The Importance of Dog Training for a Happy, Balanced Pet-owner Relationship

The Importance of Dog Training for a Happy, Balanced Pet-owner Relationship

First Principles
Teach respect, a dog has to be taught to respect its owner. You have to be his leader and not let him be yours. As you communicate with your dog he learns to understand you, he will forever be willing to please. Once the dog knows you are his leader, he will be a happy follower by teaching your dog the basic training commands and discipline.
It is next to impossible to have a normal, well-behaved, even-tempered dog without discipline and some training. Once a dog is trained he is a better pet and greater companion, and he himself will be happier for knowing that his owner is pleased with him. There are many books devoted

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Your First Day Home With Your New Puppy

Your puppy's first day home with your family is a special day. Everyone is trying to find their new position in the household. There are new responsibilities, new adventures, and new toys everywhere!

Bringing a new puppy home is exciting but it can also be quite expensive, exhausting, and scary. A puppy's needs are not unlike any new addition to the family. He needs lots of love, patience, and kindness, but he also needs clear rules and expectations from day one. He will need a place of his own and a safe environment all around him.

Whether you are adding a Mastiff puppy to a household already teaming with children and pets, or a Chihuahua puppy who will be your sole companion, you will find that very special accommodations need to be made to insure the health, happiness, and well being of your new friend and her new family.

Preparations for a new puppy should begin well before she ever romps across your living room or leaves her footprints in the grass outside. Your family should be made aware of the way having a puppy can change the structure in your home. Children need to understand that puppies are not toys and can not be treated as such. Everyone needs to know that anything left out will get chewed, messes will get made, and puppy will need to sleep as much as she will need to play.

Make sure children are taught to be careful when handling a puppy and small children should NEVER carry a puppy around. An adult should monitor interactions with small children at all times. Some puppies are very fragile and all puppies are wiggly, and rambunctious. Children should be taught to treat a puppy with respect. Children should never be in charge of discipline or correction of behavior.

If you are introducing a puppy to children in your home, make sure you lay down ground rules first. The children should be clear on what the rules and expectations are before you start to teach them to the puppy. If a small child would like to hold the puppy she should first sit down so when the puppy wriggles away, she won't fall and get hurt.

Some basic rules should include:

1. Pick up your toys...or they may get ruined.

2. Don't wake a sleeping puppy. She needs her rest.

3. Don't interrupt a puppy who is eating. You might get bit.

4. Don't carry a puppy around. Puppies break when dropped.

5. Don't hit a puppy. It's an adult's job to discipline.

6. Treat a puppy like a friend, not a toy.

If you expect other four-legged friends to welcome this new interloper you will have to allow them to make friends on their terms. Any pets already part of your home may feel threatened or at least infringed upon. Allow them to come and investigate at their own pace and to withdraw when the want to. Remember, this is their turf and the new addition will have to learn her place.

Keep the puppy safe. She could become a target if your pets are not happy with her. The same could be said of children who were not receptive to having a puppy. Just make sure puppy has a place to be if you can not be right with her.

The house belongs first to those who were already there. Puppy may need to be excluded for a little while to allow other pets to investigate freely for the first little while, taking in all the new scents around. Make sure to reassure and lavish affection on any old friends who are feeling a bit misplaced.

When puppy comes home you should have done these things to prepare:

1. Clean up the clutter. Pick up anything that could pose a choking or intestinal blockage hazard. Remember, just about anything can get chewed and could get swallowed. Puppies mouths are well adapted for chewing on just about anything. Get down on your hands and knees to get a puppy's eye view of the lay of the land.

2. Look for household hazards. Electrical cords seem to have some kind of magnetic energy that puppies can't ignore. Make them inaccessible. These can be deadly. Put away rocking chairs and block off stairs. Many bones have been broken and crushed when curious puppies explore things at the wrong time.

3. Make sure you have a crate. Puppy should have a crate that is her bed. It should be a safe quiet place that she can go when everyone needs a break, or when you can't watch her closely.

A crate should be plenty big enough, without being too big. If you only want to buy one crate and she will be a large breed dog someday, block off part of it while she is a puppy. Crates serve many purposes including housebreaking. She will not want to soil her own bed but if she can relieve herself far enough away from where she is sleeping she will not try to hold it as long.

A crate is the perfect place to put a puppy to bed at night. She will not agree at first, and your first few nights may be very noisy as she objects, but if you ignore her she will settle down and go to sleep. Make sure she goes outside to potty last thing at night and first thing in the morning before her little feet hit the ground. You may need to get up a bit earlier than usual to help her 'make it through the night' as she learns how to control her bladder and bowels.

