Puppies
bring joy to a home. They make us smile, they make us laugh. But if you’re not
prepared for the work involved to raise one, they can also make you cry. Every year, thousands of people plunge into
puppy ownership without a realistic idea of the work involved to raise one. Puppy ownership can give us plenty to chat about
around the water cooler: “You’ll never guess what Sparky decided to eat this
morning!” And sometimes expressions of regret: “What was I thinking when I
brought home this little bundle of energy!?”
As a
professional dog trainer for over two decades, I’ve seen some really good puppy
parenting, and some, well, not as good. In
spite of an unlimited number of puppy-how-to books and Internet tips, things
don’t always go smoothly. Add to that
the barrage of advice from well-meaning friends and relatives, and the result
could be confusion and frustration for you and your new best friend.
Raising a
puppy is a lot of work, much more than can be condensed into a few “Easy Tips.”
But after helping thousands of puppies and their owners over the years, I believe
there are some things that rank at the top of the list if you want to
dramatically raise the odds of a stress-free puppy experience:
·
Focus
on what you want the puppy to do, not just what you want the puppy to stop
doing. A puppy explores the world
through the eyes of a predator (chase, hunt, chew, forage). Teach the puppy how
to use that energy and drive in a human
world. Teach your puppy what to do, and you won’t have to spend as much time
teaching him not what not to do. Supervision – and holding a 6 foot leash
attached to the puppy not just outside but inside
the home - is a simple but overlooked tool.
·
Use
a crate. When puppy can’t be on a leash, he should be safely confined in a
kennel crate. I know that many people
are turned off to the idea of crating a puppy. They think it’s mean to lock
that cute little ball of fur in a cage.
But a crate is the best gift one can give their puppy. It’s a place of
peace and safety, working in harmony with the natural denning instincts of a
dog. Plus, puppies need a lot of sleep and crates gives them the opportunity to
get it. Also, with the proper use of a
crate, housebreaking will be much easier.
·
Use
the puppy’s name to gain her attention - for example, before giving an
obedience command - but never to scold.
If you use the puppy’s name to scold
(e.g. “Molly NO! Molly OUT! Molly OFF!”) you’re teaching her that her name
signals a conflict with the owner.
·
Socialization.
At Canine Dimensions we call this the “Rule of 120.” Your puppy should meet 100
friendly people and 20 friendly dogs before 6 months of age. Most aggressive
behavior that trainers encounter among adult dogs is the result of failing to
create a positive imprint on the young mind at an early age. It is much easier
to prevent aggression than to treat it. The most important thing to teach your
puppy at a young age is that other dogs and people are fun to be with and are no
threat.
· Take your time!
Training should begin the moment you bring your puppy home, but it doesn’t have
to be completed in a hurry. There are
several developmental stages that puppies go through. For example, from age 8 to 11 weeks anything
that frightens the puppy will have a more lasting effect than if it occurred at
any other time. This is known as the “Fear Imprint Period.” From about 4 to 8 months of age a puppy will
test its wings. He may challenge you in an attempt to decide who’s in charge.
Also, he will be uncomfortable because his adult teeth are growing in. Make
sure he always has lots of acceptable “doggy” things to chew on, or he will find
your new iPhone to chew on.
·
Finally,
a few words about walking on a leash at a young age. The pup should learn to enjoy
the walk. Watch for any fear or shyness on leash and help your puppy work
through this without coddling him. Just keep your head up, lead the walk and
act natural. Stopping to talk to him at a moment of hesitation will send the
wrong signal. Instead of pulling or popping the leash of a lagging puppy, use a
happy tone of voice and your body language to get the puppy moving. (Note: No long jogging with a young puppy. The
puppy’s skeletal system is not mature enough for repetitive exercises like
jogging until around 12 to 18 months of age depending on breed. Check with your
vet before jogging, rollerblading or using a treadmill with a puppy or an
adolescent dog.)
Work with
and respect your puppy’s natural instincts and drives, instead of battling
them. Help your puppy channel those drives into healthy, fun activities and
both of you will enjoy the puppy parenting experience!
