I have had the privilege of starting many new pups. It is always a learning experience, for they are all different. But there are some things that don’t change, the fact that they are a pack animal. Their ability to read body language and use body language to communicate. I call it “Dog 101".
I have found that most people are not aware of this very important factor. Most pups know more about you within the first twenty four hours, then you do about them! Here are just a few things to be aware of to get that llittle ball of fur, commonly called a puppy, started off on the right paw!
* Pups are NOT little people in fur coats. Don't treat them like a person. They don't think like we do.
* You may think that you are telling your pup you love it, when you may really be telling it by your actions that you are NOT the leader. Example: You respond to everything that the pup wants you to do, makes you a servant and NOT the leader.
* Because of their den habits, it is wise to crate train or confine the pup to a small area, feed them there. It’s a pleasant experience. Don't leave food down for free choice. It makes it harder to house train them. NOTE: 70% of dogs fed by the free choice method are more apt to bite!
* Know ahead of time what you DON’T want that pup doing as an adult dog, and DON’T let it do that as a puppy.
* It’s easier to not let a behavior get started then to change it when the dog is older.
* Example: Putting the puppy up on the bed or furniture, this also isn’t showing leadership. If you really want the pup on the bed or furniture, invite the pup up, that shows leadership.
* You will never be equal with the dog you have to either be the leader or the follower.
* Get your pup on a quality holistic dog food, not the commercial brands, or start the pup on the best, a raw diet. You’ll have a lot less problems in every area, not just in health issues either.
* The pup has four legs, make sure that you let him use them, and don’t carry it everywhere.
* Expose your pup to a variety of situations in different places having a pleasant experience, including loud noises.
* Socialize your pup with other pups, dogs, cats etc. while it is young and keep it up, that way you won’t have an animal that is afraid or aggressive of other pets.
* The moment you pick up your pup to bring it home, everything that you do with it will be training. So make sure you are teaching the pup what you want it to learn!
* If your pup does something once it will do it again, guaranteed! If you don’t like what it’s doing, don’t let the pup repeat the behavior.
* You will get the pup trained faster and much happier if you use positive rewards and motivation. You don’t want to correct all of the time. So watch your pup all of the time to avoid unwanted behavior and reward good behavior. You want to show and tell your pup what is good and reward that more then scold and punish for doing something you don’t like.
I hope this helps you out with your new ball of fur, what's that called? Oh, that's right, a puppy! Good Luck!
Here's to your successful pet relationship!
Tracy/twriter