A crate serves as a safe place she can be when you can't be right with her. No one can hurt her, and she can't get into trouble here. If she was not crate trained by the breeder then she will have to get used to it. It may take a few days but not more than three or four if you are consistent with it. He crate will quickly become her safe place and you will find her there on her own accord once she understands it is her special place.

A crate should never be used as a place she goes to be punished. No matter what, it should always be a 'happy place'. Never scold her or swat her as you put her in her crate. Her toys and blanket or bedding will make it feel more homey for her.

4. Check your yard. Make sure there are no places she can escape. Look under or behind bushes, check wooden slats, and loose boards. If she is particularly small, you might need to make additional reinforcements to fences and gates. Follow her around closely. While she explores, let her show you areas that may pose a threat.

Make sure you don't have any toxic plants in the yard. Puppies chew everything, including plants. Make sure you don't have any snail, rat, or weed poison around, either on the ground or in bags and boxes. Make sure there is no anti-freeze or coolant from cars, or air conditioners around.

If you have a pool that she can get to, make sure she knows where the steps are. Puppies can swim but get exhausted very quickly and can drown if they don't know how to get out. The best way is to get in with her and have her swim to the steps, if she does it a time or two, she will have a better chance at remembering where they are if she falls in by accident.

5. Make sure you have plenty of toys. There will be thousands of things that your puppy should not get into, make sure there are lots of things that are just for her. If you need to redirect her attention, make sure you have a variety of soft squeaky toys, nylon chews, and tug toys. Puppies get bored and you don't provide plenty of variety, they will find their own entertainment.

6. Make sure you have an appropriate food. There are many different brands of food available and often there is better than what she has been eating since feeding a litter can be expensive. If you and your vet have chosen a proper food be sure to change her slowly. Mix about 2/3 what she has been getting with about 1/3 of what you want her to have for a day or two and then slowly change the ratio over the course of a week or more until she is just getting what is recommended by your vet. This will reduce upset tummy problems. Whatever food you use should be high quality and made just for puppies. Many are made for specific breed types to help meet their growth requirements. It is often a very good idea to mix canned and dry food to encourage good appetites and good nutrition.

Puppies need to eat often. A very young puppy should eat at least four times a day, and a very small breed may need to eat more often than that. Small breeds don't have much fat or reserve and can experience attacks of hypoglycemia which can be life threatening. It is a good idea, in fact, to keep Karo syrup around just in case. If your puppy hasn't eaten for a while and seems weak or dizzy, rub some Karo syrup on her gums and see if she improves, it should happen right away, within minutes. If she does, feed her. If she does not, get her to a vet immediately.

A general rule of thumb on feeding a puppy is that she should have as much as she wants to eat in about 15 minutes time. If she eats what you gave her right away and is looking for more, give her more inside that 15 minutes. If she leaves a lot behind, pick it up and throw it away and offer her less next time. Never leave her food down to get rancid, spoil, or attract bugs. Another reason to feed on a regular basis instead of 'free-feeding' is that her appetite or lack there of is often your first clue if she isn't feeling well. A full bowl might mean she isn't hungry because she just ate, or it could mean she is getting sick.

If your puppy will be home alone for long periods of time you may want to have someone come in and visit from time to time to make sure she gets a chance to go outside to relieve herself and eat regularly. Puppies get very lonely and should have plenty of company and opportunity to play and grow.

Make sure you find a good vet and follow the Doctors recommendations closely. Once she has completed her series of vaccines you can start taking her out in public. She should be properly socialized to allow her the experiences needed to help her discern what to nervous about and what not to. An obedience class is a must to help her learn that she needs to listen to you even when there are many distractions around. That tidbit could save a lot of grief, it could save her life. If she gets out and knows to listen, she may not decide to dart into the street in front of that Chevy. She should be socialized to make her safer to be around. A fearful dog can be dangerous to friends who may visit, or even to your even to your own family. She doesn't have to be big to be dangerous so socialization should be a focus. Some breeds are more naturally social than others of course.

Having a puppy should be a great deal of fun but if you understand what you are getting into before you bring her home, your transition will be much more smooth and enjoyable for all.

Congratulations on your new friend. May it be the beginning of many new memories for everyone.

Laura Anderson
http://www.puppys-place.com

What Are Puppy Mills?

