Training your new dogpal or puppy takes patience and effort.  Rewarding good behavior is much more effective than punishing bad behavior.  Most of the time, you can fix your dog's misbehaviors by changing your behavior with your dog. 

Scenario #1: You are an hour and a half into your movie. Your new puppy has had the run of the house while you watch your show. You suddenly notice a bad smell. The puppy has gone potty behind the couch and now has one of your expensive shoes in her mouth!

If you are not actively engaged with your puppy, try giving him an interactive toy such as a Kong and putting him on a tether so he has a limited area to play in while you watch your movie.  Better yet, wait til he falls asleep and put him in his crate while you enjoy your show. 


Scenario #2: You leave for work and close off the kitchen, keeping the puppy "safe" on the tile floors. You arrive home and discover that the corner drywall has been chewed and your puppy's black nose is now white.

Try using a chew deterrent like Bitter Apple.  Spray the deterrent on everything in your puppy's reach.  Be sure to include a lot of interactive toys, bones to chew on, and toys to play with in your puppy's area while you are gone.  


Scenario #3:  You think your puppy is ready to be out of his play area during the day while you're at work, but the first time you leave him out for a few hours he gets into everything - the garbage, power cords on the TV, the furniture, and your potted plants.  Besides the horrendous mess, he's gone potty all over the place.    

When your puppy is about 5 months old, he can generally be trusted to "hold it" for about 4 hours during a normally active period.  Start transitioning him out of his daytime play area by crating him part of the day.  You'll be training him to hold it so he can be trusted outside of his play area.  Additionally, puppy proof one room where he will try out his new-found freedom.  Provide him with lots of interactive toys, bones to chew on, and toys to play with.  


 Scenario #4:  When your guests come over, your puppy jumps on them, bites their hands, and chases their feet as they walk.  When they try to pet your puppy, he gets even more out of control and your guests can't even pet him.

Your puppy treats people like puppies.  He needs to learn that people are people, not a furry playmate who loves to be chased, jumped on, and played with like a puppy.  Teach your puppy Sit with a reward.  When your guests come over, encourage them to tell your puppy Sit and give him the reward.  Your puppy will quickly learn that the Sit gets him good things.  Instead of acting like a puppy, he'll learn to offer more civilized behaviors to get the attention he wants.

For more information on training your dog or puppy, contact Gainesville Canine Academy.  
www.GainesvilleCanineAcademy.com
GainesvilleCanineAcademy@yahoo.com
352 226-0228