When it comes to getting and raising a puppy, there are a few crucial things you need to do so your puppy grows up to be a well-behaved dog. Too many people let their puppy get away with things because it\’s \’cute\’ when they\’re little. But they don\’t think about the fact that they\’re forming habits that will stay with them even as grown dogs, and when they\’re grown, it\’s not cute anymore.
First of all, you shouldn\’t never bring home a puppy that is younger than eight weeks. During the first eight week of their life, they go through many development periods that are crucial to their long term well being. Removing a puppy from its mother and littermates too early causes behavior problems down the road.
Second, you need to start potty training immediately. Don\’t let any bad potty habits form during those first few days you have them home, because those can be hard to reverse. I suggest teaching your puppy to go potty outside right from the beginning, rather than paper training them.
Third, don\’t allow your puppy to playfully nip at you. This mistake is fairly common, and one you will regret. Puppies should not ever be allowed to bite hands or feet, even if it\’s just playing. This includes playing underneath blankets or pillows.
Fourth, recognize that dogs still have their natural instincts, and your dog expects there to be a leader of the pack. You need to establish yourself as what is called the \’alpha dog\’.
Your dog expects to be part of a pack, and for that pack to have a leader. Not knowing how dogs communicate will most likely cause you to communicate to your dog that they are the leader. And since the leader is in charge, this results in many behavior problems. To learn more about becoming the pack leader, do a search online.
And last, but for sure not least, it\’s very important to gradually and carefully expose your puppy to new and unfamiliar sounds, people, things, etc. These experiences should be positive ones. Carry some delicious treats along with you and make sure to provide a lot of enthusiastic praise.
I hope this article has helped you and given you insight on how to raise a well behaved dog. If you follow the tips I\’ve given, I know you\’ll make a great pet parent and your puppy will grow into a wonderful, loyal companion.
Get more tips and tricks to train a dog at DogBehaviorExpert.com, where I provide information to solve all types of dog behavior problems.
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