Many owners adopt puppies without realizing the amount of time and effort involved with raising them. Consequently, the animals often develop behavioral problems that persist into adulthood. Owners can avoid such issues if they take the right approach while their puppies are developing.
It can be difficult for owners to know what to do in a variety of circumstances. For example, should you allow your pet to be around other animals prior to receiving his first vaccinations? When should you introduce him to a collar and leash? And how should approach housetraining for lasting results? We'll cover these and other questions below.
The Right Time To Socialize Your Pup
Socialization is an important part of your pup's development. The experiences he has early in his life will shape his perception of others down the road. If he meets a variety of people and animals when he's young, and enjoys the interaction, he'll be more likely to accept them as an adult. The question is, when is the right time to socialize him?
A lot of people wait until their puppies are a few months old. Some wait even longer, thinking their pets shouldn't be exposed to other animals until they have received their vaccinations. Most veterinarians suggest the same. However, consider that the first three months of your dog's life are among the most influential. Supervised meetings between him and a vaccinated dog are not only safe, but can be a valuable experience.
Acclimating Your Pet To A Collar And Leash
It's a good idea to acclimate your puppy to a collar as early as possible. Otherwise, he may eventually become unmanageable. When you first place it around his neck, he will likely try to remove it because the sensation is unfamiliar to him. Make him continue wearing it; he will slowly become accustomed to the collar, especially if it is lightweight.
After a few days, attach a leash to his collar. Let him walk around your home, dragging the leash behind him. When he seems comfortable with it, pick it up and hold it. This will communicate to your puppy that you are his leader.
Housetraining Your Puppy
Puppies cannot hold their bladders as long as adult canines. Thus, they need plenty of opportunities to urinate throughout the day. Most will be capable of controlling their bladders for a period of hours equal to their age in months, plus one. So, a 4-month-old pup should be able to hold his bladder for five hours. He may be able to do so a little longer during the evening when he is less active.
From the beginning, choose a designated area outside your home, and lead your puppy there each time he needs to urinate or defecate. Keep the areas as clean as possible. Also, lead your pup to the same spot with every change in his activity. This includes when he wakes up, finishes meals, and after playing.
Communicating Effectively With Your Pet
Don't talk to your puppy. Instead, communicate using short words that end with consonants. Doing so makes it easier for your pet to recognize the sounds, and associate them with specific actions. For example, when teaching your puppy to sit, simply state, "sit." When teaching him to come to you, say "come." The more words you use to communicate something, the less likely your dog will understand the message, or remember it.
It is also important to communicate with the right tone. If you are giving your puppy a command, be brisk and confident. If you are praising him, lighten your voice. Canines - both puppies and adult dogs - infer meaning through tone. This is the reason saying "good dog" in an angry voice will make a canine wary.
Raising a puppy is a rewarding experience that pays dividends down the road. The time and effort you spend now will help your pup develop into a friendly, healthy, and happy canine companion.
It can be difficult for owners to know what to do in a variety of circumstances. For example, should you allow your pet to be around other animals prior to receiving his first vaccinations? When should you introduce him to a collar and leash? And how should approach housetraining for lasting results? We'll cover these and other questions below.
The Right Time To Socialize Your Pup
Socialization is an important part of your pup's development. The experiences he has early in his life will shape his perception of others down the road. If he meets a variety of people and animals when he's young, and enjoys the interaction, he'll be more likely to accept them as an adult. The question is, when is the right time to socialize him?
A lot of people wait until their puppies are a few months old. Some wait even longer, thinking their pets shouldn't be exposed to other animals until they have received their vaccinations. Most veterinarians suggest the same. However, consider that the first three months of your dog's life are among the most influential. Supervised meetings between him and a vaccinated dog are not only safe, but can be a valuable experience.
Acclimating Your Pet To A Collar And Leash
It's a good idea to acclimate your puppy to a collar as early as possible. Otherwise, he may eventually become unmanageable. When you first place it around his neck, he will likely try to remove it because the sensation is unfamiliar to him. Make him continue wearing it; he will slowly become accustomed to the collar, especially if it is lightweight.
After a few days, attach a leash to his collar. Let him walk around your home, dragging the leash behind him. When he seems comfortable with it, pick it up and hold it. This will communicate to your puppy that you are his leader.
Housetraining Your Puppy
Puppies cannot hold their bladders as long as adult canines. Thus, they need plenty of opportunities to urinate throughout the day. Most will be capable of controlling their bladders for a period of hours equal to their age in months, plus one. So, a 4-month-old pup should be able to hold his bladder for five hours. He may be able to do so a little longer during the evening when he is less active.
From the beginning, choose a designated area outside your home, and lead your puppy there each time he needs to urinate or defecate. Keep the areas as clean as possible. Also, lead your pup to the same spot with every change in his activity. This includes when he wakes up, finishes meals, and after playing.
Communicating Effectively With Your Pet
Don't talk to your puppy. Instead, communicate using short words that end with consonants. Doing so makes it easier for your pet to recognize the sounds, and associate them with specific actions. For example, when teaching your puppy to sit, simply state, "sit." When teaching him to come to you, say "come." The more words you use to communicate something, the less likely your dog will understand the message, or remember it.
It is also important to communicate with the right tone. If you are giving your puppy a command, be brisk and confident. If you are praising him, lighten your voice. Canines - both puppies and adult dogs - infer meaning through tone. This is the reason saying "good dog" in an angry voice will make a canine wary.
Raising a puppy is a rewarding experience that pays dividends down the road. The time and effort you spend now will help your pup develop into a friendly, healthy, and happy canine companion.
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