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Is your puppy training you?
If your puppy nudges your hand do you immediately stop what you're doing
to play with him? If so, he may be the one training you. Puppies
automatically repeat behavior that is successful so if you are indulging
your dog in this behavior you may be setting patterns without realizing
it. If your puppy barks and you jump you are letting your puppy know
that 1) you are not in control and 2) that barking gets him what he
wants. You are training him in bad behavior. The longer inappropriate
behavior is accepted, the more your puppy believes this behavior is
appropriate and it becomes the norm.
You’re the leader of the pack
Dogs are pack animals and it's important for your puppy to know that you
are the leader of the pack and that he takes his cues from you. During
adolescence many puppies challenge the lessons they’ve learnt and you
must make sure that you continue being consistent about the behavior you
expect from your puppy. Puppies need boundaries and if they sense from
you that they can set the guidelines for play or walks they will rely on
commands such as nudging your hand for a treat or barking to let you
know they want a walk. Because puppies are so cute this is a very easy
trap to fall into, but with a little patience you can reestablish your
role and set boundaries for your puppy.
Puppies are very sensitive to the signals we give them and your puppy
needs to know that you are the "alpha dog". The following pointers will
help you establish your role in the hierarchy, and discourage his bad
behavior.
Your puppy should respect you: It's easy to spoil him by showering him
with affection and letting him dictate to you. And, affection is
wonderful for puppies, but if you give in to your puppy's every whim
then he won't learn self-control. And he won't respect you. If he
doesn't respect you then he will have no desire to do anything for you.
Just as children need guidance from a parent, your puppy needs guidance
from you. He needs you to lead the way and to do this you can't let your
puppy dictate your actions to you.
Don't scream at your puppy: Never lose control. Your puppy knows that
the alpha dog doesn't have to scream to get attention, and if you scream
at him he will question your position.
Think about one year from now: Some of your puppy's bad behavior may be
endearing now but will it still be endearing when he is 3 times his
present size?
Remember, good puppy parenting requires consistency and clear rules.
© 2009 Mars,
Incorporated and its Affiliates. All Rights Reserved.
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