Puppies 101

Puppies 101
By Robert Forto, PhD

One of the most common questions new dog owners ask us at Denver Dog Works in Colorado is “How do I train my new puppy?” A well-trained dog is a true joy to own, but new pet owners have little experience training animals. These pointers will help you to establish a happy, loving relationship with your new pet. We at Denver Dog Works also strongly recommend new owners enroll in our Puppy Class. These classes start monthly on the first Saturday at our training center at 10400 E. Evans Avenue Denver Colorado 80247. This four-week course teaches you everything you need to know about raising a healthy, confident dog.
People often tell us that they want to wait until the puppy is a little older before enrolling in an obedience class. Training should begin the day you bring your puppy home. If you wait until he is six months old, imagine all of the bad habits that can develop. That is 180-days of accidents, trials and tribulations, biting and mouthing, and a lack of proper socialization. Your cute, cuddly little puppy will grow up quick. Give him the gift of a routine and consistency, and you will thank him for it later.
All in the Family
Even though he realizes that you are not a dog, the only way your puppy knows how to relate to other creatures is if they were dogs. With this in mind, you must learn “dog leadership skills” to let your dog know that you are the pack leader. Any family member who doesn’t do this may be bossed around by the dog, and even bitten.
One of the best techniques for teaching your puppy his social position is a technique that I call “Nothing in Life is Free.” First, you train your puppy to sit, or better yet, lie down. Then you teach a releasing command such as “Free Dog!” This means that the dog is free to do whatever he wants again. At first, the time spent sitting will be brief. Never reward your dog when gets up on his own, but always reward him if he remains sitting until released. Say “Good dog” and give a food reward at first (small pieces of hot dog or string cheese work best); later the verbal reward can be used alone.
Now ask your puppy to sit for anything he wants in your household except water. This means that he must assume a submissive body posture in order to get dinner, let out, petted or played with. In these situations, the reward is what the pup wanted in the first place, so no food reward is necessary. Soon the pup will sit on his own when he wants something. This is akin to teaching your children to say “Please” when they want something.
A Big Wide World
The crucial period for socialization in dogs is between four and fourteen weeks. During this time, expose your puppy to as many different people and situations as possible. Remember that a puppy does not realize that children of various ages eventually will be grown-ups. Introduce cats, other adult dogs, wheelchairs, cars, noises, and enroll him in a puppy class as soon as possible.
Stopping that Chewing
Puppies just like children, go through a teething period as well as an oral exploration phase, where everything seems to end up in their mouths. One of the easiest ways to prevent your puppy from chewing you out of house and home is to set him up for success. Give him a variety of safe chew toys such as Kongs®. Tuck food treats inside to stimulate your puppy’s interest. I make a puppy popsicles by placing a Milkbone® dog treat and a teaspoon of peanut butter in the Kong® and freezing it. This will provide hours of stimulation for your pup. I advise that you have two on hand at all times.
Do not expect the puppy to differentiate between old socks or shoes and new ones, or between a rag you’re taunting him with and a fluttering curtain. Always be sure that he has several appropriate chew toys in his crate with him. While you are monitoring him closely to get him housebroken, also watch for inappropriate chewing. Whenever you catch him chewing on anything other than his toys say, “No,” then redirect his attention to a chew toy. This may require you to carry a few toys in your pockets during this training period.
Chewing can also be directed towards people. Always use a toy when playing with your puppy—whenever you play with just your hands, you are training him that humans are chew toys from the wrist down. If your puppy mouths you, do exactly what another puppy who did not want to be bitten would do—make a high-pitched shrieking sound and leave. Your puppy will learn that people are wimpy, and that he simply cannot “play rough” with humans.
Now that you have a housebroken, well-socialized, polite puppy, consider obedience training. There is no better gift for your puppy than a lifelong commitment from you, and that includes continual learning. If you are interested in our puppy classes or any of our programs please check out our website at www.DenverDogWorks.com or give Dr. Robert Forto a call at 303-752-2810 anytime.