Soon it will be time for the jingle of bells, the little man in the funny red suit and thoughts will be turned to what shall I buy for the loved ones on my list. In many homes the thought of a puppy crosses the mind of a parent, especially if, throughout the year, there has been whining and begging for a puppy.

Puppies are great gifts and can become a treasured part of a child's life, but only if you the parent realize the responsibility a puppy brings. Do not think that getting your child a puppy will teach total responsibility, no matter what the child tells you it will do in order to get what it wants.

You, the parent, have to be ready and willing to take over the responsibility if your child fails to live up to its word. That said, it is time to look into where to look for that precious gift and what to be on the lookout for.

Pet stores are a great source of pedigreed puppies, yes/no? Pet stores for the most part (not all, mind you) deal knowingly or unknowingly with puppy mills.

What are puppy mills?

Puppy mills are breeding facilities that produce purebred puppies in large numbers for profit. A puppy mill has little or no interest in the health of the puppy or its parents. As long as the pair can produce what appears to be a healthy puppy, they are only kept for breeding purposes.

Puppy mills do not do health checks to rid a particular breed of certain health problems nor do they spend the money to have their breeding pairs checked to remove their own particular health problems.

How is a puppy mill run?

Most dogs in a puppy mill do not see the light of day or ever feel the cool green grass under their feet. They are kept in small cages one on top of the other for as long as they can be bred. The dogs are filthy, usually not in the best of health and the females are bred every single time they come into heat.

Puppies and/or their parents are never socialized, handled with love and care or even have proper veterinary care.

Puppy mills have little regard for bloodlines and will breed a sister and a brother together just to get the litter.

The puppies and the parents are generally fed low quality food. Puppies are generally taken early from their mothers and are shipped in trucks to various pet stores. Some die on the way and those that do not, you can be assured will have problems, once you are the owner.

Puppy mills have no regard for such conditions as hip dysplasia, eye problems, behavioral problems, psychological problems or other genetic disorders. Their sole goal is providing a warm body and to let you worry about the condition and health of it after the sale.

How did puppy mills come about?

You can blame our government. The concept began in the 1960's when the government suggested that "cash strapped" farmers begin to breed dogs for profit in order to supplement their income.

That suggestion took flight and literally there are thousands of such breeding places currently found within the United States. The Midwestern states such as Ohio, Missouri, Kansas, and Pennsylvania having the largest number of puppy mills.

The onset of television and the showing of a "cute puppy" will make the demand for that particular breed skyrocket and thus grows another puppy mill.

The government instituted USDA-Inspections of facilities that breed puppies, some states even require state kennel licenses and inspection, but that does not mean they are not puppy mills. The USDA rarely if ever revoke a breeder's license or even fine a breeder for repeated violations. Some states require licenses, but do not have enough inspectors to go around or the budget to carry out the inspections properly. Just because a breeder can say that they are USDA licensed is not a guarantee that the business is not a puppy mill. A driver's license does not make a person a good driver, does it?

Pet stores and the Internet are prime sources for these puppy mills to sell their dogs to. Many of the dogs sold in the pet stores end up with medical problems that if they do not show up within a few months will rear their ugly heads within the first year or two.

How are Pets Stores handling these allegations?

Pet stores are happy to tell you that they only deal with breeders and not puppy mills. However, in plain English, anyone who has puppies for sale can be considered a breeder. Responsible breeders want to know whom their puppies are going to, they want to meet you and would not consider selling to a pet store.

Pet stores will also say that their puppies come from USDA-inspected facilities - there are hundreds of so called licensed puppy mills with violation lists as long as your arm that are USDA-inspected at one time or another, selling to pet stores.

If your pet store says they only deal with breeders they know - ask for documentation, you will generally see the puppies come from out of state locations and not from your area.

One of the best sales pitches they give is "our puppies come with a health certificate," this truly proves nothing. The certificate means the puppy was seen by a veterinarian for a quick overall check up, but did not include any testing or checking for any genetic diseases or problems.

The health guarantee which is another sales strong point, is designed full of loop holes that protect the store's interest and not yours. More than likely you will have to return the puppy in order to get a refund on your money or you will accept the problems the puppy brings and pay all the bills yourself. It is a case where you are doomed if you do and doomed if you don't because by the time the puppy's illness or problem shows up, you heart is already entwined around the little one and you cannot give it up.

Having a set of registration papers does not prove the puppy is from a reputable breeder, it is only a record of the puppy's parents and possibly other earlier generations. These papers do not ensure that your puppy is a healthy one or that it is free from any genetic defects. Registration papers do not show if the puppy and its parents were raised in a human environment, socialized and fed proper food,

Puppy mills keep their breeding dogs in cages, they are never allowed to play and be cuddled, most never see the light of day and when they can no longer breed successfully, they are discarded.

