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.