We are one of the largest dog training organizations in the U.S. and have been training dogs for over 23 years. Our goal is for you to start with your puppy in a positive manner to develop good behavior and good habits.
In the early months of puppy hood, you will want to use an airline crate, to give you peace of mind and protect your belongings.
When your puppy is using you and your belongings as a chew toy, it is time to begin learning the word ‘no’ and what is allowed to be chewed on.
We suggest that with a young puppy that you use a non restrictive harness in stead of a collar. At this age a puppy is doing a lot of developing, and a collar can hurt him.
Your puppy is chewing on something he shouldn’t, or has stolen something you want to take it away from him with a ‘no’ in a discouraging tone. Then immediately give him something he is allowed to chew on and tell him he is a good boy. This will show him what is wrong, the lead him to what you ultimately want him to do.
You can correct your puppy even after the fact, he remembers what he did. His scent is all over what ever he has chewed or stolen. He will tell on himself. In our household we have more than one dog. If we find something that has been chewed, we go to it and the dog that did it will look nervous or ashamed. Then we know who to correct.
If the puppy is biting on you or the children, the correction is very similar. You just want to remember when correcting the puppy to remove his mouth from the body part gently. Using a discouraging ‘no’. Then always remember to follow up with the positive action, a dog toy and a good boy.
Using a crate while you are gone or while the activity in the house is at a high level is going to make life a lot easier. Don’t allow yourself to become frustrated, give your puppy time in his crate to settle down. The crate is not used as a punishment, but can give you a break and give the puppy some well needed quiet time.
Remember patients, persistence, and consistency are going to get you through puppy hood.
Tags: Puppy, Puppy Biting, Puppy Chewing