Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Expectant Parents: Preparing your Dog for a Growing Family
Many expectant parents are concerned about how bringing home a new baby will affect their other baby at home—the dog. The new routine and changed priorities that come with adding a baby to the family will certainly take some adjustment, but even more so when you add a spoiled family dog to the mix. The introduction can be a particular challenge when the dog is accustomed to being the center of attention. But you can take steps to make the big introduction go smoothly by gradually preparing your dog during the weeks and months leading up to the baby’s arrival.
As you meet the demands of caring for a new baby, your dog will likely begin to receive less attention than he is used to. He will also have to adjust to a plethora of curious new scents and sounds that will soon fill your household. Beginning in the weeks before the new baby is due to arrive, you may begin making gradual changes to prepare your dog for the changes to come. One way to prepare for the adjustment is to reduce the amount of time you play with the dog. While you should still fulfill your dog’s need for exercise according to his activity level, gradually reducing the amount of one-on-one time he receives will make the adjustment easier when the new baby begins consuming most of your time. The idea is to accustom your dog to a new routine so that he does not associate receiving less attention with the arrival of the baby.
Another way you can encourage a smooth transition is to introduce the dog to the scents that will become common in your household once the baby arrives. For example, use the baby’s lotion on your hands. Turn on the baby’s musical mobile occasionally. Introducing your dog to small anticipated changes can help alleviate the shock of too many changes at once.
If you have the option, introducing your dog to other babies, preferably in your home, can help with the introduction of your new baby. Some expectant parents start out by coddling a baby doll to instill in the dog the behavior that is expected when they are tending to the “baby.” You want to allow the dog to smell the baby, but obviously teach him not to jump, nip or otherwise react adversely to the baby. The point of this exercise is to give your dog a positive association with the baby, so it is important to speak to your dog in a calm, approving tone when he is demonstrating acceptable behavior while you are holding the baby. You do not want your dog to associate the presence of the baby with being scolded or ignored. And of course, always supervise when the dog is around a baby.
If your dog has had behavioral problems in the past, and especially if he has shown aggression, you should strongly consider obedience training before the baby arrives home. Training classes will not only help your dog understand the behavior you expect, but they also help dog owners understand what they are doing wrong in communicating with their dogs. Some training facilities offer courses specifically for the new baby situation.
Another piece of advice is to begin ahead of time enforcing the rules that will be in place once the new baby arrives home. For example, many new parents make the baby’s nursery off-limits to the dog. This rule should be enforced before the new baby arrives home.
Finally, be patient! The adjustment to a new family routine may take some time. Before long, the benefits of your efforts will shine through as your dog and child grow to become the best of friends.
About the Author: Dean Burton is the owner of MyDreamPuppy.com, a leading provider of dogs for sale. For more information, please visit www.MyDreamPuppy.com.
As you meet the demands of caring for a new baby, your dog will likely begin to receive less attention than he is used to. He will also have to adjust to a plethora of curious new scents and sounds that will soon fill your household. Beginning in the weeks before the new baby is due to arrive, you may begin making gradual changes to prepare your dog for the changes to come. One way to prepare for the adjustment is to reduce the amount of time you play with the dog. While you should still fulfill your dog’s need for exercise according to his activity level, gradually reducing the amount of one-on-one time he receives will make the adjustment easier when the new baby begins consuming most of your time. The idea is to accustom your dog to a new routine so that he does not associate receiving less attention with the arrival of the baby.
Another way you can encourage a smooth transition is to introduce the dog to the scents that will become common in your household once the baby arrives. For example, use the baby’s lotion on your hands. Turn on the baby’s musical mobile occasionally. Introducing your dog to small anticipated changes can help alleviate the shock of too many changes at once.
