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Put a Stop to Puppy Mouthing

By Alina Jumabhoy

Put a Stop to Puppy Mouthing

Photo by Show 131/ CC

Image courtesy of congerdesign @ Pixabay

When a puppy is still young, puppy mouthing is completely normal behavior. After all, this is how a puppy explores the world, interacting with different objects.

However, while puppy mouthing may be necessary during the earliest stages of your pup's life, this isn't something that should continue on into adulthood.

Why?

Because an adult dog is much stronger and heavier. What used to be gentle puppy mouthing can unintentionally cause injury as a dog grows up. Plus, puppy teeth themselves can be quite sharp, especially if they come into contact with a child's skin. This is why it is so important to put a stop to puppy mouthing once your pup is a couple of months old.

Bite Inhibition

Bite inhibition is the ability that a dog has to control how hard he mouths and nips. This is usually something that a pup will learn from his mother, as well as his littermates.

How?

Well, when a puppy bites another pup too hard, that other pup will usually let out a yelp and immediately stop playing. This causes the first puppy to stop playing too, teaching him that biting too hard puts an end to the fun.

This is a method that you can copy when teaching bite inhibition to your puppy...

When your puppy mouths you, yelp in the same way that a pup would. Make sure that you immediately stop playing too, leaving your hand to go limp.

Your dog will likely stop too, if only for a second. Make sure that you quickly praise your dog as soon as he has stopped, and then immediately carry on playing.

It will take quite a bit of repetition, but it won't be long before your puppy soon learns not to mouth.

Already tried this method with no success?

Instead of letting your hand go limp, try putting a stop to the play altogether. Walk away from your puppy after you have yelped. Then, wait for your pup to remain calm for about half a minute or so, before returning to play.

This will help to reinforce the idea that mouthing is bad, but playing in a gentle way is good.

Provide a Safe Alternative

While many puppies mouth while playing, others do this simply because its an instinctive behavior. Puppies have a natural urge to chew and bite.

If you don't want this urge to be carried out on you, or any of your belongings, then you will need to provide your pup with a safe alternative.

What sort of things should you give your pup to gnaw on?

Try some of the following:

Don't forget, every puppy is different when it comes to the things he enjoys chewing on. Make sure that you try a few different chews and toys until you have found some that you know your puppy genuinely enjoys.

Remove the Temptation

Many puppies only mouth when they are playing certain games.

So, to prevent puppy mouthing, simply stop playing those games. For most pups, these involve rough play games, such as wrestling.

There are many other non-tactile games that you can substitute this with. Try playing tug of war, or a game of fetch. Introducing your dog to other pups his age will also help your pup to release all of that energy, making him less likely to mouth you when you get home.

Make sure that you also never tease your puppy with your fingers or your hands. Even using an item of clothing can only end up encouraging the mouthing.

Is your puppy mouthing your belongings as well as your skin?

This is another temptation that you should remove.

Make sure that all of your belongings are well out of your puppy's reach, in the same way that you would baby-proof a house if you were bringing a new baby into it. Baby gates and other types of barriers can also be useful to limit your pup's access to certain parts of the house until you have the puppy mouthing under control.

Basic Obedience Training

Giving your pup a treat or a toy as a distraction is always a good idea, but what happens when you don't have a treat or a toy around?

This is where basic obedience training comes in...

This will give you an extra tool when it comes to distracting your pup. By teaching your puppy various commands and tricks, you will be able to use these to encourage your pup to control his impulsive behaviors.

Wondering what basic obedience training involves?

Teach your puppy the following commands:

  • Sit

  • Stay

  • Lie down

  • Recall

  • Leave it

When it comes to puppy mouthing, the two most-useful do tend to be “sit” and “leave it”.

Once you have these commands cemented into your pup's brain, your puppy should automatically listen to you each time you say one of them, even if they happen to be mouthing at the time.

Don't forget, each time your puppy stops mouthing to listen to your command, make sure that you provide plenty of praise, and even a treat. This will really help to reinforce that good behavior.

Don't Punish Puppy Mouthing

As mentioned earlier, mouthing is an instinctive behavior.

Your puppy isn't doing this on purpose, meaning that puppy mouthing isn't something that can be stopped immediately.

