How to Endure a Puppy's First Year
Training Tips that will turn Troublesome Puppies into Perfect Dogs
Jun 22, 2009
Puppies are obviously very cute, compelling creatures. Their adorable faces and playful temperaments draw many people into adopting them and bringing them home. However, once home puppy owners often find that their charges are an immense amount of work. They chew everything in site, sometimes bite, whine or cry and require massive energy to take care of, especially if they are one of the more active breeds. There are ways, fortunately, to minimize the stress of a new puppy so that they can grow into a wonderful companionate dog.
Diminishing a Puppy's Biting and Nipping
Like babies, puppies are teething and discovering their mouths. They have to be taught however, that biting and nipping is painful and not an appropriate way to interact with humans. If the puppy puts his mouth on its owner's hand, the owner should distract it with a toy. When the puppy bites, one should yelp audibly and then walk away. The puppy will soon learn that it will have no playmates if it acts in this manner. One can also put the puppy in its crate when it does such things and ignore it for a period of time.
Crating a Puppy
The crate can be viewed as a kind of crib. Puppies can become too hyperactive and then they require some down time. Putting them in the crate allows them to be contained within a familiar environment. Usually when in this space, they will quiet down after a period of barking or whining and sleep. The crate should not be used as punishment, but as rest time. Using a crate for the puppy will also help the owner take them to the vet or travel with them as they will have become accustomed to this form of confinement.
Disciplining a Puppy for Destructive Behaviors
The best thing to do is to never leave a puppy alone and unattended in an area where it can cause irreparable damage. If a puppy is left by itself for a period of time, it will inevitably seek to amuse itself by gnawing something. When the puppy does this, there is no point in yelling or rubbing its nose in the mess. The puppy will likely have no memory of the destructive act.
If the puppy is caught in the act, then they can be told "No Chew!" and given something alternative to chew on. Reward their positive behavior. Pigs' ears or other healthy, sturdy things to gnaw should suffice to fulfill the puppy's need to bite down on things.
When the puppy barks in the house, saying "No Bark!" should work over time. If it's barking too much outside, bring it in to avoid disturbing the neighbours. Digging is another problematic behavior. Creating a digging pit as an alternative is one idea. Otherwise, such behaviors are difficult to break the puppy of unless the owner is home all the time to supervise its activities. Dissuading through distraction is always a better course of action than punishment.
For behaviors like mounting, especially if the puppy attempts to mount small children, or for nasty habits like feces eating, shaking a tin can full of pebbles or using an air horn can work if the puppy doesn't see the owner make the sound. The puppy must associate the sound with the act, rather than with the owner.
Having Fun with the Puppy
Accustom the puppy to being played with in a gentle, enjoyable way. Don't play tug of war or other aggressive games as it will not be able to distinguish between that and fighting. Get the puppy used to having its coat washed, brushed, its ears cleaned and its nails trimmed. Once it does, such activities will be a relaxing way of bonding between the owner and the dog rather than a struggle.
Throw balls or ropes for the puppy. Teach it how to sit, shake a paw, lie down, heel and leave things alone using treats and encouragement. Spend time snuggling with the puppy and reminding it that, despite the current level of stress it may cause you, you still love it and know that it will soon grow into a pleasant, manageable friend.
 |
