There are as many ways to go about raising a puppy as there are to raising a child. In fact, one way per family in general! But most of us agree that when it comes to children, certain things are universal and undisputed. Here are three things that a lot of people just do not think of when it comes to raising a puppy, however.
Let’s dive right in.
3 Things to Know when Raising a Puppy
How many times have we heard, “My dog just won’t listen to me”, or “He just won’t behave!”
1. Dogs do not understand English until we teach them.
While raising a puppy the thing we all love the most is the way they live for us, the way they focus all they have on us, the way our lives become theirs. In the beginning, they study us to learn our body language, our facial expressions and our language.
Until we teach them the English language, it’s all they have. If we say, “Wanna go out?” one day, “Have to go potty?” the next day, and, “Hafta pee?” the third day.
If they DO figure out what we want, it is because we have picked up the leash and moved toward the door with a happy face! If you want to speed up their training by three-fold, teach them YOUR language.
Successfully raising a puppy involves picking a command for EACH behavior and sticking with it.
Tell everyone in your family to use the same words and commands, and your puppy will amaze you at how much faster they learn.
2. A young puppy’s metabolism is racing along faster than we think.
In raising a puppy it is important to note that the younger your puppy is, the faster they are growing. Thus they need more food and water to fuel their metabolism, and the more often they have to go potty. Do not punish your puppy when they make a house-breaking mistake. This is YOUR fault.
When raising a puppy their age in weeks and their breed size determines how often they must go out. Once an hour is not too often for a large 6-week old puppy, especially in the summer.
Raising a Puppy and the Exciting Outdoor Smells
Raising a puppy is made easier by the fact that dogs love the exciting smells of the outdoors. So there is no excuse to not have them housebroken by 7-8 weeks of age. Right after a nap, after they eat and after grooming are the key times, and they will signal you.
If they are happily chewing a toy and they get up suddenly with their nose to the floor, move quickly! And every time they go potty outside, praise them to high heaven!
“What a good BOY!”, “GOOD go potty!” and the like. Dogs love our happy faces, and they will do anything to get them.
3. Dogs live for our facial expressions and body language.
Because of this, the worst punishment you ever need to give while raising a puppy is a scowl and to turn away from them. You can see their tail fall down and their face get so sad. They will learn their lesson, I guarantee it.
But their attention span is only 3-5 minutes, so do not scorn them any longer than that. Love on them and give them your happy face again. Physical punishment is never necessary.
Use consistent commands and loving praise when raising a puppy and they will know what you want of them before you know it. They will become a master of your body language and facial expressions in no time at all.
Raising a Puppy with Loving Kindness
Naturally, there are many aspects of training and raising a puppy well. Loving kindness works just as well for puppies as it does with children. Creating a happy, well-adjusted and obedient dog for life. These three important tips on raising a puppy, if used consistently and with confidence, will start them well on their way.
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