For some pups, it takes quite a bit of time to ease away from the mouthing. Punishing your puppy for not learning this fast enough will definitely not help the situation. Instead, it is likely to just make your puppy fearful of you, especially when your hands are near your pup's mouth. This could make certain situations quite tricky in the future, from vet visits to being able to remove a dangerous food item from your dog.

Rather than punishing your puppy for unwanted behavior, focus on rewarding your puppy for positive behavior instead. This will give you so much more success in the long run.

Although puppy mouthing is a natural behavior, this is something that you need to take control of quite early on. Fortunately, with plenty of consistency, it doesn't take long at all to put a stop to puppy mouthing, even for the more playful pups out there!

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How to Choose a Puppy Training Class

By Alina Jumabhoy

How to Choose a Puppy Training Class

Photo by Show 131/ CC

Photo courtesy of Pixabay

If you have just welcomed a puppy into your family, then starting to choose a puppy training class should be a top priority.

Why?

For a few reasons...

Firstly, puppy training classes are key for socialization. They will teach your pup how to interact with other dogs, as well as other people.

These classes are also important for teaching your pup basic skills. While you can do this yourself at home, the distractions encountered at a class will really help to cement that knowledge in your pup's head. 

So, how do you actually choose a puppy training class?

Here are some points to take into consideration when making your decision:

Obedience vs Socialization

When doing your research to choose a puppy training class, you will notice that classes tend to be categorized as either obedience classes or socialization classes.

What's the difference?

The obedience classes will be focused on basic training. They are a great way to give your pooch a head start when it comes to obedience and other foundational commands.

On the other hand, socialization classes are more like play for your pup. However, this doesn't mean that they aren't important...

Socialization classes will give your pooch the opportunity to interact with different dogs in his own time. The play and mental stimulation that a socialization class provides is so good for your puppy's development.

So, which is better?

Ideally, you want a bit of both.

Try to choose a puppy training class that works on basic training, but also has a socialization aspect to it. If you can't find a class that combines the two, it may be worth signing your pup up for two different classes, one in each category.

Word-of-Mouth Recommendations

You should never choose a puppy training class solely based on a convenient location, because a bad class could end up being so detrimental to your pup.

Instead, one of the best ways to choose a puppy training class is to go with some word-of-mouth recommendations.

Ask your friends and family about the classes that they have attended with their own pups. Your vet, as well as different dog groomers, will also have their own recommendations. If you still don't have many options, you could also try asking local rescue organizations, as well as your local dog warden.

Visit a Class Without Your Dog

Once you have narrowed down your options, it is time to pay your top puppy training classes a visit. While you may be tempted to take your pup with you, this isn't something that you should do.

Why?

Because you need to watch the class objectively, without any distractions. Plus, if you have your pup in tow, you may be asked to join in before you or your pup are ready.

What should you be looking out for when you visit these classes?

You need information that will help you to choose a puppy training class that is best suited to your dog. Look out for the following:

  • A class that is calm and well-organized, rather than chaotic

  • Positive training methods, whether this may be with treats, toys or praise. Preferably, all three should be combined

  • No rough treatment of any of the puppies present. This would include shouting or raised voices

  • A class where both the puppies and the owners are enjoying themselves. Don't forget that a puppy training class is not only to train puppies, but also to train their owners when it comes to raising these puppies properly

  • Separate areas or class times for adult dogs. However, puppies of the same age but different sizes should not be kept apart, as it is important for pups to learn how to interact with dogs of all sizes and breeds. Of course, these interactions do also need to be well-managed

  • Different class levels, such as beginner or advanced

  • Small class sizes, ideally no more than eight dogs per session. This enables each puppy to get the individual attention that they need in order to properly progress

  • A class that is held in a clean environment. Bacteria and viruses can spread so easily between puppies, and toilet training accidents are also very common, so you need to make sure that the environment is suitably clean. However, a strong chemical smell isn't a good sign either, as pet-safe cleaning products are important, especially for vulnerable puppies

After watching a class, ask yourself this question...

Would my puppy and I look forward to attending this class each week?

Don't forget...

