.jpeg)
ESTABLISH ROUTINES
Puppies thrive on routine. Create a daily schedule for:
Mealtimes (usually 3-4 meals per day at first) but stick with what your breeder has advised to ensure not too much change.
Toilet breaks (always after waking, eating, playing and sleeping).
Short low key play sessions – one to one with your puppy and away from your other dogs
Naps in a quiet safe space (wolfhound puppies sleep a lot – sleeping equates to growing!)
START HOUSE TRAINING
The key is to be consistent. Take them out frequently and reward success. Accidents will happen – never punish; just redirect. Praise the good, ignore the bad. Ensure that you keep floor surfaces clean with a safe disinfectant and lift up any doormats or soft decorative rugs which may encourage a puppy to toilet in the area.
If you witness your puppy mid-accident, do not rush to the puppy to prevent them as this will frighten them. Calmly approach and lead them outdoors to continue. If they have already relieved themselves still take them outside to their designated toilet area each time and follow with praise.
.jpeg)
EARLY SOCIALISATION
Between 8 and 16 weeks is the key socialisation window.
​
Gradually introduce your puppy to different sounds, surfaces, people and gentle dogs if you are able to (taking into account vaccination protocols).
​
Enrol in a puppy socialisation class but do your research ensuring that the classes are safe, well managed and that they are not just a free for all which can be overwhelming for many dogs and encourage either gregarious or fearful behaviours around dogs. Finding trainers who have specific breed / sighthound experience is difficult but they are out there.
​
For those who do not attend a puppy class there are plenty of opportunities for careful and controlled socialisation. Try a supermarket car park in a quiet area; a retail outlet or a garden centre or café.
​
Carefully plan outings to new environments (parks, shops etc) once vaccinations are complete and sit with your puppy so they can take it all in.
Ensure there are no long walks from your vehicle to the area you are intending to visit.
​
Positive experiences help to prevent fear and reactivity later in life. Do not allow people to over-handle your puppy in public and avoid any on lead interactions with strange dogs. Calm human interactions can be encouraged but if your puppy is shy, ensure you advocate for their space as they learn to grow in confidence.
.jpeg)
HANDLE WITH CARE
Avoid letting your puppy jump on and off furniture or navigate stairs until joints are more developed. Growth plates are delicate. Speak to your breeder about age appropriate activity levels.
Welcoming an Irish Wolfhound puppy
The first week