1. Understand your puppy's Pre/poo quirks
In the initial days, puppies don't recognize where it is you want them to poo, every part if your house is poo heaven to them, dry, clean and dirt free. So do not scold or punish when after the deed's already done, just ensure that you catch them doing it right and reward and praise accordingly.
Dogs have no hang ups about poo, neither should you even if it really stinks up your morning.
I wake this morning to 4 beautiful poo mounds within the same pen area, and I only have two pups lol. So I rub the sleep from my eyes, clean up the doggies' feet and leave them in a clean box while I clean up their home. It's almost an exercise in mindfulness; even as I clean, I appreciate the fact that these two buggers are in my life, and that them pooing means their digestion is doing well. And one day soon, they will grow older and not poo everywhere ever again.
Brings new meaning to 'cherish the day'
2. Layout of holding/pen area
Chances are, you would like to have pups roam the house. It appeals to your good dog free range philosophy. That's just say that parenting dogs is very similar to parenting kids at this stage. One must be the disciplinarian first, then loving friend second. A dog who is confused by lack of direction as to what you want will grow up doing things that get then sent away.
One tip that a good friend sent me that really helped is this:
In your night time sleep layout, the bedding should be directly across from the pee tray. Dogs instinctively wake and walk in the direct far opposite from the bed, and do their business. This habit once formed, helps to eliminate poo accidents.
So unless you really love freedom so much that you don't mind stepping on poo or pee everywhere in your home, restrict doggy sleep areas to a manageable space for the first few months of dog training.
Remember 'spare the training and spoil the dog'
3. Exercise your dog!
For unvaccinated pups, walks or going out of the house is not an option. Yet to regulate the pups' sleep cycles require some regular run time. It's good for them to be active and run off some excess destructive powers, and good for you as an opportunity to bond and train.
One important tip, when u have two pups, allow them combat time, they will naturally want to fight and nip at each other. Step in only when the fighting gets too serious (ie injuries)
And like any good doggy parent, keep aggressive behavior in check by correcting biting behavior. Dogs will learn even as pups that bite sister, ok she yelps. Bite human mummy, NOT ok.
The poor motherless pups didn't have enough time with mum, but that doesn't mean you can't help train their behavior for the future. If you get an opportunity to watch mother dogs, you will notice them quite gently pushing away unwanted biting, and if it gets bad, growling and even nipping the pups to put them in their place.
I don't suggest u bite your puppies, but keep them in check ( Ceasar Milan style) and reward good behavior. They'll grow up just fine.
Ok time to go check on the pups. Till next time, have a puppilicious day!
