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Housebreaking Another behavior that can be frustrating for dog owners. Housebreaking takes time, patience and consistency. Above all, a puppy should not be punished for having an accident. Punishment or startling your puppy can create a “hiding” puppy. They will hide somewhere and go to the bathroom, afraid of letting you see. A puppy needs to be taught where is appropriate to use the bathroom. Remember that dogs are animals originally from the wild, so we need to domesticate them. Teaching them how to communicate their needs to us. Just like a new baby. We learn how to recognize the sounds, cries, of our baby. When they are hungry or wet or not feeling well. So it is with a puppy. Learn to recognize their body signals or whines. Watch as they sniff outside before using the bathroom, do they spin in circles? Do they pace back and forth? Learning the signs can help prevent accidents in the house. Also, feeding schedules can affect proper housetraining. Not leaving water or food available all day and night when they are puppies. Have set times for meals. Puppies usually go to the bathroom 15 to 20 minutes after eating. If you are not around after they have eaten, they will most likely have an accident. If you have an active puppy running and playing, they need to be taken out more often. Just things to think about. Again, in sessions this will be discussed. |
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Common Behavior Problems |
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To Contact Us: |
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Phone: 860-618-2139 E-mail: dogsbestfriendllc@yahoo.com |
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Nipping and Biting Any type of mouthing is normal for a puppy. It is their way of communicating with their littermates. Usually the mother dog will teach her puppies what is appropriate as far as using their mouths. So, we are the ones to teach them now. During our sessions we will work with the puppies on not biting or nipping. We will be able to teach them that our bodies are not appropriate objects to play with. Try to have chew toys available at all times in order to take the place of your hands, arms or feet. Also, if they are chewing on human belongings, keep these out of reach. As the saying goes, “if your dog is constantly jumping out the window,...SHUT THE WINDOW!” Also keep in mind, puppies teeth between 4 and 6 months old. Thus the need for relief in the form of chewing. Keep frozen bones available to help in such moments. |
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Jumping Ahh… the famous jumping dog! Jumping is how a dog greets you and says, “I want to play!” How many of us have unintentionally encouraged our “jumping beans” with the occasional petting our already-in-the-air puppy? Yes, when they are little and soooo… cute, we can’t help but to pet and cuddle our little furry friends. This is fine when they are 10 to 15 pounds, but when they are 80 pounds, who wants a jumping dog? So, in our training we will teach our dogs not to EVER jump. We will praise the dog or puppy when they are “all fours on floor”. This means whenever your puppy is standing, sitting or even in a down, he/she gets praised and greeted. If your puppy is on his/her hind legs, or in the air, he/she NEVER gets a pet or “hello”. As part of the training, we will address this issue and hope to include all who interact with your dog. Family and friends if possible. Our goal is to have a friendly yet well-mannered dog. We can achieve this with consistency and commitment. |
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Digging Digging is a common behavior that dogs exhibit. Dogs dig for many reasons, to stay cool in hot weather, to warm up in the cold weather and to get rid of any pests we may have in our yards such as, moles, chipmunks or other small prey. One of the most common reasons though is boredom. Yes, boredom is the root of many behavior problems. Giving your puppy plenty of exercise and mental stimulation can help alleviate this “desire” for mischief. You can also give you puppy it’s own area or sand box to dig in. Especially certain breeds that are bred to hunt or retrieve. You would encourage the digging in the appropriate spot, the sand box, and praise for digging in that spot. While re-directing your puppy when they dig in a spot that is not acceptable. Again, we do not punish our puppies, so try to refrain from harsh tones. During your training sessions we can demonstrate the type of treating and praising we will use. We will also show what a lure is and how to use other methods to get the results we want from your puppy. |
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These following behaviors that are consistently asked about. Throughout the sessions if any of these behaviors are a concern they will be worked on and solved. Know that you are not the first or only to have a puppy or dog with any of the above issues. Together we will reach the goal of a well-mannered, trained dog. |
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Walking on Loose Leash One of the most common issues addressed, walking on loose leash begins when they are just puppies. Not allowing the pulling in the first place can help your puppy learn how to walk by your side. Unintentionally we allow our puppies to pull because they are not 80 pounds and because we feel they are just curious little puppies. We can still leave room for investigating while teaching our puppy how to NOT pull our arm out of socket. During sessions we will teach you how to teach your puppy/dog how to follow your lead. Walking also strengthens your relationship with your puppy making walking a rewarding activity for both of you. |
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Remember to always be patient when teaching your puppy or dog. Some behaviors are just in the dog’s nature. We have to remind ourselves that dogs are animals, we just domesticate them. Other behaviors are manageable, while others can be extinguished completely. Each breed is different and each dog is different. Meaning, just because your neighbors dog went to Obedience School and is very well-mannered, does not necessarily mean your dog, same breed, same age, will also behave the same. Each dog can achieve success as long as each dog’s handler/family is working to achieve that success. Dedication, consistency and commitment are a necessity to have when training your puppy. I have all these and am here to help anyone who wants the help.
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