If you are in the market for a puppy consider these alternatives and do not buy a puppy from a pet store or even think of buying one, sight unseen from the Internet.

Adopting a dog from a no kill shelter, Humane Society or the ASPCA is one of the best ways to put the puppy mills out of business, plus you are saving a life. Many purebreds can be found at any of these places. Mixed breed dogs make fabulous pets, remember your children want a dog, not a label or a status symbol

If you are determined to buy from a breeder, do your research and then visit the breeder. True breeders will be happy to show you where your puppy lives, introduce you to the parents and allow you time to spend with several puppies, so that you get the one just right for you.

Do not be swayed by pet store ads or a website that is promoting a wonderful sale. Nine chances out of ten, the puppies are from a puppy mill and you are playing Russian roulette in regards to the puppy's health issues and your own happiness.

Another bit of advice is "put aside your good intentions" and do not rescue a puppy from a puppy mill, buying that puppy makes room for one more and gives the puppy mill and the pet store more incentive to keep filling the cages.

Last, but not least, when buying a puppy from a breeder, keep in mind the breeder should be asking you as many questions as you are asking them. They should be interested in how you are going to take care of their puppy and if your relationship with the puppy will be life long. A reputable breeder will take back a puppy, no matter how old, if you are unable to take care of it for any reason.

If you are ready to get a puppy, do your homework, research breeds to see which dog is right for you, even if you are looking for a mixed breed (mutt) check out the breeds you see in the dog, to make certain it fits your lifestyle. Do not expect a greyhound to be happy in a small one-room apartment with no yard to run and play in.

Having a pet should be a commitment; a pet is a living creature and should not be considered as a one-night stand, a status symbol for the moment or as a disposable object.

To learn more about puppy mills visit the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals at http://www.aspca.org

If this article has been of benefit, please visit my web site and blog at http://www.cats-and-dogs-on-the-web.com

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How to Stop That Puppies Chewing?

Puppies love to chew things, let's face it we have all had to deal with chewing puppies at one time or another. So you're trying to stop puppies chewing! How are you going to get it into his little head that furniture costs money and your hands, arms or any exposed body part are not chew toys for puppies. If you are like me, then it's kind of difficult to continuously harass the cute little pup for doing what is natural to him. Key to solving this issue is to ensure your new furry friend does not get too bored and also redirect his attention to less expensive or painful alternatives. So, the key to stop puppies chewing would be to let him chew, but find alternatives. The pup needs to teeth anyway and this puppies chewing is part of his teething process.

Why to Stop Puppies chewing

Puppies chewing behavior seems like natural behavior, right? Well yes and no. I suppose we can say yes puppies chewing behavior is normal, but no, puppies chewing on me or my valuable stuff is not normal. Bear in mind puppies don't deal in dollars and cents, so your expensive Persian rug or possessions are just chew toys or puppies. A good reason why you would want to redirect or stop puppies chewing on your valuable items is they cost loads of money. Also, if the puppy is just left to do whatever he wants, this is going to possibly lead to bad dog behavior as the puppy matures. Nip this bad dog behavior in the bud, to save yourself both physically and financially, further down the line. Stop puppies chewing on you or your stuff by providing good and effective alternatives for your puppy.

How to Stop Puppies chewing

You need to stop puppies chewing right away, or as soon as the little guy starts sinking those needle like "chompers" into things. There are some things you can do to stop puppies chewing behavior. For starters never shout loudly at your puppy. Secondly, never hit the puppy for any reason and always try control your anger around the pup. Do not focus your anger on the puppy. These actions will just confuse the young boy and will prevent him from understanding, what it is, he has done to upset you. Dogs and puppies don't see wrong and right like we do. If you want your puppy to grow into a well behaved dog, then some of the following pointers need to be noted.