If you have the option, introducing your dog to other babies, preferably in your home, can help with the introduction of your new baby. Some expectant parents start out by coddling a baby doll to instill in the dog the behavior that is expected when they are tending to the “baby.” You want to allow the dog to smell the baby, but obviously teach him not to jump, nip or otherwise react adversely to the baby. The point of this exercise is to give your dog a positive association with the baby, so it is important to speak to your dog in a calm, approving tone when he is demonstrating acceptable behavior while you are holding the baby. You do not want your dog to associate the presence of the baby with being scolded or ignored. And of course, always supervise when the dog is around a baby.
If your dog has had behavioral problems in the past, and especially if he has shown aggression, you should strongly consider obedience training before the baby arrives home. Training classes will not only help your dog understand the behavior you expect, but they also help dog owners understand what they are doing wrong in communicating with their dogs. Some training facilities offer courses specifically for the new baby situation.
Another piece of advice is to begin ahead of time enforcing the rules that will be in place once the new baby arrives home. For example, many new parents make the baby’s nursery off-limits to the dog. This rule should be enforced before the new baby arrives home.
Finally, be patient! The adjustment to a new family routine may take some time. Before long, the benefits of your efforts will shine through as your dog and child grow to become the best of friends.
About the Author: Dean Burton is the owner of MyDreamPuppy.com, a leading provider of dogs for sale. For more information, please visit www.MyDreamPuppy.com.
Labels: dog new baby, dog training new baby, prepare dog for baby
Considering a Puppy? Consider these Expenses, too
Owning a dog is undoubtedly a rewarding experience, and also one that requires a high level of commitment and time. Part of that commitment is financial, so whether you can comfortably cover the expenses associated with dog ownership for years to come should be determined prior to bringing your puppy home.
The cost to care for a dog can be divided into two categories—one-time expenses and ongoing expenses. One-time expenses are those that will only cost you one initial investment. Some examples of one-time expenses are:
-Cost of the dog. There will likely be some cost associated with acquiring your dog, whether you are selecting from purebred puppies for sale or paying an adoption fee to an agency or shelter.
-Appropriately sized kennel or crate: When purchasing a crate for your puppy, be sure to consider her anticipated size as an adult to avoid another crate purchase down the road. Some kennels come with dividers that allow you to adjust the enclosure size as your puppy grows.
-Food and water bowls: A set of sturdy bowls in which to serve food and water to your dog will likely last throughout her lifetime.
-Leash: A high quality leash should last a long time. Purchase a quality leash of the appropriate length that is comfortable to hold to maximize this investment.
While the above products could be considered ongoing expenses if you replace them regularly, the following ongoing expenses will make up a bulk of the cost of caring for your puppy:
-Veterinary visits: The cost of health care is probably one of the largest financial commitments you will take on by bringing a puppy into your home. In addition to regular vaccinations and tests, you must also be prepared to take your dog to the veterinarian unexpectedly should she become ill or injured.
-Medications. Even when your dog is healthy, administering heartworm and topical flea medication is a must in many areas (ask your veterinarian whether they are necessary in your region). Most heartworm and flea medications are administered on a monthly basis, so staying stocked on these necessities is an expense that should not be overlooked.
-Training. Investing in training classes will bring long term benefits to your relationship with your dog. Starting training for your puppy at an early age is recommended, though a dog of any age can benefit from training classes.
-Dog Food: Obvious, but dog food is a true expense that should not be underestimated. Purchasing dog food over time can certainly add up. Be sure to consider the anticipated adult size of your dog in evaluating this expense, since large dogs typically consume a larger quantity of food than do smaller ones.
-Travel expenses. As a dog owner, you must arrange for your dog’s care while you are away. Even if your dog is traveling with you, there will most likely be costs associated with dog care while traveling. Consider how frequently you travel and what arrangements you will make for your dog in your absence when calculating the cost of dog care during travel.
-Toys and bones: While toys and bones are not necessities, most dog owners love to give their dogs these luxuries on occasion. When purchasing toys, aim for those that are practically indestructible to get the most from your investment.
