New puppy

[Biffsboys]

Hi we are getting a 10 week old Jack Russell on Sunday. I’ve never had a dog before, I’ve been Googling all week... does anyone have any extra advice ? 🐶

Don’t get worried if your puppy has a very bitey stage or try to stop him or her or get frustrated as it’s their way of discovering the world although you should teach to be gentle., Our puppy class taught us to use long toys to keep hands safe and play careful tug of war . And it soon passes but it didn’t feel like it at the time !
I do hope it goes well and that your puppy settles fast !

We also did a lot of rewarding for helpful behaviour in the early days like weeing outside and taught ours a cue every time she went (we say ‘busy busy!) which I still use when want to suggest she has a wee.
I guess you also want to introduce lots of things in a positive way to build confidence in all types of things. Our vet asked us to get ours used to having her paws handled for example though she never seemed to mind this anyway ! And especially useful to teach them to be gentle with other animals like chickens or cats early on. I’d have ours on a lead and keep her attention with bits of cooked chicken liver or similar !

Thank you - I’m very nervous , more worried than when I had my dc lol

I was nervous too and almost panicked the first day or two so don’t be worried if the nerves last a bit - our dog has been the best addition and enhanced our family in such a happy way and loves joining everything we do. I do wish you well too. I wonder what puppy you are getting . Our was a cavalier (from a lovely breeder who gave her an amazing start and still in touch) and she’s now two .

Oh sorry you said Jack Russell - that will be so sweet! I must go to sleep! And do keep us posted !

We have a 12 month old Jack Russell. As others have said the bitey stage will end, I remember being so worried about it. Give them lots of stimulating activities but also don't be afraid to give a time out if they are getting too much. Sometimes they get overtired and need to be forced to nap! Still have to do this very occasionally with ours sometimes. He is crated at night and when we go out and enjoys his nap time.

Be prepared for the dreaded “why on earth did we get a puppy” moment. Puppies are really hard work and the majority of owners I have spoken to wondered if they had done the right thing...including us! But that feeling will pass and there will be ups and downs but in the end you’ll have a loyal best friend who will love you regardless of anything. A crate is a life saver and our dog still loves going in (door remains open now) as she sees it as her bedroom! Good luck!

JRTs are a lot of dog in a small package. They are clever and stubborn, so make sure yours has plenty to do to keep its brain busy, and build a solid bond with play and training.

Personally I'd start with recall right away at mealtimes, and as soon as you take it out, let it off the lead and do loads of recall and reward on every walk (and touch or hold the puppy's collar and then let it go - that means puppy won't expect the lead on and fun over when you hold the collar). Maybe also take a tug toy. That way you become Fun Central, and also a recall will not mean the walk is over.

We had a JRTx and she was a great little dog. Her favourite hobby was policing the games of dogs many times her size.

Thanks everyone, I’m looking forward to getting her . I’m sure we will hit the why on earth did we get a puppy at some stage !

I would second the above posters advice about getting him/ her a crate so s/he sleeps in it at night and can go in there freely during the day
I’ve taught my kids that when our pup is in his crate no one is to go near him as that’s his safe/ hands off spot in the home
Biting- OMG the biting hurts so much! I read a poster here recommend the antler chews so we got them for ours and he loves them.
Every action s/he does we have a word for- when ours wees or poos we say toilet as we are leaving him out the back door we say toilet likewise with walkies, bed etc..
Other than that I’m clueless as new to it myself and learning as we go
I read & get a wealth of tips on the monthly puppy survival threads on here
It’s like having a naughty toddler that can run super fast!

If you have a Kindle, order Easy Peasy Puppy Squeezy and The Happy Puppy Handbook. Both are really easy quick reads and useful for dipping into when/if you get stuck or have a query.

If you don’t have a Kindle or the Kindle App, order the books, they will still be incredibly useful.

PermanentlyDizzy , I have downloaded both those books. Thanks for the advice .

It's not all sunshine and rainbows with a puppy. They're extremely hard work. They test your patience, sleep deprivation is real.
My pup is 17 weeks and has only now just started sleeping from 9-6.30. Previously he was up every hour barking the house down.
A lot of training is required to ensure you get the traits you want in your dog.
Patience, time and effort and it'll all be worth it. But they go through the horrible bitey phase, just have plenty of chew toys readily to hand!

Good luck

Well we have her and she’s a sweetheart. A cross between a newborn and a naughty toddler 😂. She’s fitting in well . My only complaint is that she pees EVERYWHERE!!