Training Tips to Help Prevent a Puppy from Growing into a Dog that Bites

Puppy Biting It’s an unfortunate situation, but one which many dog lovers have to accept – puppies can bite. It can be a major challenge trying to control biting behavior, but there are some ways in which you can teach your dog to reduce and eradicate this behavior.

Puppies will at first start to bite because it’s fun and part of their daily play. It’s a completely natural and even essential behavior, especially when they are teething. Puppies love to bite their sharp little teeth into anything that passes their way during the development phase of their teeth, including the hands and feet of their master (and in worst case scenarios, children).

The good news is that most puppies can be trained to manage and minimize this problem quite easily. The faster that you start to train your puppy or young dog not to bite then the easier things will be for him and for you in the future.

Continue Reading→

Why Enroll My Puppy in Training Classes?

Dog On Leash Do you have a puppy and are worried they might get out of control at some point? You should consider having them trained. In fact, the earlier the training starts the better it is for the puppy.

Having your puppy attend group classes is a good way to teach your dog how to respond to commands, basic obedience and manners. These classes give you an opportunity to learn how to handle your dog around other people, around other dogs, and in any environment where you need the most control.

A high number of people who own dogs are opting to enroll their dogs in training classes other than training them at home as there are many behavioral and social benefits that are associated to these training programs.

Benefits of Puppy Training Classes

Continue Reading→

I Just Got a Puppy! When Does Training Start?

You just brought home your first puppy, and you cannot wait to get started building the bond that will last a lifetime with your new canine companion. Whether your new little one came from a shelter, rescue or reputable breeder you should have already done as much reading about the care, training and needs of a puppy and be prepared for messes, injuries, illnesses and lots of frustration! Meanwhile, you may be wondering just when do you start training him? Considering his entire world was just turned upside down after taking him from his mother, litter mates and humans he knew to bring him into a strange place with strange people, new sounds and smells. The short answer is immediately. Your training starts the moment the puppy officially belongs to you!

On The Ride Home

If you are using a vehicle to bring your newest family member home, he should be riding comfortably in a crate or carrier of an appropriate size. He should be able to stand up, turn around and lay down on a soft bed or blanket. Making this space as comfortable as possible is a big first step, so be sure to provide a special chew toy during the ride home.

Continue Reading→

How To Raise Your Puppy Right

Giving your new puppy the best start in his new home and family is a sure fire way to set him up to succeed as a happy and well adjusted dog in the future. It may be surprising that an incredibly large number of dogs that are surrendered to shelters and rescues are due to behavioral problems that could have easily been prevented with a strong foundation of early training, socialization, and helping the puppy to develop into a trustworthy and reliable companion. Raise your puppy right and you’ll be amazed at the lifelong bond and trust the two of you will have together.

Punishment-Free Zone!

Your home should be a safe and comfortable place for puppy to reside. He should be free from fear and pain, and this means no punishment! Instead of getting angry at your puppy for chewing up your shoes or eliminating on the carpet, it is time for you to do some learning on how dogs learn! Puppies are especially sensitive and punishing them not only teaches them to fear you, but it teaches them to not trust you as well. Dogs do not learn the same way humans do, nor do they understand human language. It is up to us to show them what we do want them to do, what is expected of them, and to reward for these wanted behaviors and prevent the unwanted behaviors.

Continue Reading→