FIRST FEW WEEKS

Establish a Routine
As the days go by, it is very important to set up a routine—and stick to it. Dogs are creatures of habit, learning best through repetition. If a schedule is developed and adhered to, training and housebreaking your pup will be much easier. One part of the schedule that is a MUST: Always remember to take the puppy outside immediately after eating, play time, and sleep.

Make Time for Quality Time
Spending quality time with your puppy is important. Remember not to "wear out" a young pup with too much play time. Also, make sure that your pup is allowed to have quiet time as well. Parents of young children need to limit the amount of time that children can play with the puppy, at least until the pup is older.

Sign Up for Obedience School
At approximately four months of age, the pup is ready for basic obedience training. Spend some time in advance looking into the many options and facilities that are available to you. You can choose from individual or group training, and public or private sessions. Your vet may also be able to give you some recommendations. Be aware that you will be receiving training, as well as the pup. That's why an adult should always attend training sessions, even if the pup belongs to the child in the family.

Having a well-behaved, obedient dog is its own reward. Again, a schedule and routine is important. Typically obedience classes will be held once or twice a week and often include "homework." It is easy to tell which pup has been "practicing" during the week. Sometimes, it can be hard to work obedience training into our schedules, but it is well worth the time and effort. Schnoodles are so smart! Many times they are the smartest ones in the class!

Make Discipline a Positive Experience
The Schnoodle loves to please and simply beams when praised. Training can be fun because Schnoodles love new challenges! You'll be amazed at your pup's eagerness to learn new things—learning to sit, lay down, drop it, leave it, and chasing/fetching a toy, ball, or Frisbee. Add one at a time, mixing new games with games your pup already knows well. When he does not immediately learn something new, come back to it at a later date and try again. Your pup wants to please you and will try hard to do so. Your praise for a correct behavior is one of the most powerful motivators for your pup. Of course, treats work wonders, too!

Remember that you should NEVER hit, slap, or otherwise physically injure a puppy in an effort to discipline him. Such treatment does nothing more than cause a pup to cower and act fearfully, often resulting in life-long emotional scarring of the dog. Positive reinforcement of correct behavior is always a more productive form of discipline.

Enjoy the Human-Animal Bond
Your new puppy will provide many years of unconditional love to you and your family. He desires to be a member of your family, not just "the dog." If you're willing to invest the time, effort, patience, and attention that it takes to raise a puppy well, you will be rewarded many times over!