Bad Dog Behavior Adjustment - This is really going to save your sanity and your back pocket. Do not stop the puppies chewing, but rather when you catch the little guy in the act, replace what he is chewing with suitable chew toys for puppies. When he accepts this and focuses his chewing on the chew toy, give him lots of praise. The pup needs to know that this is good dog behavior and what you expect. As usual you need to repeat this action until the puppy quits his bad dog behavior.
Your Puppy must be kept Busy - These little guys get bored very quickly. A bored puppy is going to chew, oh yes, it's like eating sweets for kids. Sure enough, teething will bring on puppies chewing more than usual to alleviate the pain and irritation associated with puppy teething. Make sure your puppy gets regular workouts. A tired puppy is going to chew a lot less and he will be a lot healthier for it as well. Make sure there are enough distractions for the puppy. There are loads of chew toys for puppies that you can purchase or just make up from old junk. The key is to keep the puppy interested in his chew toys and not your stuff if you want to stop puppies chewing. If you are home, play as much as possible with the little guy. I'm sure you will have a string of volunteers to do this in your home anyway. Puppies are just great to play with.
Puppy Crate Training - If your job or daily routine means there is nobody at home during the day you are going to have to come up with some solution to stop puppies chewing. Crate training is a good idea here, as it will make your puppy become accustomed to a more confined space. That way you can limit access to your whole home and perhaps restrict your dog's habitat to one room of your home whilst there is nobody at home. Make sure to provide plenty of interesting chew toys for puppies and also be sure that he cannot tip over his water supply or worse still become trapped in it. Imagine leaving a toddler to his own devices for an entire day, I don't think that would be viable, but just imagine. Then use the same apprehension and preparation when doing this to your puppy.
Aversion Sprays to stop puppies chewing - Maybe you did not know this but puppies and grown dogs simply do not like the taste of Bitter Apple or Cayenne Pepper. There are plenty of good sprays available which you can buy. To stop puppies chewing, simply spray the valuable items that you do not want puppies chewing with these sprays. The puppy will soon lose interest in chewing the sprayed items as the taste will not be good to him.

In order to save your fingers and your possessions you will need to do some or all of the above to stop puppies chewing. In a nutshell it's all about redirecting what gets chewed and what is ignored.

Most important to stop puppies chewing - Consistency

In order to really stop puppies chewing you need to remove any confusing signals that you may inadvertently be sending to him. For instance, don't give your pup stuffed chew toys for puppies and then expect him to ignore your children's stuffed toys or any other stuffed toys that may be in his area. The puppy is not going to be selective. He will just chew all stuffed toys he can get hold of, because they are ok to chew on, aren't they? Rather remove all temptation from your pups area. Yes be stern with your pup, he needs to know who the Alpha Dog is. But also be fair. The pup just wants to please you and if you let him, he will do even more than that. He will make your belly ache with laughter at some of his silly antics. Puppies are really great fun and please always appreciate that innocent commitment and dedication that they give you, return the favour. Good luck with your puppies chewing and may all his chewing be on the right stuff.

Hi, my names Derek and I am a Dog Lover and Enthusiast. Why don't you join me in my quest for knowledge about "man's best friend" at my website http://www.besthappydog.com/ where I share my insights as well as many experts advice.

I also recommend joining my newsletter group at http://www.besthappydog.com/how-to-be-the-alpha-dog/, for regular and relevant dog health advice and training tools.

Thanks for reading my article. Cheers for now.

Regards
Derek

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Puppy Socialization Leads to a Confident and Well-Behaved Adult Dog

What is puppy socialization?

Puppy socialization is the gentle process of exposing a new puppy to everyday situations, sounds, and sights, in a positive and non-threatening way, in order to acclimatise your puppy to his environment.

Why Do I Need To Socialize My Puppy?

Puppy socialization will help your puppy integrate better, not only into our human world but into theirs too.

Where a puppy is not properly socialized, it will often become easily frightened or confused by the simplest of situations, or noises. Under-socialized puppies are often nervous of people and of their surroundings. This fear, or nervousness, could mean that your puppy develops an aggression problem and may cause your puppy to bite.

Undersocialized puppies can also be hyperactive, over-excited, and anxious, and are more likely to have behavioural problems later in life. They are very often a danger to themselves and to other dogs and puppies.

Effective puppy socialization gradually introduces your puppy to new experiences, in a safe and controlled environment; helping him to accept new situations and experiences calmly and without over-reacting.

If puppy socialization is carried out properly, your puppy will grow into a well-mannered, relaxed and confident adult dog.

When And Where Do I Begin Puppy Socialization?

Start your puppy socialization programme when your puppy is between 4 and 12 weeks old. A puppy's learning capacity will be at its peak and it will be most receptive to training during this time.

If you've bought your puppy from a professional breeder, (which is always strongly recommended) it's likely that the breeder will have already begun socializing the puppies. A good breeder will handle and stroke the puppies each day to get them used to being picked up by humans, and will continue to socialize them until they are ready to leave their mother and come home with their new owner.

