[UTHZzJ6f]

Now i have never in my life owned a puppy, we've always had rescue dogs. And when i was old enough to get my own dogs, everytime i went in the shelter looking for a puppy i ended up falling head over heals for an adult dog...

Now in the future i do want to adopt a puppy, BUT I'm really scared to. Like i said i've never owned a puppy and i don't want to do something to mess it up for life.
Like How do you discipline a puppy?
How do you introduce the puppy to new things like an umbrella without scaring it?
Or new dogs how do you socialize with new dogs without the puppy getting scared

I don't even know how you'd train a puppy, is it the same as training an adult dog?


This probably sounds pretty dumb, but yeah...

[cQT6nmEc]

Luckily, you're asking questions before you get a pup, which is a wonderful way to go about it.... much better than the other way around!

Puppies are great, but they are just like kids, you will get out what you put into them, and they will only be as smart, as you train them to be. Go observe some of the training classes at the local pet store, see how the trainer interacts with not only the pups, but the owners as well.

Here's some good links to get you started.

The How To Evaluate Pick a Puppy - General Dog Discussions

Training and Socializing Puppies - Training Behavior

Positive Potty Training Tips - Training Behavior

Mouthing/Play biting in dogs: Helpful article - Training Behavior

NILIF Training - Training Behavior

Responsible uses of a Breakstick - Training Behavior

Bite Inhibition - Training Behavior

Puppy Safety - Training Behavior

Understanding Prey Drive - Training Behavior

Telling Behavior


I know that's a lot to read, but you will find it very helpful.

[Patabeamn]

If you can deal with an adult dog you should be able to deal with a pup. In a way they are easier to train as they have no bad habits yet and pick things up very quickly. Discipline depends on the dog just like an adult. Take it to a puppy class,obedience,etc.
It is more work as you have to be on their case at times where your adult would be fine doing her thing but well worth it

[sbgctsa]

How To Raise A Puppy You Can Live With, 4th edition - 1-57779-076-6

[steevytraunse]

Dont be worried. MN gave you lots of helpful links. Just remember, love and affection comes after training and discipline.

[FreeOEMcheapestPHOTOSHOP]

Dont be worried. MN gave you lots of helpful links. Just remember, love and affection comes after training and discipline.

Couldn't agree more with that statement

[blohannaserri]

I'm in the same boat. I'm considering getting a puppy, a protection breed so I can get into schutzhund. I never thought I'd be getting a puppy this soon; I thought I'd always rescue. But I'm finding that the chances of me getting a rescue w/ the correct temperament to work, would be slim. So now I'm considering a puppy & I'm terrified! I don't think I'm ever going to feel ready. At some point, I'll just have to jump!

I am going to check out that book that Sagebrush posted. I've seen it recommended a lot.

[Xibizopt]

puppies are like human babies. they need pretty much just love and positive experiences. with young pups, discipline is easy. when my pups are little if they do something they are not supposed like biting people, i just hold them gently by their cheeks and make a growly voice like "cut it out", because that's what their mama would do. they understand it, and they don't need much.
also, puppies have about a 15 second attention span (lol, that's an exaggeration, but not always- we call JRT pups "goldfish"...) so they don't need to be disciplined much. usually "wow! a rope toy!!" is enough to completely derail them.
puppies as young as 3-4 weeks old can learn basic commands like "sit" and "down", though they can't be expected to hold them. i always trained my pups by giving them what they wanted when they were good, and ignoring them or redirecting when they were bad. sometimes, the worst punishment for a pup is when you fold your arms and turn around and give them the silent treatment... they act HEARTBROKEN.

positive training, lots of socialization, and TONS of love is about all that's needed to raise a well rounded pup!

[blohannaserri]

great post Dee. thing is, babies terrify me too!

Seriously though, what you described is the same philosophy I subscribe to. I just know there will be challenges along the way, putting it all into place. Not to mention all the agonizing choices on debatable topics. But it goes by quickly. What's a year when it means having a faithful companion for the next 10+ years.

[cQT6nmEc]

The good thing about puppies is, when they grow up, they don't want a new car for a graduation present, they never ask for money, and they don't stay out past curfew!