reserved and calm.
There is no right or wrong behavior, but it’s important to continue socializing your puppy so they learn how to interact appropriately with people and other animals.
How To Puppy Proof Your Home?
Puppies are full of energy and curiosity, so they can get into trouble quickly if not adequately supervised.
Therefore, puppy-proofing your home is essential in keeping your puppy safe and preventing accidents.
Some things to keep in mind when puppy-proofing your home:
- Keep all cleaning products, medications, and other potentially harmful substances out of reach.
- Block off any areas of your home that you don’t want your puppy to have access to. This could include the kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, or other hazardous areas.
- Puppies like to chew on things, so ensure all electrical cords are out of reach or adequately covered.
- Keep garbage cans and recycling bins inaccessible to puppies.
- Put away any small objects that a puppy could swallow.
- Be aware of potential hazards outside the home, such as poisonous plants or dangerous chemicals.
Training Your New Puppy
Training your new puppy can be both an exciting and overwhelming experience.
However, it is essential to remember that puppies have a brief attention span and are easily distracted.
With that said, here are some tips to help you get started on the right paw.
- Start with the basics – sit, stay, down, come. These commands will be the foundation for all future training.
- Use positive reinforcement – rewarding your puppy when they do something right. Treatment is the most common form of positive reinforcement, but you can also use toys or verbal praise.
- Be consistent – all family members should use the same commands and provide the same rewards. This will help your puppy to learn more quickly and avoid confusion.
- Be patient – training takes time, and patience is vital! Do not get frustrated if your puppy isn’t catching on as quickly as you would like. Just keep working at it, and they will eventually get it.
Socializing Your Puppy
Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting time.
Your furry bundle of joy will quickly become a cherished family member.
However, puppies are undoubtedly cute but require much care and attention.
Part of that care is socializing your puppy so he can grow into a well-adjusted adult dog.
Puppies should be socialized early and often, beginning around eight weeks.
Socialization means exposing your pup to new people, places, and experiences in a positive way, so he learns to accept them as part of his everyday life.
A well-socialized dog is less likely to be fearful or anxious in new situations and is more likely to be a friendly, outgoing companion.
There are many ways to socialize your puppy. Here are a few suggestions:
- Take your puppy for walks in different neighborhoods and on different types of surfaces (e.g., grass, pavement, gravel).
- Visit friends and family members with calm, dog-friendly pets for short playdates or visits.
- Enroll in a puppy class at your local pet store or obedience school.
- Make regular trips to the park or another safe off-leash area where your puppy can play with other dogs under your supervision.
Puppy socialization is an integral part of raising a happy, healthy dog.
By exposing your pup to new people and experiences now, you’ll help him cope with the stresses of life as he grows older.
Crate Training Your Puppy
Consistency is vital when crate training your puppy.
Puppies do not yet fully control their bladder or bowels, so accidents are common.
A good rule of thumb is that a puppy can “hold it” for one hour for each month of age.
So, a two-month-old puppy can typically stay in his crate for about two hours.
The best way to crate train your puppy is to start with short periods (no more than 30 minutes at a time) and gradually increase the duration as your puppy becomes more comfortable with his crate.
Always give your puppy plenty of breaks to use the restroom, and never leave him in his box for more than he can handle.
If you need to leave your puppy alone for extended periods, consider hiring a dog sitter or taking him to doggy daycare.
This will help ensure your puppy gets the potty breaks he needs and help him learn how to socialize with other dogs.
Puppy Potty Training
Consistency is the most crucial thing when potty training a puppy.
It would be best to be consistent with your words, the times you take your puppy out, and the praising (or not), depending on whether he goes in the right spot.
Remember that puppies have short attention spans, so keeping things short and sweet is important.
Here are a few tips for successful potty training:
- Choose one word or phrase to use whenever you take your puppy outside to do his business. “Potty” or “go potty” works well.
- Take your puppy out frequently, especially after naps, meals, and playtime. A good rule is to take him out every hour or two.
- Praise your puppy lavishly when he goes to the right spot. Use your chosen word or phrase so he associates it with going potty.
- If your puppy has an accident in the house, clean it up quickly and thoroughly without making a big deal. Puppies are easily embarrassed; they may think you’re scolding them if you make a fuss.
- Be patient! Potty training takes time, and accidents are bound to happen.
Puppy Chewing and Mouthing
Puppies mouth and chew to explore their environment and to relieve the discomfort of teething.
Mouthing is a natural behavior that can create problems if not directed appropriately.
Allowing your puppy to mouth on you redirects this urge from your hands, legs, and feet to a more acceptable target.
How to Redirect Your Puppy’s Chewing?
First, provide your puppy with plenty of appropriate chew toys.
Second, whenever you see your puppy chewing on something, he shouldn’t say “No” in a firm voice and offer him an acceptable chew toy.