When it's time to collect your puppy, it's a good idea to ask the breeder what socialization it's had so far to enable you to carry on where they left off.

It's important to be aware that although the 'socialization window' closes at around 12 weeks, it is vital that puppy socialization is continued beyond 12 weeks. Continue to expose your puppy to as much as possible; he may not learn as quickly as before, but your puppy is still capable of learning.

It's unlikely that your puppy will be fully vaccinated by the time you bring him home so it's important not to put him down where any other unvaccinated dogs may have been. If your puppy comes into contact with dog diseases at this stage, it could prove fatal. That's why, until your puppy is fully vaccinated, the best (and safest) place to begin puppy socialization is in your home and your garden.

Your breeder may have arranged your puppy's first vaccination with his or her own vet. This will go some way toward protecting your puppy, but you must arrange a follow-up with your own vet, who will advise you when the final vaccination's due, and when you can safely allow your puppy on the ground.

Much of the puppy socialization process can quite safely be carried out in your home and garden; however, there will come a point when your puppy needs to meet other dogs and experience new situations outside of the home, ie before he's fully vaccinated. This may not be until your puppy reaches between 10 - 12 weeks old - very near to the end of the time frame for socializing puppies.  You know it's important to expose your puppy to as many different situations and objects as possible, and to meet a variety of different people and dogs before he's 12 weeks old. You also know that it could be dangerous to expose an unvaccinated puppy to areas where other dogs have been, but you don't want to compromise the socialization process. What a dilemma!

Your Puppy Is Not Yet Fully Vaccinated

Don't worry if your puppy is not yet fully vaccinated; you can still socialize him outdoors, as long as you don't put him down on the ground where unvaccinated dogs may have passed by - you must carry him at all times.

Until he's fully vaccinated, he can be carried around outside so that the socialization process is not disrupted. For example, you could carry him in your arms and take him to the garden centre, the local market, or a supermarket car park, to allow him to watch and listen to the sound of cars, people, supermarket trolleys, market traders and anything else that's going on.

If it's safe to do so, stand at a busy crossroads, or by traffic lights, or simply stand at the edge of a busy road and let him watch, and listen to the traffic. If he remains calm, tell him he's a good boy and give him a treat. Don't reassure him as you'll just be confirming that he's got something to be nervous about. If you have friends or family who have fully vaccinated dogs, it would be safe to let them play and socialize in your own puppy-proofed garden.

Whatever you do, don't stop the puppy socialization process just because your puppy is not yet fully vaccinated.

Your Puppy Is Fully Vaccinated

Once your puppy is fully vaccinated, the sky's the limit. You'll be able to take him for walks on the lead, to meet other dogs in the park, or take him to the beach and watch him run around enjoying the sand and the waves!

The 'HOW' Of Puppy Socialization

During the puppy socialization period, your puppy will need to meet as many people as possible: different nationalities, large, small, short, tall, people with beards, moustaches, glasses, wearing hats, scarfs, hoods, carrying umbrellas, and walking sticks.

We recommend you introduce him to sounds, such as sirens, car horns, traffic, children shouting, screaming and playing, dogs barking, aircraft, loud music, mens' voices, arguing, fireworks, tyres screeching, cats meowing, thunder. The list doesn't end there; there's much, much more that your puppy needs to experience during these few vital weeks.

This may seem quite a lot, but I assure you, it's only the beginning.

Do a little bit of socializing each day, but don't expect too much from your puppy too soon.

As with all puppy training, keep the session short and sharp to prevent your puppy becoming bored; puppies' attention spans are short!

The key to effective puppy socialization is to keep going back to each new situation, place, experience, or object; don't simply take your puppy to, for example, the supermarket carpark and never return, do this several times. Each time you do so, it will help to reinforce your puppy's socialization.

Don't get stuck in a rut - make the effort to vary your puppy's routine (and yours!). Take him out in a car other than your own; visit other homes and as many different places as you can. Ensure your puppy meets different people each day. Puppies who grow up with the same old routine day after day will be missing out on so much development potential.

What should you do if your puppy has a negative experience or is frightened?

If your puppy shows fear or nervousness towards something which cannot harm him, for example, an opened umbrella, don't make a fuss, and don't reassure him. If you do, you may be reinforcing his fear; confirming that he is right to be frightened. You are his pack leader and as such you need to show that there is nothing to fear.