You should also look into the certifications that the trainer running the puppy class has. You need to make sure that this is a trainer who has undergone a reputable program. After all, you don't want to be following incorrect advice when it comes to raising your puppy.

Are There Any Dogs Who Shouldn't Attend a Puppy Training Class?

As important as a puppy training class is to a dog's development, these classes aren't for everyone.

Which puppies shouldn't attend a puppy training class?

If your pup already has quite an anxious nature, don't throw your puppy into the deep end by starting with a puppy training class. Instead, enlist the help of a one-on-one puppy trainer to help build your pup's confidence. Once you have done this, a puppy training class will be a great next step.

Another exception to puppy training classes is with pups who have already shown signs of aggression. This could be to either humans or animals.

Again, a one-on-one trainer is what you need to help deal with this. Only once the aggressive behavior has been completely eliminated could you attend a class. After all, you wouldn't want to put any other puppies, or even their owners, in any sort of danger.

It can take a while to choose a puppy training class, but once you have found the right one, you will see how much of an improvement it has on your pup's development. These classes really are key, so make sure that you do all of the right research!

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Socializing a Puppy: Why, When and How

By Alina Jumabhoy

Socializing a Puppy: Why, When and How

Photo by Show 131/ CC

Socializing a puppy is something that you need to do from the very first day you bring your pup home.

How exactly do you go about doing this?

Here is everything you need to know...

WHAT DOES SOCIALIZING A PUPPY MEAN?

Socializing a puppy means that your puppy should be meeting as many new people and animals as possible. It involves exposing your puppy to different environments, sights and sounds, making these experiences as pleasant for your puppy as possible.

Why It's Important to Socialize a Puppy

Socialized puppies grow into dogs that are comfortable with the world around them.

Proper socialization when young means that a dog is less likely to develop any behavioral problems. On the other hand, pups who are not socialized properly can often develop fear or aggression issues when they are older. This is particularly the case when the dog is exposed to something new.

WHEN SHOULD YOU SOCIALIZE A PUPPY?

Your puppy goes through what is known as a socialization period between the ages of seven weeks and four months.

The socialization that takes place during this period will have a permanent impact on your pup's personality and character as an adult.

It goes without saying that this is the most important time to socialize a dog.

Of course, if you are buying a pup, you won't be bringing him home until he is about eight or twelve weeks old...

This is why it is so important to buy a puppy from a responsible breeder. They will know how to socialize the pup during this time, and will start doing so from when the puppies are just three weeks old.

HOW TO SOCIALIZE A PUPPY

Socializing a puppy by introducing him to children at the park
Photo by Show 131/ CC

When it comes to socializing a puppy, there are a few basic steps that everyone should follow:

Exposure to New Things

The world will seem like a strange place to your puppy, and an important part of socializing is exposing your pup to all of this.

Here are some examples:

  • Different people – including men, women and children of all ages. Exposing your puppy to people wearing different types of accessories, such as hats and umbrellas, can also be helpful, as can introducing your puppy to people in wheelchairs or men with big beards

  • Different animals – such as other dogs, cats, chickens, other birds and livestock

  • Different floor surfaces – including carpet, tiles, laminate flooring, marble, grass, mud, sand and wood

  • Chaotic environments – such as train stations, school playgrounds, crowded markets, construction sites

Involve Family and Friends

When it comes to socializing a puppy, this is something that the whole family should get involved in.

Your puppy needs to learn that these new experiences are safe, no matter who he may be with.

It can also be useful to have your puppy accustomed to being handled and looked after by other family members. If you need them to watch your dog while you are away, your pup won't mind this one bit!

Puppy Classes

Signing your pup up for puppy classes can also be a great tool when it comes to socializing a puppy.

What do puppy classes involve?

They will help you to teach your pup everything from basic commands to fun tricks. They are a great way for your puppy to meet other dogs and people in a safe environment.

Keep It Fun

Not only should your puppy be exposed to all of the above, but you need to also make sure that each experience is a positive one for your pup.

Keep your socializing time fun and playful, bringing along treats and toys to distract your puppy if he becomes fearful of anything. Reward positive behavior as much as possible. 