Making an honest assessment of the financial responsibilities of dog ownership prior to bringing home your new puppy is essential. While there are many costs to consider in caring for a dog, most dog owners consider their canine companion to be well worth the time and expense.
About the Author: Dean Burton is the owner of MyDreamPuppy.com, a leading provider of puppies for sale. For more information, please visit www.MyDreamPuppy.com.
The cost to care for a dog can be divided into two categories—one-time expenses and ongoing expenses. One-time expenses are those that will only cost you one initial investment. Some examples of one-time expenses are:
-Cost of the dog. There will likely be some cost associated with acquiring your dog, whether you are selecting from purebred puppies for sale or paying an adoption fee to an agency or shelter.
-Appropriately sized kennel or crate: When purchasing a crate for your puppy, be sure to consider her anticipated size as an adult to avoid another crate purchase down the road. Some kennels come with dividers that allow you to adjust the enclosure size as your puppy grows.
-Food and water bowls: A set of sturdy bowls in which to serve food and water to your dog will likely last throughout her lifetime.
-Leash: A high quality leash should last a long time. Purchase a quality leash of the appropriate length that is comfortable to hold to maximize this investment.
While the above products could be considered ongoing expenses if you replace them regularly, the following ongoing expenses will make up a bulk of the cost of caring for your puppy:
-Veterinary visits: The cost of health care is probably one of the largest financial commitments you will take on by bringing a puppy into your home. In addition to regular vaccinations and tests, you must also be prepared to take your dog to the veterinarian unexpectedly should she become ill or injured.
-Medications. Even when your dog is healthy, administering heartworm and topical flea medication is a must in many areas (ask your veterinarian whether they are necessary in your region). Most heartworm and flea medications are administered on a monthly basis, so staying stocked on these necessities is an expense that should not be overlooked.
-Training. Investing in training classes will bring long term benefits to your relationship with your dog. Starting training for your puppy at an early age is recommended, though a dog of any age can benefit from training classes.
-Dog Food: Obvious, but dog food is a true expense that should not be underestimated. Purchasing dog food over time can certainly add up. Be sure to consider the anticipated adult size of your dog in evaluating this expense, since large dogs typically consume a larger quantity of food than do smaller ones.
-Travel expenses. As a dog owner, you must arrange for your dog’s care while you are away. Even if your dog is traveling with you, there will most likely be costs associated with dog care while traveling. Consider how frequently you travel and what arrangements you will make for your dog in your absence when calculating the cost of dog care during travel.
-Toys and bones: While toys and bones are not necessities, most dog owners love to give their dogs these luxuries on occasion. When purchasing toys, aim for those that are practically indestructible to get the most from your investment.
Making an honest assessment of the financial responsibilities of dog ownership prior to bringing home your new puppy is essential. While there are many costs to consider in caring for a dog, most dog owners consider their canine companion to be well worth the time and expense.
About the Author: Dean Burton is the owner of MyDreamPuppy.com, a leading provider of puppies for sale. For more information, please visit www.MyDreamPuppy.com.
Labels: cost of dog, cost of dog ownership, dog hidden costs, puppy costs
Crate Training your Puppy
Why Crate Train?
Crate training your dog brings with it numerous benefits, starting in puppyhood and lasting throughout his lifetime. Proper crate training is essential to developing a positive association that will lead your dog to willingly enter his crate. Throughout his life, your puppy will likely be in several situations requiring him to spend at least some time in a crate, such as going to the veterinarian, being boarded while you are away, traveling by plane and staying in hotels. Crate training your dog early on will help ensure that he fully cooperates in these situations and does not feel unnecessary stress as a result of them.
