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Dog Training Basics for A Young Dog
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As I look across the room toward my 130-pound Alaskan malamute laying in her favorite spot under the dining room table—the entire length of the table—it’s a bit difficult for me to remember she was ever a puppy. But it wasn’t all that long ago. Tundra came into our lives a few years ago when she was eight weeks old and roughly the size that her head is now.
It had been a long time since I had lived with a puppy. Our previous dog, Tika, had been two years old when we got her. But, hey, I was an experienced dog owner. How tough could a puppy be? I’m here to tell you, raising a puppy is nearly as much work as raising a toddler. Just like with small children, you always need to be on guard, the formative years are crucial, and accidents happen. Often.
I’m no expert. But I’ve learned from the best in local puppy classes, I’ve read, researched and completed a whole lot of trial and error. Here, then, are my best tips for raising a new puppy.
• Research your breed before bringing a dog into your home.
Not all breeds fit all lifestyles. Do you have small children? How much exercise are you willing to give a dog? Will you walk your pet in bad weather? Are you away from home a lot? Do some hard thinking about yourself, your needs and preferences and find a breed or a mix that will fit in with the rhythm of your life.
• Make puppy’s new home familiar.
When we brought Tundra home for the first time, we put her on a blanket for the trip. When we got home, she explored the back yard while Steve draped her blanket in a corner of the living room. Then I brought her inside. As she was creeping around her new home tentatively, she caught sight of her blanket and ran toward it, leaping onto it with joy. She knew she was home.
• Use a kennel, or crate, for puppy’s downtime.
Train your pup to look upon her kennel as her safety zone. That’s where she sleeps, rests and escapes from the world. Put her into her kennel every night for bed, and she’ll become accustomed to it in no time.
• Housebreaking isn’t difficult. It just takes vigilance.
Take your pup out immediately after waking, eating, drinking or playing. Tell her to “go potty,” and praise her when she does. Your pup will get the message in no time.
• Keep your eye on pup at all times.
When your dog is out of his kennel, you’re on the clock. You need to watch him constantly to make sure he isn’t getting into anything he shouldn’t.
• Spend 10 to 20 minutes twice a day training your pup.
Walk her on the leash around the yard, teach basic commands like sit, stay and lay down. Make it a fun time for your pup to interact with you and she will learn that obedience has great rewards.
• Stop certain puppy behaviors early.
Isn’t it sweet when pup jumps up on you? Isn’t it darling when she plays tug of war with your sock? Believe me, when your dog is full grown, it won’t be cute anymore.
• Supply plenty of chew toys.
Puppies want to chew everything. But I’ve heard two schools of thought on chew toys: supply a lot or only a few. Whichever of these approaches you choose, make sure your pup has something to chew on. Your shoes will thank you for it.
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