--- title: "Life Hacks for New Puppy Owners" id: "202812" type: "post" slug: "life-hacks-for-new-puppy-owners" published_at: "2020-11-13T20:43:24+00:00" modified_at: "2020-11-13T20:43:24+00:00" url: "https://houstonpetland.com/2020/11/13/life-hacks-for-new-puppy-owners/" markdown_url: "https://houstonpetland.com/2020/11/13/life-hacks-for-new-puppy-owners.md" excerpt: "You and your family made the decision to bring a new puppy into your home, found the one that stole your heart, and now that puppy you dreamed about is a reality. And reality has hit home—hard! Perhaps you hadn’t..." taxonomy_category: - "Community" --- [Home](https://houstonpetland.com/) / [Blog](https://houstonpetland.com/blog/) / **Life Hacks for New Puppy Owners** [Community](https://houstonpetland.com/category/petland/) # Life Hacks for New Puppy Owners November 13, 2020 · 5 min read · [cosmick](https://houstonpetland.com/author/cosmick/) [Stay connected via Google News Follow Us For The Latest Pet Updates and Guides.](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=houstonpetland.com) You and your family made the decision to bring a new puppy into your home, found the one that stole your heart, and now that puppy you dreamed about is a reality. And reality has hit home—hard! Perhaps you hadn’t realized that raising a puppy would be quite the task it’s turning out to be, and you wonder if there are easier ways to get it done. Well, take heart. There are! Here’s a list of the ten best hacks for living with a new pup. *1.* *My puppy chews on everything!* You’ve done the obvious and bought plenty of chew toys and kept valuables up off the floor, but Puppy is still chewing. Your computer doesn’t work because he chewed the power cord and the baseboards are looking the worse for wear, too. What to do? Spray bitter apple on a cloth and wipe those surfaces down well. Dogs hate the taste of bitter apple and will steer clear once they take the first bite. *2.* *My large-breed puppy pulls my arms off when we walk.*In a matter of a few weeks, that rolly-polly puppy has increased in size, weight, and strength. Even the word *walking* is misleading—he’s doing the leading and dragging you behind! Switch to a front-clip harness, which puts you in control. Harnesses that clip to the back encourage pulling. Enjoying this read? You'll love our puppies. Adorable, vet-checked pups looking for their forever homes — available now. [Meet our puppies](https://houstonpetland.com/puppies-for-sale/) *3.* *All he wants to do is play—and I have studying to do.*Yes, the main goal in a puppy’s life is to get in as much play and attention from you as he can. Most pups like to play tug, but you need to be careful of their developing teeth. Make a tug toy by putting a knot in an old sock toe and making a loop at the top end. Stick your foot through it and let him tug away. Gently moving your foot back and forth gives him all the tugging attention he needs. *4.* *I don’t think he’ll*ever*catch on to potty training!*Make each success rewarding with special treats reserved only for that purpose. Many dogs love carrots, but whatever your pup goes nuts over is the treat to choose. He’ll catch on faster when his behavior brings immediate rewards. *5.* *He doesn’t seem to understand what good behavior is.*Puppy’s don’t have a value system like ours. Whatever rewards him is good, whether it’s a treat you give him or something he chooses for himself (and we certainly don’t always agree on that one!). Unfortunately, whatever he’s doing at the time you give him a reward is what he thinks he’s getting rewarded for. Any time delay between the behavior you want and the reward will make him misunderstand what you are telling him is good. Try a clicker training! Clicking and immediately rewarding will pinpoint to him what he’s doing that is right. *6.* *My puppy is afraid of new situations, people, and other dogs.