Articles written to help my puppy people raise their puppies right.
Dealing with behavior problems
Benefits of Spaying and Neutering
What to Teach Your New Puppy
At 8 weeks old, your puppy should begin learning...
1) His home and schedule.
2) Where his water dish is.
3) Where his food dish is.
4) What time he eats.
5) Where his bed is.
6) What time he goes to bed.
7) What time he gets up.
8) Where he goes to the bathroom.
9) When he will be taken out to the bathroom.
10) What time he goes for a walk.
11) Where his toys are kept.
Puppies love routines. They feel reassured and safe when they know where everything is and when they're on a predictable schedule. Routines reassure your puppy that, regardless of the unfamiliarity of his new world, everything is predictable. Routines reassure him that he knows what comes next, that his world is the same as it was yesterday, and that it will be the same tomorrow. Routines reassure him that YOU are dependable, that he can count on you to say and do the same things.
What "No" means. Use "No!" or "Ah-ah!" or "Stop that” To stop what he's doing. Do not use physical punishment, just a vocal correction is all that is needed. Draw the puppy’s attention away from what he is doing and distract him with a toy.
Housebreaking. An 8 week old puppy is still an infant. You can start introducing him to his bathroom spot and commit yourself to taking him out every couple of hours, but it will be several months before his internal organs are developed enough for reliability. They do not get good bladder and bowel control till they are about 12 weeks old.
Crate training. To go willingly into his crate and stay there quietly.
Being handled. Standing patiently (more or less!) while you brush his coat, sitting quietly while you clip his nails, opening his mouth while you brush his teeth. (Do not brush his teeth after 4 months of age, while they are teething their mouths are very sensitive. After they are 6 months old and have all their adult teeth in you can begin brushing them again)
Gentleness. To take things gently from your hand, and to release things on your request. No grabbing or biting or clinging to anything. Playing tug of war is a big NO NO, it only teaches the puppy to bite hard and hold objects when you want it.
At 3-4 months old, your puppy should begin learning...With the help of a puppy kindergarten class and a few treats:
1) To sit.
2) To lie down.
3) To look directly at you when you say his name.
4) To come when called. Always.
5) To never run away from you.
6) To walk politely on the leash.
7) To drop whatever is in his mouth when you tell him to.
8) To stop barking when you tell him to.
9) To get along with people and other animals.
At 4-6 months old, your puppy should begin learning...
1) To listen attentively when spoken to.
2) To wait at your door or gate when it opens. Even when there are distractions.
3) To play fetch -- to bring his ball or toy back to you after you throw it.
4) To stay lying down for a half-hour while you do normal household chores.
5) To greet guests politely.
6) To do tricks! Shake hands. Speak. Play dead. Roll over.
7) To recognize the individual names of all the members of your family -- and to search for someone who is hiding. Also known as Hide 'n Seek!
OWNERS: YOUR BEHAVIOR COUNTS, TOO!
Your puppy will turn out well if you...
1) If you use “No or “Ah-ah” appropriately and consistently and praise good behavior.
2) Use the right tones of voice and facial expressions when talking to your puppy
3) Teach your puppy to come when called. Everytime!
4) Socialize your puppy carefully with other animals and with strangers
5) Correct your puppy if he acts aggressively towards other dogs or strangers.
6) Give your puppy just the right amount of petting and cuddling
7) Never call your puppy to you for punishment, always go to him if he needs correcting.
8) Don’t make a big deal out of leaving the puppy alone, give him a cookie or new toy in his crate as you leave the house.
9) Talk to your puppy in ways that HE understands
10) Gently correct a squirming or fussing puppy while you are grooming him.
11) Use the right collar and leash for training
12) Teach your puppy to calm down when you decide playtime is over
13) Always have the puppy nap or sleep in the crate.
14) Housebreak your puppy slowly and carefully
15) Clean up accidents with the right cleaner so he won't be led to that spot again
16) Never leave your puppy unattended or loose in the house until you are sure he understands the house rules.
The more time you spend training your puppy the better he will grow up to be. Patience with your puppy will go a long way. Look for an obedience class that will start about the time your puppy reaches 12 weeks, puppy kindergarten classes are great for socialization and learning with distractions.
Déjà vu Kennels 2021