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Your
Puppy's
Remembering
that puppies are babies, will help you
to understand your dog.
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A young puppy is just like a baby. This is easy to remember when your dog is little, but when he grows to be 75 pounds and is only 6 months old, this may be harder to believe. But dogs are really babies until they are about a year old. This doesn't mean they should get away with things. Dogs need routine and rules to follow to grow up right. |
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| Dogs should learn good manners and some obedience while they are puppies. Teaching them will always be easier while they're young. | |
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It is VERY NORMAL for a young pup to chew, but he shouldn't chew on you! He will be chewing because he is getting new teeth, just like a human baby. When he tries to chew on you, give him toys and very large bones to chew on instead. A wet towel put in the freezer and frozen is good for your dog to chew on, if you supervise him. It helps your pup's gums feel better. When he 'bites' you, don't get mad, just have a bone or toy ready for him. Put it in his mouth and say, "Good boy!". This is very important. Too much discipline or harsh words at this age is not good. Click for more info on Chewing |
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first year is the hardest year for dogs and for owners. The first year is the best time to start obedience training and teach your dog tricks, too. Dogs are like teenagers. They like to be very busy. They want to be adults, but aren't sure how. They might try adult things when they are too young to handle them. |
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| Teach your dog everything you can think of. Your dog is probably very smart and needs things to do. Take him for lots of walks and play Games. Spend as much time as you have learning how to train your dog. Your dog is ready to learn from the first day you get him. | |
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As your puppy grows up, he will need to know who is in charge. Who is making the rules? A pup will make up his own rules if no one is telling him what the rules are. Check out Who's the Boss for more information on teaching your dog the rules of the house. |
What
to do NOW:
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Click
on the ball to understand more about giving your dog |
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Your dog is ready to learn when he is very young. Even puppies who are 10 or 12 weeks old can learn to sit and shake hands. At this age your teaching should be gentle and fun. Many trainers offer puppy classes for pups who are as young as 10 weeks old. This is great socialization where pups learn to play well with all kinds of other dogs. |
Your puppy can start learning very early. But by 3-4 months old, you should plan on teaching him some fun commands and tricks. Make it fun! Don't be negative and discipline him too much. Your puppy will learn more if he enjoys the lessons. If you get frustrated, stop and play a game. Teach him tricks and fun things. Take him lots of places and introduce him to lots of people. |
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Artwork by Leena,
age 16
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Here is a general guide to when you should start teaching your dog:
 Remember, this is not formal training. These are fun learning activities for your puppy. |
1-5
Months Old: watch
me , come
here, These
are some tricks that are good to teach when your pup
is very young: |
Before you go out in public, make sure your puppy is vaccinated. Until that happens, your friends can bring their dogs over to your house if they have had their shots. That way, your dog is not exposed to any illness. It's important for your dog to meet lots of people and other dogs while he's very young, whether at your house or out in public. As soon as your puppy has had his shots, take him everywhere you can to introduce him to the world. Socializing is very important for your dog. |
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5-8
Months Old: lay
down, off, stay,
stand Formal obedience classes should be started now. Five to six months is the perfect age to start. kiss, beg, roll over |
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Start formal obedience training if you haven't already. The later you start, the harder it will be. Continue practicing all manners. These
are some tricks that are good to teach before your dog is a year
old: |
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in a pup tent |
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Out
and About When your
dog has had all of his shots, he will be ready
to start getting out in the world. Now he is protected against diseases.
Just
as you go on field trips at school to learn about the world,
your puppy needs to go out to learn about things
as well.
There are experiences you will want to share with
your dog
so he becomes comfortable with strange
people, places, sounds, and things.
Click here! 
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Here are our favorite training books and videos written for kids:
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For
the little ones: |
A lot to remember? Try this!
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our Privacy Policy How To Love Your Dog http://www.loveyourdog.com Copyright © 1998 - 2008 by Janet Wall and Rick Wall May be reproduced for individual or classroom use only. Photographs, graphics, and backgrounds may not be reproduced to other websites or for any other purpose. |
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