*[The first three months of your puppy’s life have a permanent effect on his temperament](https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/puppy-socialization/) . Getting him out where new people, situations, and other dogs are is paramount in his development. Not only does it help encourage interaction, it also helps reduce fears that may pop up in unusual situations, such as thunderstorms. Socialization builds confidence and a happy outlook on life. Still reading? Our puppies are waiting. Healthy, happy pups ready to meet their families — see who's available today. [Meet our puppies](https://houstonpetland.com/puppies-for-sale/) *7.* *He’s digging up my garden!*Yes, some dogs love to dig. Whether he’s a terrier (the name comes from a word meaning “earth”) or he just enjoys digging, the urge can be destructive. Best hack? Give him his own place to dig! Dig a small pit and mix some sand in with the soil to keep it loose and improve draining. Bury his favorite toy and reward him when he digs it up. Before long, his digging pit will be the only place he makes a mess. *8.* *He tears the stuffing out of toys and then isn’t interested in them anymore.*Some pups just love to rip the stuffing out and that seems to be the only thing they like to do. Replacing stuffed toys can get expensive, though. Here’s how to make a reusable stuffed toy that will save you tons of money. JW Pet Company makes a durable, rubber ball full of holes, appropriately called the Hole-ee Roller Ball. Stuff fabric scraps into the ball. Pupster will enjoy pulling the fabric scraps out again and again. *9.* *Pet poop bags are so expensive!* That’s true, they are. But cleaning up after your dog is not only socially responsible, it’s quite often the law as well. Instead of buying expensive poop bags, use cheaper diaper-disposable bags instead. The house-brand will almost always beat out the name-brand. *10.* *My vet says I should brush my puppy’s teeth, but he hates it!* Some dogs don’t seem to mind having their teeth brushed and others will fight you, well, tooth and nail. Rather than make each experience a fight, spread doggy toothpaste on a chew toy and let him brush them all by himself! [Stay connected via Google News Follow Us For The Latest Pet Updates and Guides.](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=houstonpetland.com) Available Now## If you loved this, you'll *love our puppies* Meet the happy, healthy pups ready to join your family today — browse the whole litter below. [Browse all puppies](https://houstonpetland.com/puppies-for-sale/) - Petland Stafford ## [Female #428](https://houstonpetland.com/puppies-for-sale/teddy-bear/teddy-bear-428/) ### [Teddy Bear](https://houstonpetland.com/puppies-for-sale/teddy-bear/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [346-692-8484](tel:346-692-8484) - Petland Stafford ## [Male #427](https://houstonpetland.com/puppies-for-sale/teddy-bear/teddy-bear-427/) ### [Teddy Bear](https://houstonpetland.com/puppies-for-sale/teddy-bear/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [346-692-8484](tel:346-692-8484) - Petland Stafford ## [Male #426](https://houstonpetland.com/puppies-for-sale/mini-goldendoodle/mini-goldendoodle-426/) ### [Mini Goldendoodle](https://houstonpetland.com/puppies-for-sale/mini-goldendoodle/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [346-692-8484](tel:346-692-8484) - Petland Stafford ## [Female #425](https://houstonpetland.com/puppies-for-sale/mini-goldendoodle/mini-goldendoodle-425/) ### [Mini Goldendoodle](https://houstonpetland.com/puppies-for-sale/mini-goldendoodle/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [346-692-8484](tel:346-692-8484) - Petland Stafford ## [Male #424](https://houstonpetland.com/puppies-for-sale/miniature-poodle/miniature-poodle-424/) ### [Miniature Poodle](https://houstonpetland.com/puppies-for-sale/miniature-poodle/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [346-692-8484](tel:346-692-8484) - Petland Stafford ## [Female #423](https://houstonpetland.com/puppies-for-sale/mini-bernedoodle/mini-bernedoodle-423/) ### [Mini