Don't try to force your puppy to approach the umbrella - this will only make matters worse. Instead, close the umbrella and put it on the floor. Sit near to it, but ignore it - don't even look at it. Your puppy's curiosity may get the better of him and he may walk over to it and sniff it. If he does, praise him. Continue to expose him to the umbrella until he's comfortable.

At the next session, try opening the umbrella half way. You may want to put a towel inside so that it can't snap shut on a curious puppy - now that would traumatise him! When your puppy is relaxed about a half-open umbrella, it's time to open it fully. Leave it on the floor at this stage; you can lift it up over your head later when he's more used to it.

The key is to de-sensitize your puppy gently, increasing the exposure each time until he shows no fear or nervousness at all.

Don't forget to reward your puppy each time he fails to react to the object; or, if he does react, reward him as soon as he recovers from his fright.

Puppy Socialization Classes

Puppy socialization classes are an ideal supplement to the socialization process. They will also give your puppy an opportunity to meet with other (vaccinated) puppies and their owners. Your vet or local dog club may be able to recommend a class in your area.

Don't forget, your puppy will need to be fully vaccinated before he can mix with other dogs and puppies - speak to your vet, he will be able to advise you.

Obedience Training

Puppies also need to be taught good manners and need to learn what is acceptable and what is unacceptable behaviour. Obedience training is very important for your puppy and should be a part of the puppy socialization process.

Teach your puppy basic obedience commands such as 'Sit', 'Down', 'Stay', 'Come', and many more - and watch him develop into a well-mannered little puppy.

Ongoing Socialization

You will need to continue socializing your puppy for the rest of his life, although there may no longer be the urgency, or the frequency of socialization that is necessary for a young puppy. Continue to find different situations for your dog: for example, take him to your local flea-market, or car boot sale; choose a different walk to give him different sights, sounds, and smells - anywhere that will offer your puppy different (positive) experiences.

By continuing to socialize your puppy throughout his adult life, he will become more confident - not fearful - and will be able to handle almost any situation with ease.

The socialization process is meant to be fun for both you and your puppy. If your puppy enjoys the 'tasks' you set for him his experiences will be positive and he'll learn quickly. If he's a nervous puppy, just take things more slowly - one step at a time. Don't be in a hurry to rush forward.

Many puppies and dogs are put to sleep each year as a result of unacceptable behavioural problems that could very easily have been avoided through proper socialization. Please don't let this happen to your puppy.

Author: Pauline Simpson

Website Address: www.about-cocker-spaniels.com

At About-Cocker-Spaniels.com you'll find practical tips and advice on how to care for your Cocker Spaniel puppy, including how to find and choose your ideal puppy, new puppy care, crate and toilet training, socialization, obedience training, health problems, and much, much more.

As you'll see from this article - you don't need to own a Cocker Spaniel; no matter what breed your puppy is, you'll still find the information we give invaluable!

Copyright Notice: Pauline Simpson is the author of this comprehensive website. You may freely republish this article, provided the text, author credit, the active links, and this copyright notice, remain intact.

Snowball (The Puppy Place)

Charles and Lizzie Peterson are very good with puppies. They want one of their own, but their mom isn't ready for them to have one full time. For now, they help take care of puppies that need to find a new home. They are a foster family for young dogs.

The Peterson kids hear about Snowball. Someone left the fluffy puppy all alone at a gas station in a tattered, old box. Snowball is sick and hungry. He needs a family of his own. Can Charles and Lizzy find one that is just right?

Price: $4.99

Click here to buy from Amazon

Understanding Black Labrador Puppies

Understanding Black Labrador Puppies

When I write of a "well-rounded" black Labrador puppy, you may immediately picture a round, roly-poly black puppy. That is not what we normally mean by the term, of course. Understanding black Labrador puppies begins by grasping the fact that a well-rounded black Labrador puppy is one that has learned to get along with other dogs and with family members (including other pets). It is a puppy that has bonded with his "pack" and fits in well

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Dog Training ? Best Dog Leads and Leashes

Dog Training ? Best Dog Leads and Leashes

Dog leashes or leads are an extremely essential training tool or even just for general care and wellbeing for your dog. Whether you use your leash for taking you dog for long walks or only use it for teaching your dog right from wrong in the comfort of your back garden, a lead is always an important buy for you and your dog.

As a dog owner and a consumer, your choice of dog leads/leashes is as you might expect, huge. With so much ch

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Puppies: They Need Your Love And Care!

Puppies: They Need Your Love And Care!

