Bringing Home a New Puppy: The importance of bonding and socialisation in the early days.

Bringing a new puppy into your home is an exciting time filled with joy and anticipation. The moment you lay eyes on that adorable face, your heart melts, and you can't wait to shower them with love and affection. But along with the cuteness comes responsibility, as you need to ensure your new Cavoodle or Spoodle puppy is properly bonded and socialised.

Bonding with your puppy is crucial as it lays the foundation for a strong and trusting relationship. Here are a few tips to help you on this journey:

1. Spend quality time together: Dedicate time each day to purely focus on your puppy without any distractions. Play games, pat them, and simply enjoy their company. This will help your puppy feel loved and valued.

2. Establish a routine: Dogs thrive on routine, so it's essential to establish a consistent schedule for feeding, toilet breaks, playtime, and sleep. By doing so, your puppy will feel secure and know what to expect.

3. Teach basic commands: Start teaching your Cavoodle or Spoodle basic commands like sit, stay, and come. This not only helps with obedience but also creates a bond of trust between you and your furry friend.

4. Use positive reinforcement: Reward your puppy with treats, praise, and affection when they exhibit good behavior. Positive reinforcement helps them understand what is expected of them and strengthens the bond between you.

5. Provide a safe space: Create a cozy and comfortable space for your puppy to retreat to when they need a break. This can be a crate, a designated area in the house, or a bed they can call their own. Having their own space helps them feel secure.

In addition to bonding, socialising your new Cavoodle or Spoodle puppy is equally important. Here's how you can socialize them effectively:

1. Puppy playdates: Arrange play dates, in your home with other fully-vaccinated and friendly dogs to help your puppy learn how to interact properly. This allows them to develop necessary social skills and understand proper doggie etiquette.

2. Expose them to various environments: Introduce your puppy to different sights, sounds, and experiences from an early age. Take them for walks in busy streets, let them explore parks, and allow them to interact with people of different ages and backgrounds. This exposure helps them become more well-rounded and confident. Just remember if they are not yet fully vaccinated you need to hold them, and not let them on the ground in public spaces.

3. Enrol in puppy classes: Puppy training classes not only teach your furry friend basic obedience but also provide opportunities to interact with other puppies. The controlled environment of a class allows for safe socialisation and helps your puppy understand appropriate behaviors.

4. Be patient and gradual: Remember that socialisation takes time and patience. Gradually expose your puppy to new experiences, always ensuring they feel safe and comfortable. Don't force interactions or overwhelm them with too much too soon.

By prioritising bonding and socialisation with your new or Spoodle puppy, you are setting them up for a happy and well-adjusted life. Remember to be patient, consistent, and always provide positive reinforcement. With time and effort, your bond will grow, and your puppy will become a cherished member of your family.