subject: A Few Valuable Tips For Helping Your Puppy Become Well-behaved [print this page] So, after weeks or months of consideration and after hunting the pound and contacting breeders, you have finally brought home your sweet bundle of joy. You have had idyllic visions of life with your puppy, and so far things have been just as you imagined.
But then it isn't long before you notice that your initially angelic pup is tearing up your carpet, chewing your socks, and nipping your heels. Tearing your hair out, you begin to wonder if you made a mistake.
Well, I can tell you from years of experience with dogs--you didn't! This is all normal. But it does take attentive training and positive reinforcement to help your pup to become a well-behaved, well-adjusted adult dog that is a delight to you and your family. Take a deep breath and read on.
Just like children, puppies need positive reinforcement in order to develop good habits. Conversely, negative punishment often does precisely the opposite of what you are hoping for--it, too, reinforces behaviors because dogs see virtually any sort of attention as an encouragement to continue whatever they are doing.
This does not necessarily mean that you allow them to continue bad behaviors. One good way to get them to refrain is to keep their leash on them at all times when they are in training stages. A good strong leather dog leash will generally do the trick.
When they nip at you, for example, you should take their leash and gently pull them away. But be aware that some "bad," behaviors are caused by anxiety of some kind. Sometimes dogs nip when they are hungry or need to potty. Try to ascertain the cause for their actions.
When your pup is excessively hyper and/or playing rough, instead of shouting or pushing them away, try isolating them in a crate or in a small room, such as a bathroom or kitchen. Once they have calmed down, give them another chance to play.
If your pup is whining or barking, it is another occasion when you need to discover the source of their anxiety. More often than not, it is because they need to potty or are separated from you and would rather be close. Give them the opportunity to potty, and if that is not the cause, then just allow them to sit with you.
Positive reinforcement comes in whenever your puppy is doing something right. Keep a steady supply of treats on hand (cereal works, too). When your pup is quietly sitting, chewing one of their own toys or playing in an appropriate fashion, give them a treat. Be consistent in doing so, and it won't be long before they catch on to exactly what you want them to do.
Having a puppy is tough work. It involves about as much commitment, dedication, and patience as raising a child! But remember to continually give positive encouragement for the behaviors you WANT to see. Believe me--it really works.
