Puppy Basics
Understanding your Puppy
Start Now!
Puppy's First Year
Housebreaking
Socializing your Dog
Lesson of the Day
 

Your Puppy's First Year

Remembering that puppies are babies, will help you to understand your dog.
A boy and his young pup.

A young puppy is just like a baby.

Young puppies grow up fast.
This is easy to remember when your dog is little, but when he grows to be 75 pounds and is only 6 months old, this may be harder to believe.

But dogs are really babies until they are about a year old. This doesn't mean they should get away with things. It is very important that they learn good manners and some obedience while they are puppies.

 

It is VERY NORMAL for a young pup to chew, but he shouldn't chew on you!

He will be chewing because he is getting new teeth, just like a human baby. When he tries to chew on you, give him toys and very large bones to chew on instead. You can also put a wet towel in the freezer and then let your dog chew on it. It helps your pup's gums feel better.

When he 'bites' you, don't get mad, just have a bone or toy ready for him. Put it in his mouth and say, "Good boy!". This is very important. Too much discipline or harsh words at this age is not good.

Don't bite!
Click for more on Chewing

Young dog.
The first year is the hardest year for dogs and for owners.

The first year is a good time to start obedience training and teach your dog tricks, too.

Dogs are like teenagers. They like to be very busy. They want to be adults, but aren't sure how. They might try adult things when they are too young to handle them.

Teach him everything you can think of. Your dog is probably very smart and needs things to do. Take him for lots of walks and play Games. Spend as much time as you have learning how to train your dog.

 

Who's the Boss?
As your puppy grows up, he will need to know who is in charge. Who is making the rules? A pup will make up his own rules if no one is telling him what the rules are. Check out Who's the Boss for more information on teaching your dog the rules of the house.

 

At 4 months old, you can start training your dog with very easy, fun commands and tricks.

Make it fun! Don't discipline him too much; just stop if you get frustrated.

Teach him tricks and fun things. Take him lots of places and introduce him to lots of people.

cocker spaniel

 


Artwork by Leena, age 16
Click here to understand your puppy.

 

Click on the ball to understand more about giving your dog a head start in good behavior!

What to do NOW:
Here are some very important things you should do with your dog from a very young age.

Bathe your dog.
Brush your dog.
Trim his toenails.

Put a leash on him.
Brush his teeth.

Leave your pup alone for short periods of time.

While your young pup is eating, take away his food bowl, and then give it back.

 


Remember, this is not formal training. These are fun learning activities for your puppy.

1-5 Months Old:
These manners should be taught before your pup is 5 months old:

watch me , come here,
wait, walk on a leash,
better go now
, sit, don't touch

These are some tricks that are good to teach at this age:
shake hands, speak

5-8 Months Old:
These manners should be taught before your pup is 8 months old:

lay down, off, stay, stand
Continue practicing all manners.
Formal obedience classes can be started now.

These are some tricks that are good to teach at this age:
kiss, beg, roll over
Great Dane Puppy

jack russell terrier
8-12 Months Old:
Start with formal obedience training if you haven't already.
Continue practicing all manners.

These are some tricks that are good to teach at this age:
turn around, crawl, play dead

 

  RUSTY'S RIDICULOUS RIDDLES!
Where do dogs stay when they go camping?

in a pup tent

 

 

Out and About

When your dog is about 6 months old, he is old enough
to start getting out in the world. He should have had
all of his shots so he will be protected from illness.

Just as you go on field trips at school to learn about the world,
your puppy needs to go out to learn about things as well.
There are experiences you will want to share with your dog
so he becomes comfortable with strange
people, places, sounds, and things.
Click here! Red Ball

 

Remember! Puppies are just like babies! 

 

These are books that would be helpful for you and your dog during his first year:

Puppy

ASPCA Pet Care Guides for Kids: Puppy, by Mark Evans, Dorling Kindersley 1992

Puppy is designed to help young animal owners learn about and care for their pets. Illustrated on every page with full-color photography, Puppy is packed with practical information on every aspect of canine care. Published in association with the ASPCA, this book engages and informs readers ages 7 and up.

Puppy Training

Puppy Training for Kids, by Sarah Whitehead, Barrons Juveniles 2001
This book has easy-to-understand instructions for children on puppy training and care. With an emphasis on fun. Learn what to feed puppies and how much to give them, and how to play games that are safe and enjoyable. They also learn basics of puppy handling, grooming, giving commands, teaching obedience, tricks, and much more. There are great full-color photos throughout the book. For ages 9-12, or 4-8 with parents' guidance. Excellent Book!

Kids Training Puppies

Kids Training Puppies in Five Minutes, by JoAnn Dahan, Cork Hill Press; (February 5, 2004)
From an Amazon.com reader: My name is Christi, I am 7 years old. I just got a new lab puppy from my Mom and Dad her name is Ginny. Before I could have Ginny I had to promised I would care for her and train her. This book is so great, it is very easy to read and the pictures of the lab puppies and kids are so cute. I taught Ginny to sit and lie down really fast. I think every kid with a puppy should have this book. Ages 5-8, very easy reading

Your Puppy Your Dog

Your Puppy, Your Dog, by Pat Storer, Storey Publishing; 1997
From the Back Cover
What a dog needs most is love -- and loving a dog means providing everything it needs to be happy and healthy. With easy-to-follow instructions and plenty of illustrations, this book tells you just how to care for and understand your dog. Ages 9-12
* How to select the puppy or dog that is best for you
* What and how to feed your dog
* How to train and exercise your dog
* How to play with your dog or puppy
* How to keep your dog in the best of health
* Where and how to show your dog
* How to make items...


Dog Training For Kids, by Carol Lea Benjamin, Howell Book House Inc. 1988
This is a great book for kids written by one of the best. It explains all of the basic training that a child will need to get a good start with a dog. Also covers common behavior problems. Ages 9-12

 

A lot to remember? Try this!


Lesson of the Day!

 

Puppy Basics
Understanding your Puppy
Start Now!
Puppy's First Year
Housebreaking
Socializing your Dog
Lesson of the Day

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