Ever wonder why puppies never wander far from their caregivers? Wanting to be close to you is an expected behavior for the puppy stage, but this stage doesn’t last long. Once puppies reach adolescence, when they are approximately 5-6 months old, they are more motivated to be independent and explore the world around them.
Dogs, especially puppies, like to play and get dirty and need to be bathed regularly. However, just the sound of bathwater can spark fear and anxiety for many dogs. Bath time does not have to be a struggle, though. When you make bath time a positive experience for your dog, it will be a less stressful time for both you and your dog!
Walking on a leash is an important skill for puppies to learn, but it can be challenging to train puppies that are eager to explore the world around them. The key to setting up puppies for success is to use a high rate of reinforcement to keep the puppy’s attention and accelerate learning. Visual markers can be helpful reminders to the handler to offer the puppy a treat for being in the desired position.
Walking on a leash is an important skill for puppies to learn, but it can be challenging to train puppies that are eager to explore the world around them. The key to setting up puppies for success is to use a high rate of reinforcement to keep the puppy’s attention and accelerate learning. Visual markers can be helpful reminders to the handler to offer the puppy a treat for being in the desired position.
Does your puppy try to run away when you reach for her harness? Hands reaching toward a harness often signifies to puppies that playtime is over. However, it is very important for puppies to feel comfortable when their harnesses are grabbed.
There are few things more exciting than bringing home a new puppy. The first weeks and months are crucial for setting the foundation for a lifelong partnership between people and their dogs. A frequent question is, “How do I bond with my pup?” With playtime, of course! Puppies that enjoy playing are more likely to become comfortable around people. The more puppies and their humans play, the closer they will grow and the better they will trust and understand one another.
It’s never too early to start clicker training—and that goes for both dogs and humans! One of the benefits of clicker training is that it works for learners of any age. Getting kids involved with clicker training not only helps them bond with their puppies, but also teaches them how to interact with dogs in a way that is fun and safe for both. Child and dog safety directly correlate to the quality of the relationship that is built between them through training.
Mouthy puppy problems? While it’s completely normal for puppies to bite, chew, and mouth people’s hands, it’s important to teach puppies what is appropriate to bite and what is not. When a puppy begins nibbling at fingers or toes while playing, try redirecting the puppy’s attention (and teeth!) to a fun toy!
Socializing puppies with other dogs is important; it teaches them how to be relaxed and confident when they meet new friends. However, a common mistake that many people make is introducing puppies to too many dogs, too casually, and too soon. Not only are those circumstances overwhelming for many young puppies, but they also increase the likelihood that the puppies will become anxious and fearful in the presence of other dogs.
While there’s so much that goes into getting puppies off to a great start, puppy socialization classes can play a pivotal role! Positive exposures to as many sounds, sights, textures, and scents is critical to raising well-adjusted, confident puppies.