Bear in mind that dogs in the wild sleep in dens, which are usually fairly small enclosed areas where they feel safe and secure. Your dog’s crate should fulfill this exact purpose, satisfying his natural instinct to rest in a safe haven. Crate training can also help with housebreaking because it works with dogs’ natural instinct to avoid soiling their sleeping areas. Crating your dog can also prevent destructive chewing caused by boredom or separation anxiety and can keep him away from hazards such as dangerous household chemicals when you are away.
Creating a Positive Association
Ensuring that your puppy has a positive association with his kennel is of utmost importance in crate training. If he considers his crate punishment or associates it with loneliness, he will not want to go into the crate. Many dogs who have been properly crate trained actually enjoy their crates, and will use them willingly to sleep at night or nap during the day. To help create a positive crate experience for your pooch, consider the following tips:
-Place the crate in a social location of your home. Keeping the crate in the living room or otherwise near the action of the family will help your puppy create a positive association. You do not want the puppy to feel that his crate is a place where he gets isolated from the family. Stock the crate with toys, chews and a soft bed (or towel/sheet) for comfort.
-Start slowly. Begin by tossing a treat into the crate and cheerily instructing your puppy to get the treat. Refrain from shutting the door of the crate just yet. Instead, praise your puppy for entering the crate and allow him to freely enter and exit.
-Use a one word command for instructing your dog to enter his kennel. This can be as simple as “kennel” or “house.” Use the command along with enthusiastic praise each time the dog enters the crate, even if he is only going for a treat you have placed inside. Never force him into the crate. Before long your dog will obediently enter the crate when he hears the command.
-Do not leave him alone right away. While your puppy is adjusting to his crate, help create a positive association by not leaving him alone just yet. Once your puppy is comfortable entering and relaxing in the crate, begin by closing the crate for brief periods of time while you are at home. Continue the positive reinforcement by praising him while he is in the crate. This will help prevent your puppy from thinking that the crate is only used when he is going to be left alone.
A crate should never be used to punish a dog. Additionally, do not let your dog out of the crate simply because he is crying or barking. This will only teach him that barking and crying will result in getting what he wants, and he will repeat the behavior. Just as you positively reinforce your dog for good behavior, such as entering the crate voluntarily, you should refrain from reinforcing behavior that is unacceptable.
About the Author: Dean Burton is the owner of MyDreamPuppy.com, a leading provider of dogs for sale. For more information, please visit www.MyDreamPuppy.com.
Crate training your dog brings with it numerous benefits, starting in puppyhood and lasting throughout his lifetime. Proper crate training is essential to developing a positive association that will lead your dog to willingly enter his crate. Throughout his life, your puppy will likely be in several situations requiring him to spend at least some time in a crate, such as going to the veterinarian, being boarded while you are away, traveling by plane and staying in hotels. Crate training your dog early on will help ensure that he fully cooperates in these situations and does not feel unnecessary stress as a result of them.
Bear in mind that dogs in the wild sleep in dens, which are usually fairly small enclosed areas where they feel safe and secure. Your dog’s crate should fulfill this exact purpose, satisfying his natural instinct to rest in a safe haven. Crate training can also help with housebreaking because it works with dogs’ natural instinct to avoid soiling their sleeping areas. Crating your dog can also prevent destructive chewing caused by boredom or separation anxiety and can keep him away from hazards such as dangerous household chemicals when you are away.
Creating a Positive Association
Ensuring that your puppy has a positive association with his kennel is of utmost importance in crate training. If he considers his crate punishment or associates it with loneliness, he will not want to go into the crate. Many dogs who have been properly crate trained actually enjoy their crates, and will use them willingly to sleep at night or nap during the day. To help create a positive crate experience for your pooch, consider the following tips:
-Place the crate in a social location of your home. Keeping the crate in the living room or otherwise near the action of the family will help your puppy create a positive association. You do not want the puppy to feel that his crate is a place where he gets isolated from the family. Stock the crate with toys, chews and a soft bed (or towel/sheet) for comfort.