SOCIALIZING A PUPPY WHO IS UNVACCINATED

Socializing an unvaccinated puppy by carrying him around
Photo by Show 131/ CC

Well-bred puppies will naturally have antibodies from their mothers, but many veterinarians advise that puppies do not walk in areas where unknown animals may have walked. This is to prevent them from picking up a disease before their full course of vaccinations has been completed.

However, this doesn't mean that you can't socialize your pup...

You can still expose your pup to all of the suggestions mentioned above. Just hold your puppy in your arms, or purchase a bag that makes it easier to carry your pup around. Even allowing your pup to see the sights, sounds and smells of the world from an open car window can make a huge difference to his development.

HOW TO SOCIALIZE A SHY PUP

Whether due to a traumatic experience, genetics, or their breed being particularly sensitive, some puppies are simply more shy than others.

This can make socializing a puppy quite the challenge...

A shy pup will react fearfully to new situations, but this makes socialization even more important.

However, you do need to make sure that you take it at your puppy's pace. If your pup seems fearful of something, put more distance between your pup and the object, and allow your puppy to explore it in his own time.

Your pup's body language will tell you when your puppy is afraid. Signs of this include:

  • Shivering

  • Excessively salivating

  • A submissive posture

When your puppy is showing signs of fear at a new situation, try not to provide too much comfort.

This can be hard to do, but you want your puppy to gain the confidence to deal with those types of situations on his own.

However, this doesn't mean that you can't reward your puppy. This is especially important when they have made any progress and shown their braver side.

While it is important to keep socialization fun and positive for any dog, this is even more the case with a shy pup.

Make sure that you do not intimidate or raise your voice at your pup. You need your pup to learn that he can really trust you. 

Remember, always set your puppy up for success.

Properly socializing a puppy is absolutely crucial if you want your pup to grow into a healthy, happy and well-balanced dog. The socialization period is not very long, so make sure that you put extra time and effort into ensuring that your pup gets as much socialization as possible during this time.

What are some of your favorite ways of socializing a puppy?

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Crate Training a Puppy: Suggestions for Success!

By Hope Hammond

Crate Training a Puppy: Suggestions for Success!

Photo by Show 131/ CC

Courtesy: PourquoiPas @ Pixabay

You have a new puppy. Great! Now, you need to give your canine friend the love, attention, and training needed to thrive. However, introducing a puppy to the domesticated lifestyle takes time and patience. Your new pet has a lot to learn about living in a human household. There may even be multiple steps involved in learning the basics, such as housebreaking. Sometimes, pet owners opt for crate training a puppy to teach them bladder control and keep them from destroying the house.
When done properly, crate training can be a positive experience and beneficial process for pets.

Create a Den-Like Space

The key to making your pets crate a place they want to be is to turn it into a den. Animals naturally want to have a hideaway where they can seek shelter and feel safe. This is true even for domesticated pets within your home.
Think about the placement of your pet's crate, how big it is, and what kind of objects you'll put into the crate. It's a good idea to put your pet's crate in an area of the home that is used frequently. Dogs often like to spend time with the pack and you are part of their pack. If you stick them in a crate in the back room. The dog will feel left out and may whine more.
Of course, where the crate is positioned within the room is also important. You don't want the dog to feel exposed or trapped. Consider putting the crate along a wall or in a corner where they can observe the entire room.
Ideally, the crate should be large enough for your pet to enter and exit freely, and even turn around inside. However, you don't want it to be so large that they can move around. The extra space may seem like an optional area where they can go to the bathroom. This is a big no-no when you're trying to house train your pet.
Give your pet some nice bedding to sleep on, such as a comfy blanket or even pillow. You may also want to pick up a light throw or blanket to place over the top and sides of the crate. This will create a more protected and cozy feeling when crate training a puppy. Just remember to leave the front exposed so your pet can see what is going on in the room.

Make Slow Introductions When Crate Training a Puppy

Avoid bringing the crate home and just shoving your pup into it right away. This is a scary new experience for dogs who are only familiar with cages at the pet store or animal shelter. Instead, take the time to introduce your pet to their crate.
Try setting the cage up and leaving the door open. Then, walk away and let your puppy investigate this new object at their leisure. You might want to give them in a day or two to get used to the presence of the crate before moving forward.

