Training your new puppy – eliminating bad habits

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:

* 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.

* 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.

* 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.

* 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?

* 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.

* 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.