Veterinary Services
Puppy Articles
Barking
Barking is as natural to a dog as talking is to us. Barking and talking are both forms of communication. Dogs seem to bark differently at the approach of friends, strangers, and enemies (sometimes that means anything new).
Biting
Biting is normal puppy behavior. It’s instinctual, and they have done this with their littermates before coming into your home. Puppies explore the world with their mouths. It’s normal for other dogs to tell them how hard is too hard. Now it’s up to you!
Calming Signals
Dogs give off what is called calming signals to keep the peace. This information given by a dog is so valuable in understanding what is causing stress in your dog’s life. We unknowingly do things that stress our dogs, and they repeatedly try to tell us they are not comfortable in a particular situation. Be aware of your dog’s signals to avoid any problems like bites or other types of aggression.
Chew Toy Training
Dogs need jobs, so making them work for their food keeps their jaws exercised and their mind engaged – which helps keep them safe, happy and out of trouble. Chew toys should be safe, appealing, and virtually indestructible. Many chew toys can be stuffed with dog food or healthy treats to increase their appeal.
Development Socialization
Properly socializing your dog is one of the most important things you can do! The critical socialization period continues for several weeks. During this time be very careful to expose your puppy to new situations. Take it slow and make sure it is a positive experience. Offer your puppy treats and monitor its reaction when exposing it to new situations. A well-socialized pup will be a better-behaved adult dog that will be easier and safer to handle.
Digging
There are many reasons dogs dig. Thousands of years ago, it was necessary for dogs to bury uneaten food in order to survive. The dirt kept the food out of the sun and protected. Even though our domesticated dogs are fed daily, that urge may still be there for some dogs.
Exercise
Puppies need social interaction, physical exercise, and mental stimulation –just like children do – in order to grow up to be healthy and well adjusted. When these needs are not met, many behavior problems can develop.
Guarding Prevention
It is normal for dogs to guard their food, toys or bed from people – but it is not safe. Without preventive training, resource guarding from people will develop in approximately 50% of dogs by the time they are two years old. If your puppy or dog already displays guarding behavior (stiffening, growling, snarling) you will need close training guidance from a qualified dog trainer or animal behaviorist.
Housetraining
Puppies will want to pee and poop wherever they have done so before. Your job is to make sure your puppy learns to prefer the outdoors as a toilet – not your carpets!
Jumping
Leadership Exercises
The idea: You increase your leadership by controlling all resources and movements. Your puppy, soon to be dog, will obey commands without physical force. This provides clarity and your puppy will be more responsive to your cues.
Loose Leash Walking
LOOSE LEASH walking means not letting your puppy pull on a walk! You need to make it clear that pulling will get him nowhere. Allowing him to pull sometimes but not others will just send mixed messages and delay success with training. Use a Release word for sniffing and exploring.
Puppy Problem Solving
A bored dog needs one thing - attention. And that attention should come in the form of as much exercise as possible. Over 90% of the time, the biggest culprit here is that the dog is being allowed to sit around at home and not do much of anything.
Socialization
Training Your Puppy
While trying to correct your dog’s bad habits, remember that many factors will influence your chances of success. Your dog’s age, breed, and character will play a role in determining how likely each problem is to occur. Bad habits are much easier to resolve quickly when they are new and haven’t been established.
Teaching Your Dog to Come
Recall practice done daily will strengthen the behavior you desire – your dog to return to you when called. Make it fun and enjoy this bonding time with your dog!
