HighRoller
05-08-2005, 07:33 PM
It's not ALL fun and games!
Introduction"He won't stop whining."
"She chews everything in sight."
"He won't come when he's called."
"She scares the kids when she jumps and nips."
"He doesn't want to be cuddled."
"She's the cutest puppy, but ..."
Visions of fun and frolic dance in our heads when we decide to bring a puppy into the family, but those visions can deteriorate into frustration for those who are unprepared for the difficulties of puppy training and adjustment to family life.
There's no doubt that the first few weeks with a new puppy can be exasperating. That tiny bundle of fur that was soooo friendly at the kennel, the pet store, or the animal shelter has some behaviors that drive people crazy. It's little consolation that these behaviors are normal for dogs; what matters is that the housetraining go smoothly and relatively quickly, that the nipping of children be held to a minimum, and that chewing on furniture and clothing be stopped or prevented.
It's important to remember that puppies are always learning about their environment and their people, but it can take time for learning to crystallize into acceptable behavior patterns. For example, if a 10-week-old puppy doesn't have accidents in the house, it could well be that the owner is trained to read puppy signals and get the little guy outside at the proper time. Most puppies are housetrained by four months of age, but it may take supreme diligence on the part of owners to prevent accidents until that time.
The first 16 weeks of a puppy's life are critical in determining how he will fit into his family. Early socialization from birth to purchase at seven or eight weeks cannot be replaced later; a puppy that misses out on play time with Mom and littermates or early gentle handling by people can develop behavior problems no matter what the family does to prevent them.
Relax. First of all, these days do pass, often with lightening quickness. Second, puppies really are pretty easy to deal with - a couple of square meals, several trips outside, and lots of playtime balanced with lots of sleeping are the general rule for the first few weeks at home.
Socialization is important, but it needn't be a chore. Puppies should be exposed to everyday noises, to a variety of surfaces, and to handling of their bodies by adults and children before going to their new homes. Once in the home, their horizons should be broadened even further, but rather than a task that must be done, socialization is a perfect opportunity for playtime and bonding. Dr. Gary Clemons of Milford Animal Hospital gives details about puppy socialization in Puppy training techniques (http://www.canismajor.com/dog/puptrain.html)
Introduction"He won't stop whining."
"She chews everything in sight."
"He won't come when he's called."
"She scares the kids when she jumps and nips."
"He doesn't want to be cuddled."
"She's the cutest puppy, but ..."
Visions of fun and frolic dance in our heads when we decide to bring a puppy into the family, but those visions can deteriorate into frustration for those who are unprepared for the difficulties of puppy training and adjustment to family life.
There's no doubt that the first few weeks with a new puppy can be exasperating. That tiny bundle of fur that was soooo friendly at the kennel, the pet store, or the animal shelter has some behaviors that drive people crazy. It's little consolation that these behaviors are normal for dogs; what matters is that the housetraining go smoothly and relatively quickly, that the nipping of children be held to a minimum, and that chewing on furniture and clothing be stopped or prevented.
It's important to remember that puppies are always learning about their environment and their people, but it can take time for learning to crystallize into acceptable behavior patterns. For example, if a 10-week-old puppy doesn't have accidents in the house, it could well be that the owner is trained to read puppy signals and get the little guy outside at the proper time. Most puppies are housetrained by four months of age, but it may take supreme diligence on the part of owners to prevent accidents until that time.
The first 16 weeks of a puppy's life are critical in determining how he will fit into his family. Early socialization from birth to purchase at seven or eight weeks cannot be replaced later; a puppy that misses out on play time with Mom and littermates or early gentle handling by people can develop behavior problems no matter what the family does to prevent them.
Relax. First of all, these days do pass, often with lightening quickness. Second, puppies really are pretty easy to deal with - a couple of square meals, several trips outside, and lots of playtime balanced with lots of sleeping are the general rule for the first few weeks at home.
Socialization is important, but it needn't be a chore. Puppies should be exposed to everyday noises, to a variety of surfaces, and to handling of their bodies by adults and children before going to their new homes. Once in the home, their horizons should be broadened even further, but rather than a task that must be done, socialization is a perfect opportunity for playtime and bonding. Dr. Gary Clemons of Milford Animal Hospital gives details about puppy socialization in Puppy training techniques (http://www.canismajor.com/dog/puptrain.html)