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The majority of problems we see with behavior stem from problems with dominance of the dog over all or part of the family. In an effort to prevent this from occurring, there are several steps, which you and your family members can take as preventative measures during the puppy's development. In a dog's world, certain dogs will work to be "top dog" within a pack. These dogs will get the best spot in the sun, the majority of the food, set the rules and win the fights within the pack. We want you to be the "top dog" in the house. This means you and your family members should be able to handle your dog from head to toe, handle the dog dishes while your dog is eating, and request actions in order to receive a reward.
Spoiling the dog can accentuate undesirable behavior. This means lavish attention without doing anything to receive attention or reward; allowing your dog to growl at you (or show dominant behavior) when taking or handling food or touching any part of your dog; and not responding to simple commands.
Simple steps to good behavior include the following:
With a very young puppy, you can cradle the puppy on his back, holding him there for short periods until he is quiet. (Reinforcing a submissive posture.)
Place the puppy on his side for a short period until he is quiet, then praise him and let him get up. (Reinforces submission.)
Handle all parts of the puppy to get him used to you handling the feet, ears, mouth, and head.
Get the puppy used to you touching or petting him while he eats. You should be able to touch the food bowl and remove and replace the bowl if you desire without eliciting a hostile response.
Whenever the puppy wants something, he should perform a sit, stay, or down first.
Discourage attempts to play tug-o-war, or use of your hands or clothing for play. Instead toss a ball and fetch.
Weekly obedience classes (for 6-8 weeks) can help you to reinforce excellent behavior and allow your dog to socialize with other pets.
Also, your young puppy should get out with you for walks (on a leash of course) in the park, neighborhood, and/or open air shopping centers to encourage acceptance of new people, baby strollers, children, swing sets and other pets. The more comfortable a puppy is with these new and different experiences, the calmer and happier he/she will be as an adult dog.
Children are an excellent source of socialization to people, but young children must be supervised to prevent them from inadvertently hurting the pup.
Be sure to have plenty of acceptable toys for the puppy. Use only objects that are distinguishable as dog toys. No old shoes or socks because your dog cannot tell a new shoe from an old one.
Keep the puppy in a dog proof area when unsupervised. For the first year they may chew inappropriately on sofas, carpets, electrical cords, cabinets, rugs, etc. if left unsupervised in these areas for long periods.
If you have any Questions, feel free to ask!
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