For many years, puppies were a rare sight in our kennels. When the occasional litter came into the shelter, the cutie pies were adopted within minutes.
These days, it seems like we always have multiple kennels full of darling pups. The pandemic led to a drastic reduction in the number of spay/neuter surgeries performed and an increase in the number of unwanted litters.
Currently, we have 8 puppies at the shelter and 8 puppies in foster homes.
Raising a puppy is an enriching experience. And, when done properly, it’s also a lot of hard work.
As a pet parent, it’s incredibly important to start your new pup off on the right paw. A well-socialized and well-trained pup is less likely to grow into an unruly adolescent.
Unfortunately, we see many dogs entering the shelter when they are around two years old, and their behavior has become unmanageable by their owners. It’s a sad situation that can be prevented through proper training during the puppy phase.
I asked our Animal Training Manager, Rochelle Guardado, for her recommendations on setting a new puppy up for success. Here’s what she had to say:
The prime time to begin your puppy’s socialization and training is within the first three months of life. What they learn in this critical period carries over into adolescence and adulthood.
Puppies need a lot of guidance to learn how to live peacefully with us. Sure, it’s cute when your puppy jumps or nibbles on you now, but when Fido gets bigger, those behaviors can quickly become a nuisance.
Instead of concentrating on how to eliminate an unwanted behavior, think about what you’d like your puppy to do.
Show them what you want, teach them using praise and rewards, and provide outlets for your puppy to express their needs.
Puppies need to explore, chew, dig, play, and rest. Provide a small area for these activities that can expand as your puppy grows.
By leaving your pup with access to appropriate chew items and play toys, you can avoid them chewing on slippers,…
Read the full article here
