New Puppy Tips: 10 Things New Puppy Parents Should Never Do

Welcoming a new puppy into your life is exciting. There’s nothing quite like puppy breath, puppy snuggles—and that cute little hopping thing puppies do when they’re excited. It also means taking on the responsibility of new puppy training.

Whether this new family member is your first puppy or your 10th, knowing the top mistakes to avoid with a new puppy is a smart move. We talked to two professional dog trainers to help you find success with your new best friend from day one.

Potty training isn’t a favorite task for most pet parents, but it’s necessary. At first glance, it can seem intuitive—however, there’s more to it than just taking your dog outside to do their business.

“Housetraining seems as though it should be easy, but often it’s a lot more difficult than new puppy parents think,” Erickson says.

Here are five common potty training mistakes dog parents tend to make.

Potty Training Mistake No. 1: Inconsistent Scheduling

One of the most common potty training mistakes is not having a consistent schedule.

“Dogs thrive on routine, and inconsistency can lead to accidents,” Dimit says.

So, take your dog outside at the same time each day.

“A good rule of thumb is if you do any activity, follow it up with trips outside and praise,” Dimit says.

Erickson suggests a trip outdoors every 20 minutes when your pup is awake and active.

“Once there have been a few accident-free days, you can gradually increase the time between outings,” Erickson says. “If you start to see accidents, it’s an indication you aren’t taking the puppy out frequently enough.”

Potty Training Mistake No. 2: Reacting Angrily to Pee and Poop Mishaps

“Reacting harshly or punishing your dog for accidents can create fear and anxiety around potty training,” Dimit says.

Use positive reinforcement instead by rewarding your dog when they eliminate outside.

“Ignore accidents, as punishment may not be effective,” Dimit adds.

Potty Training Mistake No. 3: Sending Your Puppy on a Solo Potty Mission

Even if you have a fenced yard, Erickson says all puppy parents should go outside with their furry friend, so you can give your pup a treat and lots of praise within seconds of them doing their business.

“Waiting to give the treat when the puppy gets back in the house reinforces the puppy for coming inside, not for outdoor elimination,” Erickson says.

Potty Training Mistake No. 4: Using Improper Clean-Up Products

Erickson knows potty accidents are part of the new puppy package, so choosing the right products to clean up the mess is critical.

“Using the wrong cleaner may remove the stain, but if there’s any scent detectable to a dog, the puppy may overmark it,” she says.

In layman's terms, if your pup can smell their pee spot, they’re likely to keep adding to it.

Erickson recommends enzymatic cleaners made specifically for potty training oopsies.

“The enzymes break down the chemical component of the waste so that it no longer has an odor,” she says.

Try Nature's Miracle Urine Destroyer Plus.

Potty Training Mistake No. 5: Giving Your Pup Too Much Space

Letting your pup wander the whole house might seem like a caring thing to do, but it can be overwhelming, says Dimit, and lead to more pee and poop accidents.

“Begin by confining your dog to a small, puppy-proofed area, and gradually expand their access as they become more reliable in their potty training,” she says.

You can always use baby gates to keep your dog in a designated area.

Dog crates are an essential tool for training puppies. However, it’s imperative that new pup parents know how to use them correctly. Don’t make the following mistakes when it comes to using a kennel.

Crate Training Mistake No. 1: Rushing It 

Erickson strongly recommends against confining your dog to the kennel without first giving them an opportunity to acclimate.

“I like to start with keeping the door of the crate open and just getting the puppy to go in for a treat that’s been tossed in, and then allowing the puppy to come back out,” Erickson says.

After your doggy gets comfortable with entering the crate on their own, you can shut the door for a brief period of time, increasing the length as they acclimate.

Crate Training Mistake No. 2: Crating Your Pup for Too Long

Once your dog is adjusted to their new kennel, Dimit recommends leaving your pup there for a maximum of four hours, if possible.

Crate Training Mistake 3: Using the Crate as Punishment:

“Never use the crate as a form of punishment,” Dimit says. Doing so can cause your new pup to associate their crate with negativity and lead to them avoiding it.

Instead, make the crate a positive place by using treats, toys and positive reinforcement when introducing your dog to it, Dimit says.

Crate Training Mistake 4: Skipping Crate Training Altogether

“Failing to crate train your dog can lead to behavioral problems and challenges when it comes to managing your dog’s safety,” Dimit says.

Her advice? “Even if you don’t plan to use the crate long term, introduce it to your dog in a positive way to have it as a useful tool if needed.”

Mistake No. 3: Confusing Negative and Positive Reinforcement 

“Positive reinforcement involves adding something desirable to reinforce a behavior, such as giving a treat or praise,” Dimit says. “Negative reinforcement, on the other hand, involves adding something aversive to reinforce a behavior.”

When you mix up the two, your new puppy can become confused.

Immediately after your doggy shows a desired behavior, use positive reinforcement by rewarding them with something they enjoy. When they do something you don’t want them to repeat, ignore it. 

Dimit notes that not all negative reinforcement is intentional. For example, when your dog barks for your attention, you may well give them attention or even a treat. However, you’re just reinforcing the barking.

To avoid this, pay attention to the behaviors you're reinforcing. Make sure you praise or reward your pup only when they’re engaging in behavior you’d like them to repeat.

“Proper socialization is essential for puppies and dogs to help them become well-adjusted, confident and comfortable in various situations and around people and other animals,” says Dimit.

Many pet parents aren’t aware of everything that socializing encompasses. They may think socialization is all about introducing their dog to other dogs and humans; and while that’s absolutely true, there’s more to it.

Don’t forget the “environments” portion of socializing your pup, which is “the world they are going to experience throughout their lives,” Erickson says.

For a step-by-step guide on how to effectively socialize your pup, take a look at our Expert Guide to Showing Your Dog the World.

Mistake No. 6: Skipping Basic Obedience Training

A toothbrush and a tube of toothpaste aren’t only for humans! Your dog’s pearly whites need care, too.

Begin a doggy dental care routine early by brushing their teeth regularly. Poor dental hygiene is one of the leading causes of health issues in older dogs. Good oral hygiene habits in the early years lead to healthier adult dogs in the later years, Dimit says.

Don’t forget that your puppy needs dishes!

Stainless steel food bowls and water bowls are excellent choices because they’re easy to clean, durable, and rust- and corrosion-resistant. Stainless steel is also less likely to harbor bacteria than plastic, Dimit says.

Check out our New Puppy Shop, where you’ll find food and water bowls, plus everything else you need for your newest family member.