Anyone can tame a puppy but not everyone knows how to correctly treat a pet. Every puppy has a different nature and mind. Some learn too early while some take too much of training and still remain untrained. Some puppies are extremely friendly, active and extrovert where as some are too aggressive, lethargic and introvert.
Choosing the right puppy is very essential since a wrong decision could turn out to be very costly. An aggressive, inact

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Puppy Training: Owner's Week-By-Week Training Guide (Training Book Series)

Kennel Club Books introduces a breakthrough in puppy-training books! Well-known author Charlotte Schwartz has taken a key commonsense principal of canine development and applied it to the education of every new puppy. All dog trainers and behaviorists agree that the first eight weeks of a dog’s life are the most critical time for training and shaping the dog’s behavior and obedience potential. Puppy Training presents a unique and useful approach for new owners, carefully detailing an eight-week home-training program.

With over 40 years of experience in dog training, Charlotte Schwartz reveals to the owner the secrets to successful house-training and obedience training. Using positive-training techniques, the author describes her methods of house-training, puppy motivation (treat training), personality tests, basic obedience commands as well as some fun tricks for the puppy. Puppy Training is designed to give owners’ an easy-to-follow sequence, week by week, presenting all of the behaviors that new owners want to teach their puppies—just as if the owners and puppies were in an obedience class.

Readable, entertaining and based on the author’s tried and true methods, this book is illustrated with over 135 color photographs, many of which capture puppies successfully trained by Miss Schwartz. Whether this is your first puppy or one-hundredth, Puppy Training will prove to be an invaluable resource in the education of your new canine companion.

Price: $9.95

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PuppyPerfect: The user-friendly guide to puppy parenting (Howell Dog Book of Distinction)

The book is user-friendly.

The approach is puppy-friendly!

Your puppy is so irresistible, cute, and lovable--until she chews your shoe, uproots your flowers, ruins your rug, demolishes your remote, or gobbles up your steaks.

Understanding your puppy's unique personality, breed-specific traits, and temperament will help you tailor and implement proper, positive training techniques to save your sanity and your puppy! PuppyPerfect explains how to develop a nurturing and mutually respectful relationship with your puppy, which is the key to getting her to behave properly. You'll get information on supplies you need for a puppy, proper feeding, healthcare, and more. You'll learn about puppy psychology, personality, breed differences, and training tools. You'll discover how to make training your puppy more effective and more enjoyable, with:
* Six puppy personality profiles, plus a quiz to help you determine where your puppy fits
* Step-by-step lessons for puppies at various ages and stages
* Information on clicker training, targeting, and point training
* Suggestions and games for positive play training
* Doglish 101 to help you decipher your puppy's bark and body language
* Techniques for dealing with specific bad behaviors, including jumping, digging, pulling on the leash, barking and aggression, stealing food, and more


Complete with more than fifty photos, stories from the author's teaching experiences, a Doglish glossary, and more, this must-read will help you turn your adorable, but far from perfect, puppy into a lovable friend for life.

Price: $16.99

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My Smart Puppy: Fun, Effective, and Easy Puppy Training (Book & 60min DVD)

Raising a happy, well-adjusted puppy is much like raising a child, owners have to listen to what their puppy's behavior is trying to tell them. And it's far simpler than people think. With the intuitive and step-by-step methods included in this invaluable book from experts Brian Kilcommons and Sarah Wilson, including tips on how to deal with every kind of personality, puppies can be trained quickly and painlessly. With humor, time-tested advice, and an arsenal of tricks, MY SMART PUPPY teaches new dog owners everything they need to know to raise a healthy, happy, and well-adjusted dog.


Price: $25.99

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The Importance of Dog Grooming

The Importance of Dog Grooming

Dog grooming is very vital because the physical appearance of your dog influences the way he feels and the way we look at him as well. Remember, a clean dog is a happy and healthy dog!

Dog grooming is also essential not only on your pet’s physical health but also his physiological and psychological wellbeing. What your dog feels and how he acts depend on his physical state. If you’re dog is not properly groomed, he must be likely show som

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Do You Make These 4 Common Mistakes In Dog Training?

Do You Make These 4 Common Mistakes In Dog Training?

Everyone begins training a dog with a number of unknowns. First, no one can truly know how a dog will react to training and even if you know the breed, there can be differences with each individual breed. Another unknown is the type of dog training that you use. Some dogs do well with food based reinforcement and some do not and owners will need to learn as they go along. While most of the unknowns with dog training can be overcome quickly, many owners make some pretty common mistakes while they are training your dogs. To avoid those dog training mistakes, it is important to be aware of them and that is exactly what I will be doing in this article; alerting you to common

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