You are viewing all 'Puppies entries.
|
|
The rule of thumb is that a puppy can hold her urine for the number of hours that correspond to her age in months, plus one. So an eight-week-old puppy – who is two months old – can hold it for three hours (2+1). Keep in mind this is the maximum time she can hold it but she may feel the urge before that. |
|
|
|
Swatting a puppy with your hand or a rolled up newspaper is frowned upon as archaic by today’s “positive only” trainers. Corporal punishment is a sure way of bringing out the worst defensive instincts in a pup. It’s easy – just don’t do it. |
|
|
|
The idea of putting a puppy through a few simple tests to determine what her temperament will be has gained popularity in the dog world. There are a variety of slightly different tests you can put your puppy through. The most well-known is called Volhard testing, named after the couple who standardized some basic testing techniques of a puppy’s personality as a way to predict what she will be like when grown. |
|
|
|
Want to see what a puppy’s reaction is to having you in control of her? If you want to test how a puppy reacts to gentle restraint, sit down and hold her on her back in your lap, then stroke her belly, speaking reassuringly. An ideal puppy will struggle briefly then relax. A dominant puppy will thrash around to get off his back and may vocalize or bite. |
|
|
|
When a puppy cries or scratches at night you have to take her out. In the puppy’s first weeks with you, your sleep is going to be interrupted many times to take her out. Consider wearing sweat clothes to bed or keeping them right nearby, because if the puppy wakes you up you need to pick her up and take her right outside to do her business. |
|
|
|
Some puppies will panic and freak out if closed into a room with a shut door and where they can’t see what’s going on. Use a baby gate or doggy gate so the pup can look out and not feel totally cut off. |
|
|
|
Don’t let a puppy bite you anywhere, ever. Puppy teeth can really hurt and the only way to teach a puppy to keep them off of you is being consistent in saying “Nooo” in a commanding voice and substituting a favorite toy. This will help the little pooch understand that biting is not a habit that is worth taking up. |
|
|
|
Keep positive associations with the crate by never putting a puppy in there as a punishment. Place a treat in the crate and use a high cheery tone when you say “In your house!” Give the puppy lots of praise anytime he goes into the crate. |
|
|
|
A healthy puppy’s eyes should be bright and clear, not watery. Whites should be white – not watery or yellowish or streaked with red – and there should be no tear stains down the face. Depending on his age, eye color may still be blue, which changes to brown in most breeds. |
|
|
|
While a puppy is in the learning curve he needs to be encouraged, not startled or frightened. For any living creature, learning takes place in a safe and supportive environment – which is what “positive reinforcement” is all about. |