Bernedoodle](https://houstonpetland.com/puppies-for-sale/mini-bernedoodle/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [346-692-8484](tel:346-692-8484) - Petland Stafford ## [Male #422](https://houstonpetland.com/puppies-for-sale/mini-bernedoodle/mini-bernedoodle-422/) ### [Mini Bernedoodle](https://houstonpetland.com/puppies-for-sale/mini-bernedoodle/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [346-692-8484](tel:346-692-8484) - Petland Stafford ## [Male #421](https://houstonpetland.com/puppies-for-sale/golden-retriever/golden-retriever-421/) ### [Golden Retriever](https://houstonpetland.com/puppies-for-sale/golden-retriever/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [346-692-8484](tel:346-692-8484) - Petland Katy ## [Male #5216](https://houstonpetland.com/puppies-for-sale/golden-retriever/golden-retriever-5216/) ### [Golden Retriever](https://houstonpetland.com/puppies-for-sale/golden-retriever/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [281-769-1313](tel:281-769-1313) - Petland Katy ## [Male #5215](https://houstonpetland.com/puppies-for-sale/dachshund/dachshund-5215/) ### [Dachshund](https://houstonpetland.com/puppies-for-sale/dachshund/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [281-769-1313](tel:281-769-1313) - Petland Katy ## [Male #5214](https://houstonpetland.com/puppies-for-sale/dachshund/dachshund-5214/) ### [Dachshund](https://houstonpetland.com/puppies-for-sale/dachshund/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [281-769-1313](tel:281-769-1313) - Petland Katy ## [Male #5213](https://houstonpetland.com/puppies-for-sale/dachshund/dachshund-5213/) ### [Dachshund](https://houstonpetland.com/puppies-for-sale/dachshund/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [281-769-1313](tel:281-769-1313) Loading more pets… You've reached the end. Still looking?### We can find you the perfect pet. Tell our pet counselors what you're looking for: breed, gender, color, anything. No extra cost, no obligation. [Start a Special Order](https://houstonpetland.com/special-orders/) #### **Related** Articles [View All Articles](https://houstonpetland.com/blog/) - [https://houstonpetland.com/2026/02/01/bringing-home-your-dream-puppy-how-petland-financing-makes-it-possible/](https://houstonpetland.com/2026/02/01/bringing-home-your-dream-puppy-how-petland-financing-makes-it-possible/) [Community](https://houstonpetland.com/category/petland/) ## [Bringing Home Your Dream Puppy: How Petland Financing Makes It Possible](https://houstonpetland.com/2026/02/01/bringing-home-your-dream-puppy-how-petland-financing-makes-it-possible/) Bringing home a puppy is often a heart decision long before it's a calendar one. You imagine the cuddles, the routines, the… February 1, 2026 - [https://houstonpetland.com/2026/02/01/the-love-languages-of-dogs-yes-theyre-real/](https://houstonpetland.com/2026/02/01/the-love-languages-of-dogs-yes-theyre-real/) [Community](https://houstonpetland.com/category/petland/) ## [The Love Languages of Dogs (Yes, They’re Real!)](https://houstonpetland.com/2026/02/01/the-love-languages-of-dogs-yes-theyre-real/) Fact: your dog is absolutely saying "I love you"… just not with words If you've ever fallen down a relationship rabbit hole,… February 1, 2026 - [https://houstonpetland.com/2026/01/07/new-year-happy-dog-10-healthy-habits-to-kick-off-2026-with-your-pup/](https://houstonpetland.com/2026/01/07/new-year-happy-dog-10-healthy-habits-to-kick-off-2026-with-your-pup/) [Community](https://houstonpetland.com/category/petland/) ## [New Year, Happy Dog: 10 Healthy Habits to Kick Off 2026 With Your Pup](https://houstonpetland.com/2026/01/07/new-year-happy-dog-10-healthy-habits-to-kick-off-2026-with-your-pup/) A new year brings fresh routines, renewed energy… and yes, a few resolutions we actually want to keep! And if your dog… January 7, 2026 - [https://houstonpetland.com/2025/11/30/12-ways-puppies-remind-us-what-the-holidays-are-really-about/](https://houstonpetland.com/2025/11/30/12-ways-puppies-remind-us-what-the-holidays-are-really-about/) [Community](https://houstonpetland.com/category/petland/) ## [12 Ways Puppies Remind Us What The Holidays Are Really About](https://houstonpetland.com/2025/11/30/12-ways-puppies-remind-us-what-the-holidays-are-really-about/) The holidays sparkle a little brighter when there's a puppy in the house. They tumble into the season with wide-eyed wonder, tiny… November 30, 2025 - [https://houstonpetland.com/2025/11/30/why-are-petland-puppies-so-expensive/](https://houstonpetland.com/2025/11/30/why-are-petland-puppies-so-expensive/) [Community](https://houstonpetland.com/category/petland/) ## [Why Are Petland Puppies So Expensive?](https://houstonpetland.com/2025/11/30/why-are-petland-puppies-so-expensive/) In this articleHealth Comes First: Vet-Checked and OFA CertifiedPremium Nutrition and Enriched EnvironmentsResponsible Breeding and VettingOngoing Support and AftercarePeace of Mind for… November 30, 2025 - [https://houstonpetland.com/2025/11/01/puppy-gratitude-10-little-things-our-dogs-do-that-deserve-a-big-thank-you/](https://houstonpetland.com/2025/11/01/puppy-gratitude-10-little-things-our-dogs-do-that-deserve-a-big-thank-you/) [Community](https://houstonpetland.com/category/petland/) ## [Puppy Gratitude: 10 Little Things Our Dogs Do That Deserve a Big Thank You](https://houstonpetland.com/2025/11/01/puppy-gratitude-10-little-things-our-dogs-do-that-deserve-a-big-thank-you/) How to say "thank you": A longer walk. A belly rub. A new squeaky toy that mysteriously disappears in a day. Or… November 1, 2025 - [https://houstonpetland.com/2025/11/01/i-went-to-just-look-at-puppies-i-left-with-my-perfect-match-and-a-whole-lot-of-trust-in-petland/](https://houstonpetland.com/2025/11/01/i-went-to-just-look-at-puppies-i-left-with-my-perfect-match-and-a-whole-lot-of-trust-in-petland/) [Community](https://houstonpetland.com/category/petland/) ## [From ‘Just Looking’ to My Perfect Puppy, All Thanks to Petland](https://houstonpetland.com/2025/11/01/i-went-to-just-look-at-puppies-i-left-with-my-perfect-match-and-a-whole-lot-of-trust-in-petland/) Confession: I didn't plan to fall in love that day.I told myself I was just browsing. Like someone who walks into a… November 1, 2025 - [https://houstonpetland.com/2025/10/29/15-howl-worth-pup-costumes-for-a-paws-itively-spooky-halloween/](https://houstonpetland.com/2025/10/29/15-howl-worth-pup-costumes-for-a-paws-itively-spooky-halloween/) [Community](https://houstonpetland.com/category/petland/) ## [15 Howl-Worth Pup Costumes For A Paws-itively Spooky Halloween](https://houstonpetland.com/2025/10/29/15-howl-worth-pup-costumes-for-a-paws-itively-spooky-halloween/) October isn't just for pumpkins and trick-or-treaters. It's also for the pups who steal the show before anyone's even rung the doorbell!… October 29, 2025 - [https://houstonpetland.com/2025/10/22/where-is-the-most-trusted-place-to-buy-a-puppyinside-the-standards-that-set-petland-apart/](https://houstonpetland.com/2025/10/22/where-is-the-most-trusted-place-to-buy-a-puppyinside-the-standards-that-set-petland-apart/) [Community](https://houstonpetland.com/category/petland/) ## [Where Is the Most Trusted Place to Buy a Puppy:Inside the Standards That Set Petland Apart](https://houstonpetland.com/2025/10/22/where-is-the-most-trusted-place-to-buy-a-puppyinside-the-standards-that-set-petland-apart/) Bringing home a puppy isn't just about finding a pet. It's about beginning a lifelong bond. Every wag, every paw print, every… October 22, 2025 - [https://houstonpetland.com/2025/04/30/petland-the-trusted-choice-for-ethically-bred-puppies-and-your-familys-next-companion/](https://houstonpetland.com/2025/04/30/petland-the-trusted-choice-for-ethically-bred-puppies-and-your-familys-next-companion/) [Community](https://houstonpetland.com/category/petland/) ## [Petland: The Trusted Choice for Ethically Bred Puppies and Your Family’s Next