Things Every New Puppy Owner Should Know!
A good foundation for a harmonious future
An easygoing puppy will sooner or later become a powerful teenager, and there are basic things you want to get right from the start. Behavior, routines or training that will help when the little one has grown up and the drive, strength and will have been strengthened. Once the foundation is laid, life becomes easier. But there is no standardized framework; an individualized touch is crucial.
Personalized training for your puppy
The saying goes, "don't let your puppy do things you don't want your adult dog to do," and it's true. Behaviors you allow your puppy to store in mind will be consolidated and become the adult dog's norm. However, let's give this perspective an individualized touch. And let's focus on how to reinforce positive behaviors you want to see more of in your adult dog.
1) Teach the puppy to ask for permission, or not...
Most dog parents teach their puppy to wait for the "go ahead" before food is served. This is an excellent way to reinforce impulse control, and the concept can be adopted in other situations. Consistently training your puppy to ask for permission creates a framework for control, which will be helpful with an energetic, impulsive, and fearless teenage dog. If your puppy is like Tigger from Winnie the Pooh, it's important to establish good routines early on. But, for shy and worried puppies with more things in common with Piglet, the opposite may need to be reinforced. These puppies can grow and blossom by being encouraged when daring and helping themselves. Too many demands or strict routines can inhibit their personal development and make them insecure. If you want to know more about how to respect the boundaries of shy dogs, read about Shy dogs and respect their boundaries.
2) Train the puppy in proximity, or Not...
Teaching your puppy to come up by your side is commonly used for training and teamwork, recall, leash work, heelwork, retrieving, and more. It is easily done by guiding your puppy to your side before the leash is put on before a walk, before food is served, or before playtime. However, dogs that hardly take their eyes off their dog parent can become overly dependent on them, and more closeness may not be beneficial. In contrast, independent dogs may become more naturally compliant with this approach. There's no standardized framework for dogs as a species, and essential routines for one dog may not suit another.
3) Socialize the puppy more, or not...
Socialization is important, but it should always be tailored to your puppy. For energetic and playful puppies, socialization in dog parks may lead to high expectations, resulting in an adult dog that jumps, barks, and pulls on the leash every time a dog is spotted on the walk. Social puppies also need to practice walking next to, passing by, sitting near, and watching other dogs, as this also is socialization.In contrast, timid puppies may find play in dog parks frightening, and these experiences can create fears that are difficult to overcome in adult dogs. They need to get used to the smells, hear dog barks, and spend time with calm, friendly, and older dogs. They need their circle of friends to expand slowly as they themselves become more secure. The shy puppy may find similar situations intimidating and need to get used to other dogs in a more controlled way. For more information on how to properly socialize your dog, check out our article on it.
4) Train the puppy in solitude, or Not...
Home-alone training is essential, but it shouldn't be hurried. Independent puppies without fear of separation often waltz through home-alone training, while dependent puppies may require a gentler approach. Adjust your training to your puppy.
Adapting to your puppy's changing needs
All dogs are different and need different things. The routines and approaches that work for your puppy may not apply to your adolescent or adult dog. Such is life, be adaptable to changes, and meet your puppy's needs while keeping the future in mind. Your dog will go through several phases of development.
Specific training tips for different puppies:
Do you have a food-loving puppy?
Whistle your recall signal often and guide your puppy to sit before food is served or a bone is given. Say "Go ahead" before your puppy gets to leave the sitting position. This gives you an excellent foundation for future recall training.
Do you have a playful puppy?
Whistle your recall signal, guide your puppy to sit by your side or in front of you, and say "Go ahead" before the fun begins. If you make this your recurring start before play, you'll create lots of great associations with your recall cue.
Do you have an independent puppy?
Give your four-legged friend attention and praise when she/he comes close or seeks contact. Change the direction of the walk and praise if your puppy follows. Back away from your puppy and encourage them to tag along. Reinforce compliance.
Do you have an independent puppy?
Tone down compliance and contact training for a while. Show appreciation when your puppy takes initiative instead.
Do you have a shy puppy?
Be happy and positive when people come to visit or when you see other dogs on the walk. Avoid pressuring your puppy to feel the same or greet them. Let your curiosity and joy spread naturally.
Do you have a social puppy who wants to greet everyone?
Consistently say "Go ahead, greet" before allowing the puppy to greet people and dogs. Also practice spending time next to or passing by without greeting. By reading How to strengthen your relationship with your puppy, you will gain more insights into how to build a good relationship.
Written by: Caroline Alupo
Caroline Alupo is Petli's co-founder. She has a master's degree in ethology and is also a trained dog trainer and dog psychologist. She has 19 years of experience as a professional dog trainer. Read more about Caroline here.
Your personal dog trainer on your mobile
Petli is the app where you can train your dog in a fun format, get personalized coaching from dog experts, meet like-minded people in a warm community and exclusive discounts on great products.