Third, if your puppy persists in chewing on something, he shouldn’t; remove the item and replace it with a good chew toy.
Finally, praise your puppy lavishly whenever he chews on an appropriate object.
Remember, puppies need lots of patience, praise, and practice to learn which objects are okay to mouth and which are not.
FAQs
At what Age Should A Puppy Begin Training And Socialization?
Puppies should begin training and socialization at around 8 weeks, the same as 2 months.
At this stage, young puppies are in their critical period of socialization, which lasts until around 14 to 16 weeks of age.
During this time, they are eager to please and ready to learn, making it the ideal time for puppy parents to start training and socializing their new pet.
Training and socialization during this period should include housetraining, leash training, and introducing the pup to new sights and sounds and other dogs and people.
Housetraining involves teaching the pup to urinate and defecate outside several times a day, while leash training is essential to keep your pup safe and get them used to walking on a leash.
Introducing your puppy to new sights and sounds, such as the dog park, can help them become well-adjusted pets.
Socialization classes or puppy kindergarten can also benefit the puppy and pet owners. Patience and consistency are essential, and treats can be helpful in training.
It’s important to note that puppies at this age still have their baby teeth, and their ears begin to stand up.
They are also susceptible to diseases such as distemper and parainfluenza, so pet owners should protect their puppies by vaccinating them.
Overall, the first few weeks of a puppy’s life are crucial for its development, and proper training and socialization during this time can set the foundation for a well-behaved and happy pet.
When should your dog make their first visit to a Veterinarian?
It’s important to take your dog for its first visit to a veterinarian when they are around 8 weeks old, the same as 2 months. This is when puppies are ready to leave their mother and littermates and go to their new home. The first few weeks of a puppy’s life are crucial for its development, and a visit to the veterinarian can help ensure that your new pet is healthy and on the right track.
During the first visit, the veterinarian will check the puppy’s overall health, including weight, temperature, and heart rate. They will also examine the puppy’s eyes, ears, and teeth and check for signs of illness or infection. The veterinarian will also provide important information about vaccinations, parasite prevention, and diet, all essential for a healthy puppyhood. Additionally, the veterinarian can offer guidance on training and socialization, including the importance of housetraining and leash training. Regular visits to the veterinarian are essential to ensure that your pup is growing up healthy and happy.
What Age Should Your Puppy Have Its First Round of Vaccines?
Puppies should have their first round of vaccines when they are around 8 weeks old or at 2 months of age. This is a critical time in a puppy’s life, and vaccinations are an important part of their overall health and development. Vaccinations help protect your puppy against various infectious diseases, some of which can be life-threatening.
During the first visit to the veterinarian, your puppy will receive their first round of vaccinations, which usually includes the core vaccines such as distemper, parvovirus, and hepatitis. These vaccines are typically given every 3-4 weeks until the puppy reaches around 16 weeks. After that, booster shots will be given every year to help maintain immunity. Vaccinations are an important part of responsible dog ownership, and keeping up with the recommended vaccination schedule is essential to protect your pet’s health.
What are the first 3 commands to teach a puppy?
When it comes to training a new puppy, the first three commands you should teach them are “sit,” “stay,” and “come.” These commands are simple but essential for building a foundation of good behavior.
The “sit” command is usually the easiest for a puppy to learn and can be taught by holding a treat above their head and slowly moving it back. As the puppy follows the treat, their hindquarters will naturally lower to the ground, and you can say “sit” and reward them with the treat. “Stay” can be taught by having the puppy sit and then taking a step back while holding your hand up and saying “stay.” If the puppy stays in place, you can reward them with a treat. “Come” is taught by saying the puppy’s name and then saying “come” positively while squatting down and encouraging them to come to you. When they do, reward them with a treat and praise.
It’s important to keep training sessions short, around 10-15 minutes, and to use positive reinforcement with treats and praise. Consistency is also key, so practice these commands several times a day over the next several weeks to reinforce the behavior. Additionally, start training in a quiet, distraction-free environment and gradually introduce distractions as the puppy becomes more comfortable with the commands.
At What Age Are Puppies Most Difficult?
Puppies can be quite challenging to care for, especially in their early stages of development. Although every puppy is different, most pet owners tend to find that the most challenging period is when the puppy reaches around 8-10 weeks of age. This is when they are just getting used to their new surroundings and the absence of their mother and littermates, which can cause them to become more vocal and whiny. Additionally, they may exhibit more challenging behaviors, such as biting and nipping, a natural part of their developmental process.
Around 12 weeks of age, puppies enter their socialization period, a critical time for their development. During this period, they are more receptive to learning and socializing with other dogs and people. However, this also means they can be more easily scared or traumatized by negative experiences, so it’s important to provide plenty of positive experiences and socialization opportunities during this time. With consistent training and socialization, most puppies can overcome their difficult phase and become well-adjusted and obedient adult dogs.
