|
Click Here
for more Articles
|
|
|
|
Puppy
Training Tips for The First Week
|
|
by:
Ian White
|
Bringing home a puppy and introducing her to
your home is very exciting for everyone. The only one who may be
anxious about the situation will be the puppy. If you handle your puppy
properly when she arrives, she will quickly relax and want to settle
into her new home.
Prior to bringing your new puppy into your home, you should puppy proof
it. Take a look at your home from the puppy's viewpoint. Does that
potted plant sitting in front of the glass door look tempting? You may
want to consider moving it to a higher place. What about your favorite
collection of teddy bears, or magazines you have in a basket by the
sofa? They will most certainly raise the curiosity of your new puppy.
As you move these things out of your puppy's reach, remember it is only
for a short time. Once your new puppy has learned her place in the
family, you can put your things back where they go. Your life should
never be dictated by your puppy. However, by removing these curiosity
objects from the start, it will allow you to work with your puppy on
the basic training she will need to learn.
It is important to understand that as much as you want your new puppy
to be a part of your family, your puppy is still an animal. She will
take her cues from her environment. If she is allowed to have free run
of the home and access to everything, you are teaching her that she is
in charge. Dogs have instincts. The main instinct of dogs is to live in
a pack. Your new puppy will assume her new family is her pack. If she
picks up the clues that she is her own boss and she can do what she
wants, whenever she wants, she is being taught she is the leader of her
pack. It is much easier on everyone, including the dog, if she learns
from the moment she enters the home that she is not the leader and
dictator of the family.
One mistake people make is letting their puppy sleep in a utility room,
or kitchen. Dogs are from the wolf family, and really prefer to have a
den all their own. Some people assume placing a dog in a crate is
cruel. On the contrary, if crates are introduced properly, they will be
much loved by the puppy. When planning for a new puppy, do not go out
and buy the biggest crate you can find for your puppy thinking she will
grow into it. This is the worst mistake owner's make. A crate should be
large enough for your pet to stand up and turn around in. Puppies
usually learn from their mothers to not soil in their bed area. If the
crate is too large, your puppy may designate a portion of her crate for
sleeping, and the other half for soiling. You should also never place
your puppy's food and water in her crate.
When your puppy is first introduced to the crate, do not simply put her
inside and lock the door. This will greatly disturb her. (You should
place the crate in a room in your home where the family gathers. You
should not expect the puppy to walk through the entire house to the
back guest bedroom to nap. By having the crate in close proximity to
the family, the puppy will feel as if she is still hanging out with her
pack, even if she is inside her crate sleeping.) Place the crate where
it will stay, and simply open the door. You can place a towel in the
bottom, and a chew toy inside if you want. Some puppy's are very
curious. They will simply walk inside. Others may be a little more shy
with the crate. Give your puppy time to warm up to the crate. Once she
does enter the crate, praise her. You may want to give her crate a
name. When she enters the crate, you can repeat the crates name, and
give her a treat.
After your puppy has warmed up to her crate and has entered and exited
it a few times, you can close the door. She may whine and paw at the
door. She may even start yelping and barking. This is okay. Do not let
her out. After about ten minutes, you can open the door and pick her
up. Walk her directly to the area designated for pottying. You should
never let your puppy out of her crate and allow her to follow you
through the house to go outside. Most puppies will simply squat and go
where they please. Once you are outside, set her down. You would then
encourage her to potty. Choose a couple of words such as, "Go potty,"
of "Do your business." She will not have a clue as to what you are
saying, at first. But, after repeated attempts and with being given a
puppy treat and praise, she will learn what those words mean. Most
puppies will need to go out at least every hour during the first few
days to familiarize them with their potty area. This is a chance for
you to catch them doing their business where they need to. Lavish them
with praise.
The first few nights may make you wonder why you even brought the puppy
home. The repeated yelping and whining coming from the crate can
seriously upset many adults who need their sleep. You should look at
your new puppy as the baby in the family. Puppies less than four months
of age may need to go out once during the night. When she does, pick up
your pup and take her to her designated spot. After she has relieved
herself, place her promptly back into the crate. You should never play
with your puppy during the night time hours. This will only encourage
her to keep the yelping up. After a few days, your puppy will adjust to
the night time patterns of her "pack" and everyone will get more rest.
Most dogs are able to make it through the entire night without a potty
break around 18 weeks.
Some individuals may think it is harsh to scold a puppy. These
individuals may be the same people who have a dog running wild in their
home within a year. Dogs which aren't disciplined can wreck havoc on a
home. You may return to find a shredded couch, chewed up shoes, and
garbage strewn all over the place. If there are other pets in the home,
you should also consider their feelings. They will most likely be
intimidated by such a tyrant, and fights could commence while you are
away.
If you catch your puppy chewing on something she shouldn't, a firm "no"
is usually enough to stop her antics. As with other forms of training,
this may take a few days for her to learn. This is why you were advised
to move precious things away. Some people have a rolled up newspaper to
swat the puppy with if they refuse to heed a "no." The rolled up
newspaper does not hurt. It is simply loud, and it teaches the dog you
are the alpha in the family, and not her. If she were truly in a dog
pack, her alpha would nip her soundly. So, don't feel as if you are
mistreating her. In fact, most puppies seem to feel more secure when
they know their place.
The most important thing you can do with your puppy besides introducing
a crate immediately, instilling a potty routine, and teaching her what
"no" means, is to build the relationship with your new puppy. Get on
the floor and play with her. The bond will grow between you and she
will love you. This will make your puppy want to please you and be
obedient as well. This goes a long way when you start teaching her
other basic commands such as "stay" and "come."
About the author:
Author Ian White is founder of http://www.Dog-Breeders.biz.This
extensive online directory includes listings by private breeders,
kennel clubs, and occasional hobby or family breeders. Those seeking
dogs can locate and match with appropriate breeders. Dog-Breeders.biz
automates the matching of dogs for sale with puppy wanted entries, with
daily email notifications to all parties.
Dog lovers and breeders find more information.
Circulated by Article Emporium
|
|
