Puppies are playful, cute and cuddly. Puppies are also loud, messy and destructive.

It is important to understand your first night with your new puppy is the puppy’s first night away from their mother and siblings.

Until now, your puppy was dependent on his mother for food, protection and comfort. Now, your puppy is dependent on you.

It is up to you to provide them with the care necessary to keep them healthy.

They need nutritious food, plenty of attention, gentle training, safe toys, a comfortable home and proper veterinary care.

Understanding your puppy’s needs will ensure your puppy’s health and create a bond that will give them the right start as your healthy, happy companion for years to come.

Dogs are pack animals, and exhibit behaviors common only to pack animals.

In packs, there is a “pecking order” where one dog is most dominant, then the next dominant dog and then the next. The most submissive dog is at the bottom.

Your family becomes your puppy’s new pack. It is imperative your puppy is the most submissive in the new pack.

Certain training techniques will help each family member become dominant over their new puppy. These techniques will allow you to better enjoy your obedient and trainable puppy.

See your veterinarian to learn more about training your puppy.

Most puppies are part of the family and live indoors. House breaking isthe most important training any new puppy must learn.

Some puppies seem to become housebroken almost overnight, others take months.

On average, puppies are 12 weeks old when they have good control of their bladder.

Basic tips of house training start with taking your puppy outside frequently.

Praise them lavishly every time they eliminate outdoors.

Don’t allow your puppy to roam around the house unsupervised.

If you catch them having an accident, calmly and quickly take them outside, and praise them if they finish there.

If your puppy has an accident while you’re not looking, do not punish them. They will not understand.

Most importantly, establish a routine. Dogs have a unique sense of time and will begin to expect being let outside at specific times.

Timing is everything. Take your puppy outside immediately after eating, playing or napping.

Keeping a rigid schedule will prevent them from making mistakes in the house.

Be patient. Do not become discouraged. Some learn faster than others, but almost all puppies eventually become housebroken.

Crate training is one of the most effective techniques for housebreaking.

Crating your dog several times a day is an excellent way to housebreak your puppy. Dogs usually will not soil their sleeping quarters.

Use the crate for naps, nighttime sleeping and quiet-time breaks for your puppy to unwind.

Every time you take your puppy out of the crate, take them for a walk so they can eliminate.

Obedience training is teaching your puppy to sit, heel, stay and come. It all depends on how obedient you want your puppy to become.

Obedience training requires practice, persistence, patience and praise.

Puppies have short attention spans. It is best to train your puppy only for 10 minutes at a time and make sure you do it every day.

Puppy training is time consuming and requires your commitment.

If you are having problems with training, contact your veterinarian to ensure your puppy lives a long, healthy and happy life.

Dr. Jeff Castle is a veterinarian at Clark County Veterinary Clinic.