-Start slowly. Begin by tossing a treat into the crate and cheerily instructing your puppy to get the treat. Refrain from shutting the door of the crate just yet. Instead, praise your puppy for entering the crate and allow him to freely enter and exit.
-Use a one word command for instructing your dog to enter his kennel. This can be as simple as “kennel” or “house.” Use the command along with enthusiastic praise each time the dog enters the crate, even if he is only going for a treat you have placed inside. Never force him into the crate. Before long your dog will obediently enter the crate when he hears the command.
-Do not leave him alone right away. While your puppy is adjusting to his crate, help create a positive association by not leaving him alone just yet. Once your puppy is comfortable entering and relaxing in the crate, begin by closing the crate for brief periods of time while you are at home. Continue the positive reinforcement by praising him while he is in the crate. This will help prevent your puppy from thinking that the crate is only used when he is going to be left alone.
A crate should never be used to punish a dog. Additionally, do not let your dog out of the crate simply because he is crying or barking. This will only teach him that barking and crying will result in getting what he wants, and he will repeat the behavior. Just as you positively reinforce your dog for good behavior, such as entering the crate voluntarily, you should refrain from reinforcing behavior that is unacceptable.
About the Author: Dean Burton is the owner of MyDreamPuppy.com, a leading provider of dogs for sale. For more information, please visit www.MyDreamPuppy.com.
Labels: crate train dog, crate train puppy, crate training
Preparing to Bring your Puppy Home
Bringing a new puppy into your household is a big commitment. First-time puppy owners are often filled with questions about how to care for their furry new companions. Preparing your home for a puppy before you bring her home will help ensure that you and your puppy adjust smoothly to the new living arrangement.
The following checklist is designed to help new puppy owners prepare for the arrival of a furry new family member:
-Purchase puppy food, water and food bowls, a collar and a leash before bringing the puppy home. These basic items are essential for any dog owner. Other items you may want to consider are a bed, house training pads, treats, grooming items, cleanup bags, carpet/upholstery cleaner and puppy-safe chews.
-Puppy Proof the house. Puppies are bursting with curiosity, and chewing is one way they explore objects. Unfortunately, your puppy will not come equipped with the ability to distinguish between his chew toy and your expensive shoes. Therefore, removing items you do not want your puppy to leave a mark on is an important step of puppy proofing your home. Some tips for puppy proofing are:
1. Remove stray items from the floor of your home and plan to keep the area clutter free throughout puppyhood (shoes, clothing and children’s toys are good examples).
2. Cover, remove or put away electrical cords that are within your puppy’s reach.
3. Keep all household cleaners, insect poisons and other chemicals safely stowed away.
4. Ensure that any plants in your home are safe by checking with your veterinarian.
5. Pay close attention to potential hazards in the outdoor area of your home as well.
-Stock up on chew toys. The more chew toys your puppy has access to, the less likely she will be to chew on your valuable possessions. Chewing is a natural instinct for dogs, and especially young puppies. Praise your puppy when she chews on toys that are hers and she will soon learn what is fair game and what is off limits.
-Purchase an appropriate sized crate. If you plan to crate train your dog, puppyhood is the best time to do so. Crate training allows your dog to adjust to being in a crate so that she will exhibit good behavior in situations such as being boarded, flying on a plane and going to the vet, when being in a kennel may be unavoidable. It is important to instill a positive association with the crate and never use it for punishment. Many dogs learn to love their crates and use them willingly for naps or sleeping at night. For more information about crate training, please see our Crate Training your Puppy.
-Establish rules to live by. Your puppy will understand the rules of the household much quicker if they are consistent from the start. Decide on the rules by which your puppy must abide before bringing her home. For example, is she allowed on the furniture? Will she sleep in your bed at night? What area will she be confined to as a puppy? Instilling structure immediately will prevent your puppy from developing bad habits that will become increasingly frustrating as she grows older.
