When you first bring your puppy home, it’s tempting to spend all your time together playing and cuddling. However, those first months lay a foundation that will last well into your dog’s adult years. If you teach your pet what is expected of him early, you will give him a sense of safety and wellbeing.
Understand Your Breed
Every breed has its own bad habits. If you understand the needs behind the actions, you can successfully draw your dog’s attention to more productive forms of play. Border collies, for example, are inherently intelligent with a powerful herding mentality. They will try to herd everything from the neighborhood pigeons to your cat. Obedience training will direct energy towards more wholesome behaviour. Such dogs have enough energy to exhaust sedentary owners, who would do better with low energy Basset Hounds or Great Danes. When you buy a puppy in Maryland, choose a breed that suits your personality. Some breeds find solitude intolerable. Some are highly intelligent and require plenty of physical and mental stimulation. Others need affection and constant companionship. Know your breed’s needs before you consider buying him.
Treat Your Puppy as You Will Treat Your Dog
One of the cruellest mistakes pet owners make is spending more time with their puppies than they can sustain when they becomes adults. This leads to lasting separation anxiety that’s well-nigh impossible to fix. If you can only be with your dog for a few hours a day, give your puppy adequate solitude while he’s still young so that you don’t set him up for painful disappointment. That said, your dog should be chosen according to your ability to fulfil your duties. Be aware of how much time your dog needs to spend with you.
Discipline is Love
Dogs need to understand their position in the pack if they’re to feel safe and fulfilled. Discipline lets your pet know who is in charge and what’s expected of him. Your family is his pack, and you are the alpha. Letting your dog sleep in your bedroom disturbs his understanding of the pecking order, as does a weak posture and submissive behavior. If you manage an effective “alpha program”, he will look to you for guidance, which will support your training and evade a host of bad habits.
Teaching Trust
Trust and socialization are mutually reliant. Teaching trust will prevent aggressive behavior and instil a feeling of security. Always remain calm around your pet, and heed his growls and posture. They’re the only way he can tell you he’s uncomfortable. Be respectful of his space and teach your children to do the same.
Evading Boredom
Bored dogs bark perpetually and adopt attention-seeking behaviors like digging. These are signs of anxiety. Your dog needs at least an hour of one-on-one time as well as a walk every day. When you’re away from the home, leave puzzle toys behind to alleviate boredom. It’s vital that you choose a breed whose needs match your capacity to fulfil them. If you have a small yard and can’t manage daily walks, Poodles and Pointers are a poor choice. Choose a pet who suits the space you can offer him.
Training
Choose your training schedule according to your dog’s tendency to become distracted. Take him out after his walk and mealtime. Praise and high-value treats will support the process. Crate training makes housetraining a breeze and prevents excitable behavior. Correct aggression every time it’s displayed, and when a few months have passed, begin teaching the house rules. Leash training and complex commands can follow at six months.
Dogs want to please their owners, and your expectations allow them to do so. Dogs are only as well behaved as their owners. Understand your role in your pet’s life and work hard to fulfill his needs so that your puppy grows into a happy adult.
