Raising a Puppy

This is what I do when I first get a puppy, I have the house puppy proofed as much as possible. And a crate all ready with lots of stuff toys, chewies, Kong's and balls. I have a good quality large breed puppy food, or adult food. I plan on having no new people over for the first week as this is a time of great stress for the pup. I also tether the pup to me, so no matter where I go, he goes with me. Every time he wakes up, gets done eating, gets done drinking, stops playing, starts sniffing the ground we go out side to go potty. A puppy is a social animal and leaving his dam and litter mates is very stressful. So he is never allowed to be alone. They do not find it safe at all to be left outside, and this will cause crying, and unwanted behavior due to stress. Out in the wild in a real pack a pup is never left out alone where he feels unsafe. There is always an adult around for protection. So why just throw your pup outside to go potty. Also if you do that, you can never let him know when he does good by seeing him by going potty, and by being rewarded he is potty trained so much faster. I always have them on a long line or leash and when I put him down on the ground I will say go potty. As soon as he goes he is praised and petted warmly to let him know he did GOOD POTTY! Telling your pup that he did good, is very important much more than all the no's he will be getting in the future. All of my dogs are taught to go potty on command which comes in real handy when you go on trips or a dog show. Where they are not allowed to go potty in the ring.

I then will allow him to play outside after he has gone potty under supervision. I will take him on little walks to let him explore if he wants to. After we are done with being outside I will then bring him in, so he can roam thru out the house (with certain doors closed) under strict supervision. If I think he is going to have an accident then I will say a NO or ugg in a deep voice to let him know that is not allowed. I take him out again and praise as needed. Pups are that pups and they get into trouble, cause problems and are generally great fun, but they do have to be watched all the time as they can get into a lot of trouble. I have like I said lots of toys just for that pup, and also a lot of no cans thru out the house (empty soda can with pennies in it covered with tape). I find a no can will stop all bad behavior or non wanting chewing on furniture or objects in the home and including chasing any of my three cats. I will say uggg with or a NO, and shake the can to stop the behavior and I then give it something to do instead. I will give a ball, or a chewy just to get the pups attention off of the offending actions. I will then praise the pup to let them know that this is what I want him to do instead. That includes biting my hands which I never allow a pup to bite or nip at my hands or face. This is discourage from the very start. Do not play on the floor with the pup as this is communicating to him that your one of his litter mates and on the same level as he is. Instead be on a chair or couch and play tug of war, fetch or numerous games that you can play.

When the little guy or gal is ready for a nap allow him to sleep in his crate, on a soft clean blanket, where he will soon feel safe and sound. If he cries at first ignore him as this will teach him if he cries he is taken out of the crate when ever he wants out. I also will use my older dogs that love to sleep in their crates to reassure him that being in a crate is not a bad thing. Learning to be in a crate soon gives him the feeling of being safe and sound when your not around like at work or shopping. Never leave him in a crate more than a couple of hours at first as they really can not hold their bladder than long. Also remember never allow children to tease a puppy no matter what especially when their sleeping. Supervise, supervise all children around pets always.

Now at a bedtime take the pup out one more time, and then either do a tether to your head of your bed, not allowing a real long line. But just enough for him to move around a little on his bed on a nice soft cuddly blanket. Have a favorite chew toy or soft toy for him to play quietly with. If he wines sooth him but do not allow him on the bed. He must learn to sleep where he is. Or you could put a crate next to your bed so if he gets scared or upset you can reach through the bars to sooth him. Now if he starts to cry in the middle of the night he probably has to go out to go potty. You will have to get up take him out, personally so he can go in safety. I know, I know its probably cold out and not to nice in the middle of the night but your baby needs this security of you being there with him. When he is finished take him right back to his bed and have him lay down. The main reason you want the pup in your bedroom is so he will be able to smell you, hear you and feel like he is part of your pack. He will sleep better and so will you!

When it comes to giving baths, picking them up, brushing them or just handling my puppies. I do a lot of hands on with my pups. Esp. if they argue about it or complain, then I will work with them on that problem even more. If I pick up a pup and they growl I will say no, or a ugg and grab their little muzzle and gently shake it. I will then hold the pup in a calm manner even if he is fighting me, or trying to get down. I will become calm with in myself and transfer this energy to the pup. I want him to know that complaining about being handled will not work. But by me being calm and relax this will communicate to the pup, that there is no reason to be upset. What every I do with the pup is to be excepted with out complaint or argument. But at first they will, but the more you handle your pup the more they will except and get used to. Plus this teaches them to trust you and except you as the boss. I will sit on the floor and hold him in my lap with my legs wrapped around him, holding and petting him in a calm soothing manner. Some pups except this rather easily others do not. For them is a lack of control on their part and they do not like it. So It is up to you to teach him that being handled or messed with is a good thing. If a certain thing upsets them I will make sure we work on this a lot. If the pup does not like being brushed I will brush him on daily basis, esp. after I brush on of my older dogs so he or she can watch.

Another thing I want to cover is that you are you pups life support system what I mean is that your are reasonable for his or her safety. In a real pack the pack leaders are always on the look out for dangers. So while on your walks or adventures make sure you are on the look out for dangerous that can harm or kill you pup. But at the same time do not transfer this fear to your pup, just think of it as at look out for you pup. Good luck on your pup, and remember this in a new journey for you both so enjoy the path you will both walk together! Happy trails!