Mar's Puppy Training Tips

New Haven (WTNH) - Lifestyle expert Mar Jennings visited Good Morning Connecticut Sunday morning with his new dog Violet. Mar recently lost his pet of 14 years, Corky. Now, he's brought home a new 12-week old puppy. And with a new puppy, comes new responsibilities.

Here are Mar's tips for training and loving your new puppy.

• Names

Be sure to keep a name to two syllables or less. Select a few that you like. One of them is sure to fit the personality of your new puppy.

• Baby proofing

Just like bringing home a new baby, you must puppy-proof your home. Don't leave things lying around that are likely to be identified as tasty morsels. Dogs love to chew so make sure you have plenty of chew toys available. Keep your new dog or puppy in a confined area, don't give her run of the house.

• No paper training

When you paper-train a puppy, you then have to train them to go out. Mar says he is not in favor of this two-step process. "Why train your dog to go in the house and then have to un-train them?"

Indoor/outdoor pet enclosures are a great way to house-train your dog. These portable pens are light, easy to put up, are great for traveling and can be adjusted for size as your puppy grows. Take your puppy out every two to three hours and wait. Give them time. When they go, give them lots of praise and a treat. 

• No Dog Parks

Puppies should not be taken to dog parks or public places until they are at least 16 weeks old. They will not have had all their puppy shots and should not be exposed to areas where other dogs have been. Better safe than sorry.

• ID Tags and Collars

Once you have made the decision to get a pet, purchase their tags and collars immediately. Introduce them to the collar for a few hours every day so they get used to it. It's also a good idea to attach the leash to the collar for a few minutes every day.

• Crate Training

Crating is a training tool and a personal choice based on your life style. If you have a small room that can be designated as the dog's area, this is a nice alternative. Professionals will recommend that you crate your dog when it is unsupervised. Mars prefer to utilize a soft, collapsible and portable carrying case in lieu of a crate. This way, he can take it with him when he travels and Violet has the comforts of home.

• A Tisket, a Tasket. Every Dog Needs a Basket

Every dog should have a pillow or basket that is separate from their crate or training area. Violet has one in every main room in the house. Mar chose a round slipcover but put a European Square pillow inside to give it more fluff. She loves them.

• Water and Food Bowls

Bowls designed for animals are harder to tip over because they are flat on the bottom. A tipping, moving bowl can startle your pet. Always put down food and water in the same location each and every time -- and as much as you can manage, at the same time of day --so your pet does not get confused.

• Combing and Brushing

"My experience with combing and brushing has been horrific," said Mar. "Corky refused to be brushed and how her groomer Debbie did it, I'll never know. This time around, I'm taking a proactive approach and introducing her to the brush early. She is very young now and I am committed to continuing short periods of brushing every other day. Lots of treats, praise and love will hopefully prevail."

• Dog Toys

Natural and organic toys are good for your dog and the environment. Typically they are saliva resistant and made and stuffed from unbleached cotton. However, some of the best toys can be found right in your own home. Violet is mad for a piece of recycled two inch cotton grosgrain ribbon. Mar tied a knot at one end and it became hours of entertainment.

• Lifestyle Initiation

Introduce your dog early to what happens in your household. Take the doorbell, for instance. "I don't want my dog to go bark-serk every time someone is at the door," said Mar. "So, I ring the doorbell as if someone were there and go through the motions. This way Violet remains calm and doesn't get overly excited when the doorbell rings."

These tips were provided by Mar Jennings. For more helpful tips, visit his website: www.marjennings.com.