Make a Positive Association with the Crate

The next step is to help build a positive association with the crate for your pet. Try placing a few treats inside the crate to lure your pet in for a snack or their favorite toy. Remember not to close the door or force the puppy to stay in the crate. At this point, you're simply getting them used to being inside and thinking of the crate as a place where they find good things.
Every time your pet enters the crate or when you place a treat inside, you might want to associate this act with a command, by speaking it out out loud. The command can be 'go to your crate' or something as simple as 'kennel'. This helps gradually train your dog to recognize the word or phrase with entering their crate.
Be careful not to give the puppy rewards for leaving the crate. For instance, praising your dog after they come out of the crate. Instead, put the focus on entering the crate and being inside it.

Gradually Increase Time in the Crate

As your dog gets used entering the crate, you can start increasing the time they spent inside. Begin with short increments, such as 10 minutes or so. You might even want to give your pet his meal in the crate and close the door while they are eating. Be sure to stay close and open the door as soon as the dog finishes, so he or she is free to leave.
Increasing time in the crate is a tricky process. If you push too far, your pet gets upset and starts crying. He or she may even start to associate the crate with negative things, such as being restrained. When this happens you might want to cut the time back until your pet feels comfortable again.
Ten minutes at a time can gradually be increased to 15 minutes, 30 minutes, an hour, and so on. You may need to practice crating your pet several times a day at first. Feel free to experiment with leaving the room for a few minutes at a time to see how your pup does. Just remember to stay close enough that you can hear and let your puppy out if they get upset.

How Much Time is Too Much?

There are people who leave their pets crated all day when at work. However, leaving the dog crated for up to eight hours at a time is not good for your pet. Dogs can become anxious, upset, and even go a little stir crazy when trapped in a confined space. This tool is really meant for crating rambunctious pets overnight, when guests are over, and for short periods of time when you are housetraining a puppy.
Well-behaved, house-trained adult dogs probably don't need to be crated when you are at work. However, it is always a good idea to teach them the command and have the crate available should the need arise for visitors, or trips to the vet.
To ensure that your pet grows up to be a truly happy, friendly dog, you might want to consider further training. The Obedience Training video series uses the RAPT training method to show you specific techniques and methods for a better human-dog partnership. You'll even receive a bonus 30-minute video, the "Secrets Behind Crate Training" when you order.

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How to Train a Dog Not to Jump

By Beth Frumkin

How to Train a Dog Not to Jump

Photo by Show 131/ CC

Your tiny puppy jumps on any- and everything he comes into contact with and, because he’s little and cute, no one minds. Plus, he’s too short to really reach anything of consequence on countertops.

However, when your tiny puppy turns into a full-grown dog and hasn’t been taught to stop jumping, he’s going to create some stress — and possibly some damage as well!

It’s essential to learn how to stop a dog from jumping on the counter, guests, and anywhere else you don’t want them. At a minimum, your pants (or shirt depending on your pup’s height) may end up covered with muddy pawprints. Learning how to train a dog not to jump prevents this unwanted behavior.

Even worse, lovely meals and birthday cakes end up as goners if your pup spends time counter surfing. Learning how to keep your dog off the counter helps curb these incidents. Teaching your young pup to keep all four paws on the floor is a critical part of having a well-trained dog.

Three Tips to Stop Dog Jumping

Try these tips to learn how to train a dog not to jump on people and to stay off of your counters.

  1. Curb that Enthusiasm

Your dog jumps when they’re excited. Even if a jumping dog doesn’t bother you, this habit comes across as very rude — or even scary — to many other people. Dogs can’t distinguish between the different people they jump on, so you must train them not to jump at all, no matter who it is.

This excitement is also caused by forbidden — and often delicious — items on kitchen counters. Learning how to stop a dog from jumping on the counter not only preserves your food but helps keep your dog safe from ingesting potentially toxic items.

long-haired Dachshund jumping on grass
Photo by Show 131/ CC
The first step in how to train a dog not to jump is to train yourself. Never touch your dog unless all four of their paws are on the ground. Because they crave your affection, your dog learns quickly that they don’t get a pat if they’re jumping.

