Bringing a new puppy home is one of the most exciting things dog lovers can do! What better day than National Puppy Day to learn the most important tips every new puppy parent needs to know from renowned dog behaviorist and the Halo Collar co-founder Cesar Millan. 

Cesar’s top tips:

Be the pack leader!
Puppies are naturally hard-wired to follow a pack leader. A pack leader is, by definition, strong, stable, and consistent; traits many new puppy owners forget. For your new puppy to grow into a healthy, balanced dog, you must demonstrate leadership from day one!
 
Visit to the Veterinarian
One of the cornerstones of good health for your puppy is regular veterinary care. It is crucial that your puppy maintains a nutritional diet and exercise routine to stay healthy and balanced. Plus, your vet can advise on heartworm, and flea and tick preventative care. While a lot goes into keeping your puppy in good health, it all begins with the first visit to the vet.
 
Housebreaking
All dogs become conditioned to never eliminate in their dens. From two to four months of age, most pups pick up on the concept of housebreaking quite easily since it is part of their natural programming. In the early days of housebreaking you want to make sure the puppy has a place to relieve herself where she feels safe; a place that seems and smells familiar. First thing every morning, bring your puppy outside to the same general area. Create a safe space with a wireless smart fence by using my Halo Collar. This is not the fence of the past that requires physically installing a wire in your yard that your dog can easily run past, and which can’t track when your dog ventures too far. Halo Collar allows users to set up boundaries on their smartphones to keep your dog safely within – wherever you are! Once your new puppy has successfully gone outside, it is important to reward the good behavior. It doesn’t have to be a big, loud celebration, but a simple quiet approval or a treat can get the message across of a job well done.
And be sure not to punish your puppy for an accident or do anything to create a negative association with her bodily functions. Stay calm and assertive and quietly remove the puppy to the place where you want him to go.
 
Dog Walking
Please find safe ways to exercise your puppy too! As your puppy’s pack leader, you must help to expend their energy in a productive way. For all dogs, this means a daily walk. Walking in front of your new puppy allows you to be seen as the pack leader. Conversely, if your dog controls you on the walk, he’s the pack leader. You should be the first one out the door and the first one in. Your puppy should be beside or behind you during the walk.
 
Have the right equipment 
Focus on practical equipment that will help you bond with your new pack member, and invest in smart dog training! My must-have piece of equipment for any member of your pack is the Halo Collar, a smart system that utilizes proprietary technology & my patented dog psychology to provide a wireless smart fence, smart training, GPS tracker and activity tracker combined into one easy-to-use smart collar. What better investment than a collar that keeps your dog safe, and gives you access to my 21 day training program to ensure you get off to the right paw with your new best friend!