New Puppy tips

What you can do now to prevent problem behaviors in the future:

Trim your puppy’s nails. If your dog’s nails click on the floor, they are too long and need to be cut immediately. Early positive exposure to toe nail trims will make this necessary task easy for the life of your dog. During the socialization period (8 weeks of age until 16 weeks of age), I recommend weekly nail trims. I recommend monthly nail trims for the life of your dog.

Expose your puppy to lots of new people and vaccinated, healthy dogs. Socialization is vital for your puppy. Dogs are naturally fearful of things that they have not been exposed to during this important time.

If your puppy reacts fearfully, do not console him. He or she will overcome the fear faster by not being consoled. Remember, only share affection when your dog is in a calm submissive state of mind. Your calming words only make your dog more likely to return to that fearful state.

Expose your puppy to bath time. Teach your dog to jump in the bathtub by tossing treats into the tub. Give treats frequently during the first few baths to create a positive experience.

Calm greetings of guests and family members. Do not encourage over-excitement. Give affection after the walk when your dog is calm.

What to do when your dog is chewing on your things:

This is a two part process. First, you need to get the forbidden item without teaching your dog that it is fun to run off with it. Secondly, you must teach your dog to respect that item and that it is not their chew toy.

Don’t rush at your dog when he is chewing on something he shouldn’t- you will only encourage him to run away from you. Instead, calmly approach your dog and trade the object for a treat or a toy. By chasing after the dog, you are merely reinforcing the idea that he can run away with it. To your dog this seems to be a great game.

Expose your dog to the forbidden item so your dog learns that it does not belong to him. The next time you are watching television, put the item on the floor next to a pile of toys. Place your dog on a leash to prevent your dog from running off with the forbidden item. When your dog puts a toy in its mouth, praise exuberantly. If your dog heads toward the forbidden item, say no (in a deep tone)and redirect with the leash.

For furniture and other household items, use a taste deterrent spray.

If your puppy is struggling with differentiating from the children's toys and his own, scent mark the pup's toys with almond or vanilla extract.

For great dog bones and interactive dog toys, visit the Links page.

Keys to potty training:

There are three parts to potty training. First, your puppy needs to learn that it is good to go potty outside. Secondly, it is unacceptable to go potty inside. Lastly, your dog needs to learn what to do to get your attention to go outside when the need arises.

Supervision. Supervision. Supervision.When you cannot actively watch your puppy, make sure that his roaming area is small. You can utilize the crate, attach your puppy to your belt loop with a leash or set up a puppy station by leashing your dog to the leg of the couch with his toys and appropriate chew toys. This eliminates wandering off and increases your dog's likelihood that he will alert you for potty time.

Control what goes in and you will soon be able to predict when it needs to go out. Allow your dog 30 minutes to eat. (Remember the dog's stomach, unlike our own was originally intended to be empty for a day and completely full the next day. Your dog will quickly adjust to this new routine.) Additionally, I recommend controlling your puppy's water intake. Within 10 minutes of drinking water, an 8 week old puppy will need to go outside. Since your pup is in a climate controlled home, I suggest keeping your clean, cold bowl of water outside on the patio and offering it 6 to 8 times a day or every time you take your dog outside.

The kennel is your friend. To teach your dog that the kennel is his space, I suggest that you feed your dog in the crate. A common myth is that dogs do not potty where they sleep. More accurately, they do not potty where they eat. Feeding in the kennel, helps eliminate accidents.

Praise. Praise. Praise. During the act of your puppy doing his business outside, praise enthusiastically. Make sure your neighbors can hear your exuberant praise. Avoid giving treats or tidbits as this starts the digestive process all over again. If you catch your dog in the act of 'going' in the house (it must be during the act and you must be within 5 feet of your dog), say no in a stern, low tone and immediately, pick up your puppy and rush him outside. Since you interrupted him, he will finish outside, when he does praise, praise, praise. If you not within 5 feet of your dog, keep a closer eye on your puppy. It is never okay to loose your temper, hit your dog or rub his nose in the accident.

Create a schedule specific to your family and your puppy. Some puppies have to go potty immediately after eating and some do not. Having a schedule helps you determine the specifics about your dog.

Teach your dog to signal you when they need to go out. Every time you walk toward the door to take your puppy outside to go potty, say "Go potty outside?". While your dog is in the act of going potty outside, say "Good dog! Go potty outside!!" After a few weeks, ask your dog “Go potty outside?” without motioning to the door. Once your dog understands what this means, you will quickly learn the different responses to this question. If your dog gets happy and heads to the door, take your dog out. If your dog just looks at you, then your dog does not need to go outside.