Not just for the future show star! Get your puppy used to handling now and
you'll save you and others all sorts of trouble in the future. At least once a
day, concentrate on your puppy's paws, ears and mouth. Hold, stroke and check
each ear. Lift those lips and check the teeth. Open the mouth and look at the
back teeth. Gently rub the paws, examining each pad, each toe. Your vet and
groomer will appreciate the time you take with these exercises!
It's so much easier giving pills to a dog that is used to having its mouth
opened. Clipping nails and trimming paws is a breeze when a dog gladly lets you
handle her paws. And untangling mats is less terrifying when a dog accepts you
holding its ears.
Make it fun! Treat these exercises like a massage, not a medical exam. Take it
one step at a time. Praise the entire time. Use treats! I especially like peanut
butter for this one. Just smear a glob of peanut butter on the roof of her mouth
and watch her lick, lick, lick while you look her over. Don't give up if Fluffy
squirms! That'll just teach her squirming makes you let go! If she's really
resistant, start with examining one paw, using treats, and quit for the night.
Gradually work up to the entire exam. A great time to do this is when she's
sleepy!
Peeking Into the Future
Here's one of the Platinum Rules of Puppyhood: If it won't be cute or acceptable
when puppy is full grown, don't encourage it now! So many people think it's
adorable when their little one gnaws on an old sneaker .... but get pretty
irritated when he grows up and tears a new pair of pumps to pieces! If you don't
want your dog chewing on shoes, then don't give him shoes to play with. Goes for
socks, too! If you don't want her grabbing at her leash while you walk, don't
let her play tug of war with it now. If you don't want a grown dog pawing at
your pantyhose, then don't let the puppy jump up on you now. People often teach
dogs things they never meant to ... so think about how the lessons you teach now
will affect you later!
How To Be A Social Butterfly
Socialization is crucial to young puppies! By introducing them to a friendly
world now, you will avoid many behavioral problems later. Get them around all
different types of people -- young, old, big, small, different ethnic
backgrounds, smokers, nonsmokers, etc. Get them around different types of dogs.
Make each experience positive and you'll teach your little one that the world is
a wonderful place!
Never force a dog to confront its fear. If your puppy is uncertain, act casual.
Your confidence will be a cue that everything is ok! Give people especially
yummy treats to give your puppy. Do the same thing with new places -- my
Papillon, Pippin, was terrified the first time he rode in an elevator, "Eeek!
The world's dropping!" Until he learned that the elevator was where hot dogs
magically appeared! Now he LOVES elevators. Expose your puppy to many, many
different places, people and other animals. Be sure folks wash their hands
before handling your puppy if she hasn't had all her shots. And make sure other
dogs are up-to-date on all vaccinations. Get your friends with nice dogs to help
you! A confident puppy who learns to love these things is less likely to be a
fearbiting or aggressive adult!
Training
When can you start training a puppy? As soon as you bring her home! Keep your
lessons short and FUN. You'll create a student who loves to learn! Find a puppy
kindergarten class in your area, if you can. You can teach many useful things --
sit, down, "leave it," stay, come. Don't get 'em ready for college entrance
exams, puppies need to be puppies!
But you CAN give them an early start on learning things to make them
wonderful family companions.
Patience
This one's for you, not your puppy!
I tell my students that puppies have the attention span of turnips. You may
have to repeat your lessons time and time again. But rest assured, that is
NORMAL. Just think -- you couldn't do much when you were that age!
Owning and training a puppy is hard work. But the effort you put into it
now is so worth the rewards!
Back to Training
Tips
