Perhaps you are thinking about getting a puppy; maybe you already have that beautiful furry ball of fun. These are very exciting times for you as well as being the most important time in your puppy’s life. This is when the bond and trust is built between you and your new dog; when you become both parent and teacher.

Your puppy’s brain is like a sponge, soaking up all the information it receives from the environment. Give him the right information now and that’s the best start in life any puppy could ask for. Getting it right will prevent any undesirable behaviour from arising.

The time to teach your puppy is now!

• Toilet training
• What’s okay to chew, and what’s not
• Coming when called – even from distractions
• Control over her mouth
• Not jumping up
• Comfortable when being examined or handled by groomers or vets
• Contented about being home alone

Training teaches your puppy boundaries, what’s right and wrong, and makes it easier for him to live contently with your family. Dogs are social animals, but they are animals, and without proper training, they will behave like animals. Puppy training is also an easy way to establish the social hierarchy. When your pup does as you ask, he is recognising you as the decision maker. Teach him to come, sit, leave, and other basic commands, and you are showing him what you expect of him. When he learns to perform these tasks, he is showing compliance and respect for you through free will and because he wants to, not because he has to.

Manners

• Not jumping up on people
• Walking nicely on a lead
• Getting on with other dogs
• Behaving well in public
• Not stealing food or other items

Please remember that a dog is still a dog. They have a different thinking pattern to humans. Your puppy needs guidance and reassurance. He has come from a litter into a new home, into a world that he doesn’t understand. Some of the social skills he would have learned from the pack have been cut short. He has been put into a strange environment with new smells, sounds and sights. He needs to find his place within your home, but in a way he can understand. When you can communicate on the same level, your puppy will understand what you want from him. Having a puppy that is well balanced is truly an experience worth working for.

Life saving commands:

• Recall outside
• Wait
• Go to bed
• Sit
• Leave
• Stay

K9 harmony can help you build a life long relationship with your puppy.