Puppies are wonderfully energetic and curious, and surprises are part of the adventure of having one in your home. Even if you carefully check off each item on this list and feel completely prepared for the arrival of your new canine companion, your puppy may find mischief in places you have overlooked. Be sure to supervise your puppy at all times when she is roaming free in your home.
About the Author: Dean Burton is the owner of MyDreamPuppy.com, a leading provider of dogs for sale. For more information, please visit www.MyDreamPuppy.com.
The following checklist is designed to help new puppy owners prepare for the arrival of a furry new family member:
-Purchase puppy food, water and food bowls, a collar and a leash before bringing the puppy home. These basic items are essential for any dog owner. Other items you may want to consider are a bed, house training pads, treats, grooming items, cleanup bags, carpet/upholstery cleaner and puppy-safe chews.
-Puppy Proof the house. Puppies are bursting with curiosity, and chewing is one way they explore objects. Unfortunately, your puppy will not come equipped with the ability to distinguish between his chew toy and your expensive shoes. Therefore, removing items you do not want your puppy to leave a mark on is an important step of puppy proofing your home. Some tips for puppy proofing are:
1. Remove stray items from the floor of your home and plan to keep the area clutter free throughout puppyhood (shoes, clothing and children’s toys are good examples).
2. Cover, remove or put away electrical cords that are within your puppy’s reach.
3. Keep all household cleaners, insect poisons and other chemicals safely stowed away.
4. Ensure that any plants in your home are safe by checking with your veterinarian.
5. Pay close attention to potential hazards in the outdoor area of your home as well.
-Stock up on chew toys. The more chew toys your puppy has access to, the less likely she will be to chew on your valuable possessions. Chewing is a natural instinct for dogs, and especially young puppies. Praise your puppy when she chews on toys that are hers and she will soon learn what is fair game and what is off limits.
-Purchase an appropriate sized crate. If you plan to crate train your dog, puppyhood is the best time to do so. Crate training allows your dog to adjust to being in a crate so that she will exhibit good behavior in situations such as being boarded, flying on a plane and going to the vet, when being in a kennel may be unavoidable. It is important to instill a positive association with the crate and never use it for punishment. Many dogs learn to love their crates and use them willingly for naps or sleeping at night. For more information about crate training, please see our Crate Training your Puppy.
-Establish rules to live by. Your puppy will understand the rules of the household much quicker if they are consistent from the start. Decide on the rules by which your puppy must abide before bringing her home. For example, is she allowed on the furniture? Will she sleep in your bed at night? What area will she be confined to as a puppy? Instilling structure immediately will prevent your puppy from developing bad habits that will become increasingly frustrating as she grows older.
Puppies are wonderfully energetic and curious, and surprises are part of the adventure of having one in your home. Even if you carefully check off each item on this list and feel completely prepared for the arrival of your new canine companion, your puppy may find mischief in places you have overlooked. Be sure to supervise your puppy at all times when she is roaming free in your home.
About the Author: Dean Burton is the owner of MyDreamPuppy.com, a leading provider of dogs for sale. For more information, please visit www.MyDreamPuppy.com.
Labels: puppy checklist, puppy preparation, puppy proof, puppy supplies
Thursday, May 8, 2008
New Puppy Guide: Be a Leader from Day One
Bringing your new puppy home marks the start of a long and rewarding companionship. Just as you and other members of your household must adjust to life with the new puppy, the puppy has to adapt to his role in a new family. The routine and habits your puppy develops at this crucial early stage can carry into adulthood, making it extremely important that he learn acceptable behavior from the moment he arrives at his new home.
Regardless of the human-like qualities you assign to your new family member, it is important to remember that he is still a dog, ingrained with the same instincts as a wolf in the wild. Instinct guides all of the decisions your puppy makes. Dogs in the wild fall into one of two roles—leader or follower. If your puppy does not view you as the leader of his pack, instinct will lead him to assume that role himself. A dog who considers himself the leader of your pack, or receives confusing signals about who leads and who follows, is likely to demonstrate unwanted behavior. Some behavior that may indicate that a dog is acting as leader are jumping on people, pulling when on a leash, and ignoring commands. A dog who understands that you are the leader will look to you for guidance and adhere to the boundaries you set.
