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Training your new puppy - eliminating bad habits
By Barry Gilbert
Anyone who owns a dog or puppy will eventually run into
the need to eliminate unwanted habits. While most dogs
are eager to please their owners and smart enough to do
what is asked of them, it is important for the owner to
properly communicate just what constitutes acceptable and
unacceptable behaviors.
Each type of unacceptable behavior requires its own
specific cures, and in most cases the cures will need to
be tailored to fit the specific personality of the dog.
Every breed of dog has its own unique personality
characteristics, and every individual within that breed
has his or her own unique personality.
Whining, howling and excessive barking
Let's start with one of the most frequently encountered
problem behaviors in both dogs and puppies. While some
barking and other vocalizing is perfectly normal, in many
cases barking, howling and whining can become
problematic.
This is particularly important for those
living in apartment buildings, or in closely spaced
homes. Fielding complaints about barking is not the best
way for you and your dog to meet the neighbors.
Some tips of dealing with excessive whining, barking and
howling include:
Ø If your puppy or dog is howling or whining while
confined to its crate, immediately take it to its toilet
area. Most puppies and dogs will whine when they need to
do their business.
Ø It is important to teach a dog or a puppy to accept
being alone. Many dogs suffer from separation anxiety,
and these stressed dogs can exhibit all sorts of
destructive and annoying behaviors. It is important to
accustom the puppy to being left on its own, even when
the owner is at home.
Ø Always strive to make the puppy or dog as comfortable
as possible. Always attend to the physical and
psychological needs of the dog by providing food, water
and toys.
Ø If the dog is whining, check for obvious reasons
first. Is the water dish empty? Is the dog showing
signs of illness? Has his or her favorite toy rolled
under the furniture? Is the temperature of the room too
hot or too cold?
Ø Do not reward the puppy or dog for whining. If the
dog whines when left alone, for instance, it would be a
mistake to go to the dog every time it whines.
Ø After you have ensured that the dog's physical needs
are being met, and that discomfort is not responsible for
the whining, do not hesitate to reprimand the dog for
inappropriate behavior.
Problem Chewing
Puppies naturally chew, and they tend to explore their
world using their mouths and teeth. While chewing may be
normal, however, it is not acceptable, and it is
important to nip any chewing problems in the bud to
prevent the chewing puppy from growing into a chewing dog.
Providing a variety of chew toys is important when
teaching a puppy what is appropriate to chew and what is
not. Providing a variety of attractive chew toys is a
good way to keep the puppy entertained and to keep his
teeth and gums exercised. Scented or flavored toys are
great choices for most puppies.
The puppy should be encouraged to play with these chosen
toys, and the puppy should be effusively praised every
time he or she plays with or chews these toys.
Another great strategy is to encourage the puppy to get
a toy every time he or she greets you. Every time the
puppy greets you or a member of your family, teach him to
get one of his toys.
It is also important to exercise good housekeeping
techniques when training a puppy not to chew on
inappropriate items. Keeping the area to which the puppy
has access free and clean is important. Keeping items
out of reach of the puppy will go a long way toward
discouraging inappropriate chewing. Try to keep the
puppy's area free of shoes, trash, and other items, and
always make sure that the area has been properly puppy
proofed.
If the puppy does pick up an inappropriate item like a
shoe, distract the puppy and quickly replace the item
with one of its toys. After the puppy has taken the toy,
praise it for playing with and chewing that toy.
Try booby trapping items the dog should avoid by
spraying them with bitter apple, Tabasco sauce or other
nasty but non-toxic items.
About the Author
Barry Gilbert
Discover How To Slash Your Dog Training Time In Half by
Using Techniques That Give You Immediate Results!
http://www.auctionbusinesssite.com/dogs/
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