A new puppy can turn a home upside down. Puppies are demanding, high-energy creatures, ready to test limits and find their places in the family pecking order. As a new dog owner, you need to set boundaries so that your puppy feels secure — otherwise, your dog may grow into an aggressive adult that poses dangers to people and other dogs. Be proactive: Devoting time to training your new puppy that will lead your dog down a happy, well-adjusted path by your side.
Protect Yourself Legally
An Orlando personal injury lawyer will justly act as a valued asset to any neighbor if your full-grown dog bites, fully attacks or causes injury inadvertently. That is why you need to establish boundaries the first night you bring home your bouncing ball of fur to mitigate aggressive or injurious tendencies. Decide which behaviors you will find unacceptable in an adult dog, and redirect your puppy away from them. For example, a puppy that enthusiastically jumps up on your leg in greeting can turn into a 60-pound brute that knocks you over down the road.
Socialize Your Pup
Frightened adult dogs lash out to protect themselves from perceived threats. Your dog needs to face new situations during the early stages of its development. The more you can accustom your dog to playing with others, to greeting people on the street and to experiencing traffic noises and other commotions, the less these elements will frighten your companion in later life stages.
Take Charge
Your dog needs to learn that you are in charge. That is, you must create the parameters for play, feeding and sleeping routines. Remember, your dog will continually try to determine pecking-order stature. Provide food only after your family has eaten; if your puppy jumps on you or noses in while you are dining, slip the dog into the crate during dinner. Provide toys during playtime, taking them away when playtime is over. And consider setting up a sleeping space away from the bed. Dogs often feel more secure in crates and other enclosed spaces.
Redirect Aggressive Play
A biting puppy may seem harmlessly playful. Growing dogs will bite harder and more aggressively if you do not discourage this behavior when they are young. Walk away and firmly say, “No!” when your playful puppy starts biting, and place a chewing object within the dog’s mouth.
So much goes into training a new puppy so that it behaves appropriately as an adult; you should consider obedience training early in your relationship. In the meantime, setting firm guidelines that you constantly reinforce will help you turn your energetic puppy into a well-adjusted, calm adult dog.