A common mistake new puppy owners make is allowing the puppy free reign, and then attempting to discipline the dog when he gets older and exhibits unwanted behavior. In doing so, the dog owner is sending mixed signals to the dog. Establishing an environment of structure and discipline and enforcing it at all times can prevent this pattern. Even when the puppy is very young and harmless, it is important to enforce the same boundaries as you will when he is an adult dog. If you do not want a 75 pound Labrador stretched out on your sofa for the next ten years, it is best not to allow him on the furniture as a puppy.
Besides sending clear signals to your puppy about who is in charge, it is imperative that you and every member of your household are consistent in enforcing the rules. Determine what areas of your home are off limits and what boundaries you will enforce before even bringing the puppy home. It is certainly easier to make your dog understand boundaries that are in effect from the start than to attempt to reverse habits that you have already allowed the dog to develop. Be sure to praise the puppy when he is behaving appropriately. Every member of your household must be committed to assuming a leadership role and enforcing the same rules when it comes to taking care of the puppy.
Being the leader of the pack can mean the difference between a healthy, mutually beneficial relationship with your dog and an unbearable one. Structured training with a professional can be helpful to both dog and owner in establishing roles and discipline. A healthy relationship in which the dog respects his human’s role as leader begins the first day you welcome the puppy into your home.
About the Author: Dean Burton is the owner of MyDreamPuppy.com, a leading provider of puppies for sale. For more information, please visit www.MyDreamPuppy.com.
Regardless of the human-like qualities you assign to your new family member, it is important to remember that he is still a dog, ingrained with the same instincts as a wolf in the wild. Instinct guides all of the decisions your puppy makes. Dogs in the wild fall into one of two roles—leader or follower. If your puppy does not view you as the leader of his pack, instinct will lead him to assume that role himself. A dog who considers himself the leader of your pack, or receives confusing signals about who leads and who follows, is likely to demonstrate unwanted behavior. Some behavior that may indicate that a dog is acting as leader are jumping on people, pulling when on a leash, and ignoring commands. A dog who understands that you are the leader will look to you for guidance and adhere to the boundaries you set.
A common mistake new puppy owners make is allowing the puppy free reign, and then attempting to discipline the dog when he gets older and exhibits unwanted behavior. In doing so, the dog owner is sending mixed signals to the dog. Establishing an environment of structure and discipline and enforcing it at all times can prevent this pattern. Even when the puppy is very young and harmless, it is important to enforce the same boundaries as you will when he is an adult dog. If you do not want a 75 pound Labrador stretched out on your sofa for the next ten years, it is best not to allow him on the furniture as a puppy.
Besides sending clear signals to your puppy about who is in charge, it is imperative that you and every member of your household are consistent in enforcing the rules. Determine what areas of your home are off limits and what boundaries you will enforce before even bringing the puppy home. It is certainly easier to make your dog understand boundaries that are in effect from the start than to attempt to reverse habits that you have already allowed the dog to develop. Be sure to praise the puppy when he is behaving appropriately. Every member of your household must be committed to assuming a leadership role and enforcing the same rules when it comes to taking care of the puppy.
Being the leader of the pack can mean the difference between a healthy, mutually beneficial relationship with your dog and an unbearable one. Structured training with a professional can be helpful to both dog and owner in establishing roles and discipline. A healthy relationship in which the dog respects his human’s role as leader begins the first day you welcome the puppy into your home.
About the Author: Dean Burton is the owner of MyDreamPuppy.com, a leading provider of puppies for sale. For more information, please visit www.MyDreamPuppy.com.
Labels: new puppy tips, pack leader, puppy training tips
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