We can all probably agree there’s nothing quite like the soft, squishy joy of having a puppy. We love their paws, their energy, their snuggles, and even their breath. But anyone will agree, taking care of them is a lot of work.
That’s why lots of new pet owners find themselves frustrated or overwhelmed once the puppymoon wears off... and some even choose to rehome their new pet simply for doing normal things puppies do! So how can you distinguish between what’s normal, “good” behavior and “bad” habits that should be nipped in the bud?
Determining whether a behavior is “good” or “bad” often starts with you. What one pet parent can tolerate (let’s say, jumping up on the furniture) could be an absolute no-no for someone else. So first you have to determine what’s appropriate for your home. That said, here are 5 behaviors that can be dangerous and should be stopped.
Jumping up on people.
Jumping pups are just looking for attention, so the best way to dissuade them of this behavior is to ignore them. Literally turn your face or whole body away and stay silent until they’ve returned all four feet to the floor or sat down. Once they do, wait a second or two and then reinforce the behavior with a treat, pets, and positive affirmation.
Poor leash manners.
When a dog is small, poor leash manners are annoying, but they aren’t dangerous. However as your pup grows and becomes stronger, you stand a greater risk of being pulled along, or having to chase them as they get loose to chase another dog or squirrel.
Nipping.
Learning bite inhibition (also called having a soft mouth) is crucial to keeping your dog, loved ones, and strangers safe. If your puppy starts nibbling at your fingers and toes while playing, offer a toy instead. If they continue to nip, stop the play session immediately. You can also redirect by asking them to sit and then reward with a toy or treat.
Guarding behavior.
There’s a big difference between guarding and aggression. Dogs “guard” when they feel they need to hide or protect what they have (like toys or food). With dogs who tend to “guard,” avoid tug-o-war games, and work slowly with them rewarding when they drop a toy and allow you to pick it up. Keep repeating this activity until they’re comfortable.
Barking.
This is how dogs communicate, so it’s essential to let your dog know you hear them. Teach them when it’s appropriate to bark and when they need to be quiet.
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This article was posted as part of Issue 001 of Fred's Friends Magazine. Read the rest of the magazine and find out how you can become a Fred's Friend on Fred's Page.
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