Companion](https://houstonpetland.com/2025/04/30/petland-the-trusted-choice-for-ethically-bred-puppies-and-your-familys-next-companion/) Bringing home a new pet is an exciting milestone, but choosing where to find your furry family member can be challenging. Petland… April 30, 2025 - [https://houstonpetland.com/2025/04/01/what-makes-puppies-thrive-the-science-of-puppy-happiness/](https://houstonpetland.com/2025/04/01/what-makes-puppies-thrive-the-science-of-puppy-happiness/) [Community](https://houstonpetland.com/category/petland/) ## [What Makes Puppies Thrive? The Science of Puppy Happiness](https://houstonpetland.com/2025/04/01/what-makes-puppies-thrive-the-science-of-puppy-happiness/) That adorable puppy isn’t just cute; it’s a complex creature needing specific things — understanding what makes a puppy thrive is key… April 1, 2025 - [https://houstonpetland.com/2025/03/27/what-comes-with-a-puppy-from-petland/](https://houstonpetland.com/2025/03/27/what-comes-with-a-puppy-from-petland/) [Community](https://houstonpetland.com/category/petland/) ## [What Comes With A Puppy From Petland?](https://houstonpetland.com/2025/03/27/what-comes-with-a-puppy-from-petland/) So, you’re thinking about getting a puppy from Petland? Get ready because you’re not just taking home a bundle of furry joy.… March 27, 2025 ``` Petland Katy 434 Google reviews Write a review Posted on Google Genesis Gonzalez Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My husband and I went to Petland on Saturday to simply look at the puppies and we ended up falling in love with one so much that we brought her home with us. Jennifer made the process of taking her home super easy and smooth, she answered every question we asked and was very knowledgeable about everything! Posted on Google ume rubab Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. it was really nice their all the animal were so cute !! The puppy’s and kittens were adorable !!❤️ Posted on Google Leslie Rivera Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Went to Petland to just browse around and ended up falling in love with our Maltipoo, her fur color and the eyes captivated me. Anthony our counselor, was very informative and friendly. I would greatly recommend this pet store. Can’t wait to start this new journey with our puppy. Posted on Google 12.xndrik Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. recently adopted a cavapool and Christopher helped us out a lot. He was helpfull, respectful , and walked us through the whole process. It was an amazing experience 10/10. Posted on Google Chris M Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Best place to work PUPPIES!!!! Posted on Google MIGUEL MOLINA Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great time. I was looking around with my family and Chris helped us out found a new family member. Great place to greet and play with dogs. Posted on Google David Almanza Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We visited Petland today and had an incredible experience choosing our new furry family member — a miniature Goldendoodle! From the moment we walked in, Christopher made us feel welcome, informed, and supported throughout the entire process. He was extremely knowledgeable about the breed, answered all our questions with patience, and never made us feel rushed. You could genuinely tell he cared about both the pets and the people. His friendly attitude and professionalism made the whole experience smooth and enjoyable. We left Petland not just with a puppy, but with total confidence that we were prepared for this new journey — all thanks to Christopher. If you're thinking about getting a pet and want a helpful, knowledgeable guide, ask for Christopher. He made our day. Highly recommend - 10/10! Posted on Google Diana Perez Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Kalese and Chris were phenomenal and so attentive. They made me feel so welcome and so happy to be finally going home with our baby ```