Cuddling or petting them when they’re jumping is a reward and teaches them that this is acceptable behavior. If your dog jumps up on you, turn your back and completely ignore them. You can use your leg to gently shove them off, but for a lot of dogs, this quickly turns into a fun game of “shove.” It’s best to simply ignore your pet while saying a firm, calm “down” command.

Once your pooch sits down with all four paws on the floor, calmly offer them praise. When learning how to train a dog not to jump, keep your voice and actions devoid of excitement. If your dog acts overly excited, ignore them again until they calm down. Using a loud, booming voice will only excite them more, so keep it low. Give them attention only when they’ve calmed and are showing less interest in you.

These tips also work if you want to know how to keep your dog off the counter. The difference is you can use your body to gently move them off the counter while giving that same firm “down” command. Don’t shove and turn it into a game. Move gently sideways into them until all four paws are on the ground and then calmly praise.

  1. Teach a Polite Greeting

Many times dogs use jumping on people as a way to greet or say hello. Dogs whose owners haven’t learned how to train them not to jump don’t realize that this is rude and unacceptable. As the owner, you must make sure your dog’s manners are polite.

Teach your dog to sit prior to greeting someone, which will ensure they’re calm first. If your dog hasn’t yet mastered the sit/stay, don’t attempt to teach them not to jump. Avoid the temptation to simply hold their collars to keep them sitting; this can excite dogs the same way walking on a tight leash does. They need to have a solid sit before learning the more complicated task of not jumping.

When introducing your dog to a new person, ask the person to calmly and slowly approach your pup while completely ignoring them. Firmly use the “sit” command while ensuring your dog obeys.

Learning how to train a dog not to jump needs persistence. Require your dog to sit until he can calm down, otherwise, they don’t get to say hello. If you find it difficult to keep your dog seated, explain to the person that your dog is still learning. Tell them that saying hello is a reward and your dog must earn it by being calm. If your pup simply won’t behave, tell the person that they aren’t allowed to greet them right now and ask them if they can try again another time. Eventually, your pup will begin to understand your expectations and obey.

  1. How to Stop a Dog from Jumping on the Counter

Golden Retriever puppy lying calmly on kitchen floor
Photo by Show 131/ CC
Another vital thing to master is how to train a dog not to jump on the counter. Jumping on people and jumping on counters come from very different motivations for dogs. Dogs who jump on people simply want to give a happy greeting. Dogs who get on counters usually do so because they’re looking for something they aren’t supposed to have.

The fact that your dog tries to do this in secret makes it one of the most difficult behaviors to stop. In the case of counter surfing, your goal should always be prevention. Because many human foods actually make dogs sick, it’s best to simply keep your counters free and clear of food in general. This negates the need to learn how to train your dog not to jump on counters in the first place.

However, if you need to learn how to keep your dog off the counter, seek to use food as “bait” and set them up - a sting operation! It may sound mean, but it’s the best way to teach them.

Put a leash on your dog and place some tasty (but not dangerous!) food near the edge of the counter. No doubt, your pup will go for it! When they begin to jump, immediately tug on the leash. At the same time, firmly tell them “no” or “down.” Once they get down off of the counter, praise them.

In the process of exploring how to train a dog not to jump, there may be a time or two they successfully get the food item. If this happens, immediately take it out of their mouth, even if you need to put your hand in their mouth to do it! There’s no use in your dog receiving a reward for doing something they shouldn’t. Otherwise, this exercise produces positive reinforcement for negative behavior.

If they have a tendency to get the food when you practice how to stop your dog from jumping on the counter, try using food that doesn’t taste as good as they expect. For instance, a piece of bread with chili paste might seem appealing. But once he eats it, he’ll instantly regret it!

Again, persistence reigns supreme in how to train a dog not to jump on people or counters. Work consistently for a little bit of time every day. Teach your dog the rules, and make sure your dog knows who’s in charge. Be patient and you’ll find that they’ll eventually respond with the appropriate behavior. Before you know it, you’ll have a well-trained dog with all four paws on the ground!

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4 Common Puppy Training Troubles – Which One Do You Need To Solve?

By Beth Frumkin

4 Common Puppy Training Troubles – Which One Do You Need To Solve?

Photo by Show 131/ CC

When you first see your puppy, you will probably find yourself enamored by how cuddly and adorable he is! However, puppy training requires a great deal of work and consistency to get your puppy to the status of being a mature dog. We’ll address some of the more common puppy training problems such as housebreaking, jumping, chewing, and biting.
 
