Puppies are even more inquisitive than human babies, and their way of checking things out is their nose, mouth and teeth. A normal puppy will be very busy checking everything in his new surroundings. Everything in his reach is fair game. And he doesn’t know the difference between what he can touch and your valuables, the baby’s things or the children’s toys. It’s up to you to teach him what he can touch and what he shouldn’t. Anything really valuable should b kept out of reach until he learns. Scolding is sometimes in order, and all that usually is needed is a sharp “NO!” or slapping a folded newspaper on a hard surface. (Remember, no matter how frustrated you are, the puppies’ surfaces are not usually hard.) If the pup has something that isn’t his use a sharp “NO!” Take it away from him, give him something that he can have, and praise the heck out of him. Dogs react primarily to the tone of voice and repetition and these are the most important tools in dog training. The dogs don’t know words but will eventually learn to relate to good words, said in an “up” tone of voice and the “no!” words conveyed in the stern, sharp tone.
Always do the same things in the same tone of voice, whether it’s your discipline voice or the door he uses to go in and out; make the plan then stick to it. Puppies are very quick to pick up on a slip, and they are masters at taking advantage; let him do one thing the wrong way, and you’ll never get him to change back again Let him on the furniture just one time; from then on it’s his right to be there as far as he’s concerned! Start him on the furniture or the bed and you can’t turn back. Make your choice in the beginning knowing you’ll have to stick with it.
Never use harsh words when you want him to come; call him anything you can think of, but do it in a pleasant voice and they will come to you. After they’ve decided that they really want to. An animal will never come if they feel threatened by the tone of your voice. Coming to you should always be a pleasant experience with lots of praise. And don’t whap him if he wanders off after coming to you. They have no memory of what they did wrong…They came to you, they must be taught to stay, if you want them to hang around. If you do this wrong he will think he is being punished for coming to you.
Don’t rub his nose in his own dirt. The old wives tale about knowing his own dirt is not true. All you’ll probably accomplish is teaching him to like his own dirt. Not a desirable trick. Curb the anger and frustration and remember, a gruff voice means no, a sweet voice and lots of praise in that sweet voice reinforced by love and rewards are the fastest training method. Remember how smart the are, and constant negatives without the positives will only teach him to be more sneaky about his mistakes.
He’s going to feel very strange his first few days with you; he’s known nothing except his earlier surroundings and his littermates since birth, and they’re gone. He’s used to sharing his bed and his meals and to be torn from this security is very traumatic. Be gentle and reassuring the first few weeks. He needs to know he is loved and secure, and that this is his new home.
Try not to fill the house with people and kids. Everyone wants to see the new pup, but it’s better for the pup if the commotion is kept to a minimum for the first few days. Let him get used to his new family and surroundings first, then introduce others. Children understandably get excited with new pets, and can get rowdy, which can jeopardize the pup. It’s best that children not pick up puppies, they could suffer permanent damage if handled the wrong way. Encourage the kids to play on the floor with the pup. Puppy’s love children, but also love to lick and nip ears and eyes, so supervision of young children is recommended. And, the pup is just a baby, so he needs a place to retreat away from the youngsters when he needs rest. I recommend, “crate training” for a pup. It provides a safe place for the pup, a feeling of security, a place the pup defines as “home”, a place the kids are not allowed.
Always have fresh water available. I stress this because of its importance. The bowl should be placed on a rug or tray or a towel to absorb splashes.
A yearly check-up is a must for any animal, and by scheduling it in spring you can have a check done for heartworm at the same time. He should be on heartworm preventatives May through November. Take a fecal sample with you to the check-up and cover all bases. Yearly boosters are needed to keep him safe from airborne diseases. Parvovirus is a deadly disease that lurks even in backyard pets. Most diseases are airborne and the pup doesn’t have to leave his home to contract one of them.
Never never leave your puppy unattended overnight. Leave him with a trustworthy neighbor or friend. Someone who’ll spare him a few minutes for a mal and some companionship, and maybe some exercise in the yard. Use a kennel as a last resort. A house dog needs his familiar surroundings, and the cage and hard bed (if any bed) is all most kennels provide. For dogs used to kennels it can be all right, but these pups aren’t used to that. My pups come from kennel that isn’t a kennel!!
Please remember if you have any questions, no matter how dumb they may seem to you, ask me. I’ve heard it all and I can save you a lot of stress and headaches.
ENJOY!!