How to solve the 4 common Puppy Training Problems?
 

Housebreaking

Housebreaking your puppy acts as one of the most important parts of training a new canine member of your family. Few things cause more frustration than finding a “gift” that your little pup has left on the carpet or flooring of your home! But with a strict routine—and a lot of patience—you can housetrain your puppy in a short time.
Here are some tips for housebreaking your puppy:

  • Choose a “potty spot” to be the place you take your dog when it’s time to pee or poop.
  • Beginning at just eight weeks old, take your pup to the potty spot every thirty minutes, as well as within just a few minutes of eating. Then wait long enough for the puppy to go.
  • Choose a word or command that represents this action such as “go potty” or “go out” to reinforce this part of your puppy training.
  • When your pup relieves himself in the right place and time, praise him and actively use positive reinforcement.
  • Sometimes your dog doesn’t go when he has the opportunity. When this happens, keep him on a leash or in a crate and try again in 15 minutes.
  • Don’t leave your puppy unattended while you are housetraining him. If you watch your pup at all times, you’ll be able to catch him if he starts to go inside. When this happens, tell him “no”, and take him out to his “potty spot” right away.
  • Use consistency and prevention in puppy training to encourage your dog to “hold” his urine or feces for longer periods of time and expand the time in between trips to the potty spot.

 

Jumping

Tiny, cute pups grab at your heart and jump on your lap! And as they get more and more excited, pups want attention and affection, which means that they jump even more. While you might find a jumping puppy to be adorable, a full-sized jumping dog doesn’t have the same attraction.
Some tips for breaking puppies of jumping:

  • Breaking a dog of jumping works much better if you can start when he is very young. This allows you to stop bad habits before they start.
  • Never touch your pup unless all 4 feet are touching the ground. No love or affection at all. Otherwise you offer a positive reward for negative behavior.
  • Insist that your puppy sits before being introduced to a stranger who wants to say hello. It won’t take long until your dog realizes that the best way to get attention is to keep his feet on the floor.

 
 

Chewing

If you’ve ever found you designer shoe with teeth marks on it, then you know how upsetting a puppy with a chewing pup can be! They really come by it honestly, but that doesn’t make it any less destructive. In an effort to exercise their jaws and practice using their teeth, puppies have a tendency to want to chew. They may also chew out of stress or to explore. Teach your pup from an early age the appropriate types of chewing in contrast to inappropriate chewing. Here’s how:

  • Prevention works as the best possible cure in any puppy training adventure, including chewing.
  • Work hard to avoid leaving anything lying around within the reach of your pup.
  • For furniture, take advantage of a chew-deterring spray such as “Get Off” or Bitter Apple. Apply daily.
  • Just as with potty training, never leave your puppy unattended. If you catch your pup trying to chew, use a firm “leave it” command and remove the item. Praise him immediately when he stops.
  • Provide appropriate chew toys for your dog to get out his aggression and cut his teeth on.

 
 

Biting

Without proper puppy training, your dog is likely to bite or nip. This behavior not only annoys but it can also be dangerous as your pup grows larger. Over-excited puppies particularly have a tendency to use their mouths. They can also end up eating things (like socks) that their bodies don’t digest well.
Some tips to get your pup to stop biting or nipping:

  • If your puppy bites or nips while you are playing, then get up and walk away. This will teach him quickly that play time ends when he bites.
  • When he wants to chew on your hand, have a chew toy handy to show him where he can appropriately bite.
  • Praise your dog for choosing to bite on his toy instead of you.
  • If your pup gets over-excited, try to get him out of the fray. Move him to a quiet corner or put him on a leash to help him calm down.
  • Work on some obedience training activities. Re-grouping your dog’s thought process may allow him to get away from the excitement and re-focus on a training task.

 
Training your pup can prove to be difficult, but also very exciting! Dogs thrive well and feel safe when their masters provide them with consistency. As you teach your dog to understand your expectations, build good habits, and follow rules and structure, you provide him with a great foundation to grow into a well-behaved dog. And into your very best friend.

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