Bringing a new puppy into your home can be an exciting experience, but also will inevitably provide many challenges for the new dog owner. Puppies are as law abiding as they are old. Puppies tend to compensate for their anything goes behavior with oodles of cuteness that results in the owners pandering to the pups, and thus not training them properly. Many will think they have the will power to withstand the cuddly cute manipulations that puppies are famous for, however few will succeed. The key to training puppies is to lay out several ground rules for you, and abide by them daily. This is why professionals often refer to puppy training, as in all truth being people training instead.

Designate off limits zones in your home before, or during the beginning of dog ownership. Puppies tend to operate on a free style basis that allows them to go, sleep, and urinate wherever they please. Remember that dogs typically mark their territory through urination. So the more you make your house feel like the puppies new home, the more the pup’s going to want to a whiz in it. So the first step to avoid such a problem is creating off limit zones. Typically the easiest way to make this happen is close the doors to any and all rooms that are unavailable for the puppy to be in. Once you have created off limit zones for the dog it will limit your pee patrol to a few rooms, and once you get the dog trained to go outside you’ll be in really good shape.

Choose and portion food wisely for your new canine friend. Dogs like to eat as much as they can, as often as they can for no particular reason. Be sure to make eating a daily routine in which you serve the dog the food, thus the dog understands who is in control of the food. Food can be your biggest weapon in training a dog.

Fence in your yard if it’s not fenced yet, this will be the easiest way to train your dog. With a securely fenced in yard dogs will have a controlled environment to play, go to the bathroom, and sit when they are not wanted inside. Without a fenced in yard dogs will be forced to abide by your walking rules, which can vary in time and duration, and often don’t occur enough. Trust me, it’s much easier to let a dog outside in the fenced in yard than to walk them 5 times a day.

Take pride in your duty as a dog trainer. Don’t be afraid to really get involved in training your dog, and becoming an interested participant in your dog’s growth. As with most anything in life, the more you put into it, the more you will get out of it. This is key with training dogs, the dog will be very responsive to your efforts if you take pride in training it. As long as the dog sees you working as hard as it is on abiding by rules, and working towards a routine the easier it will be to train the puppy in the long run.

Be sure to purchase a book on the breed of the puppy you have purchased. Breed books are typically right on target when discussing dog habits, issues, and personalities specific to the puppies particular breed. Owning a dog book will give you insight on how best to train your new puppy.

Clark Covington is a professional author who provides information on dogs and dog training for Dogs ‘N’ U. Also stop by our dog forum.

So you’ve got a puppy that likes to bite?

The good news is that biting is a perfectly natural thing for a puppy to do, your puppy is not being vicious or aggressive. Most young puppies go through this biting or nipping phase as they are teething.

How To Stop A Puppy From Biting

It is very cute when very young puppies start to mouth or bite your little finger, but as they get a bit older it can develop into a real problem. That’s why it is important to let your puppy know that biting is unacceptable behavior right from the start. It is much easier to prevent puppy biting problems than to re-train puppies who already nip.

Before I go into specific methods you can use to stop your puppy from biting it is important to keep these basic rules in mind:

• Never slap or hit your puppy in the face. This does not work! your puppy will just think you are playing rough or may become afraid of you. You could end up with much bigger problems than a bit of puppy biting.
• The general rule to stop problem nipping is to encourage acceptable behavior and always discourage unacceptable behavior.
• Never play tug of war or wrestling type games with a puppy who bites. It will only encourage him more.
• If you don’t show your puppy that biting will not be tolerated, he will not know he is doing anything wrong. Don’t expect your puppy to just know this!
• Whichever method you choose to correct your puppies biting problem the golden rule is be consistent! You and every other person who comes into contact with your puppy have to lay down the law every time your puppy has a nip.

Stop Your Puppy From Biting – Proven Techniques

Training your dog can be time consuming and frustrating at times, but it’s well worth it. Here are several tips that should help things go much smoother and faster… plus reduce the frustration both you and your dog feel!

Conduct play training where by the training tasks are made into fun games and your dog’s play drive is used as motivation. There are a lot of really good books available on this type of training.

Intelligent dogs can also be stubborn, so you may have to outwit them!

While training your dog, you have to make him want to do what you want him to. You can’t make him do stuff unless it is fun. Otherwise you are wasting both your time and his.

Try to make your dog’s training so fun that it becomes his or her favorite activity. This will make learning much easier and more enjoyable.

Most dogs love to play! You can make your dog the happiest just by spending some time with them, giving your undivided attention each day. Without this, your dog will feel ignored, bored, or think they’re in trouble. When this happens they’re more likely to chew, tear things up, and not listen to you.

Daniel Lesser
Dog and Puppy Articles, Pictures and Resources http://www.thingsfordogs.com/dog-obedience-tips.php

Finding a Dog 101 – Dogs are fantastic companions, and love you no matter what, but remember:

? Dogs DO take time! Remember, just like us, they are social animals who do not like being left alone. You can’t just stick them out in the yard or leave them in the house alone all the time and expect everything to be all right. Many types of behavioral problems occur just as a result of this one thing. Do you honestly have ample time every day to spend walking, feeding, cleaning up after, grooming, exercising and playing with your dog? And dogs often live for ten to fifteen years, so enter into this as a seriously long-term commitment.

? Dogs DO cost money. There are food requirements which vary from dog to dog. They will need regular health care as well including: shots, wormings, check ups, etc. Some dog breeds will additionally need regular grooming. Puppies will damage things in your house from time to time – it’s a fact. Finding a dog may lead to things being replaced more often. You will have to do more cleaning from time to time – shedding fur, etc.

? Dogs DO require ample space which can vary from breed to breed. Take the time to research ALL the requirements needed for all breeds you may be interested in. Do you live in an apartment? A duplex/townhouse or condo? A single family home? Do you have a securely fenced yard or access to a securely fenced in area for your dog to play in? If not, can you seriously make some other kind of suitable and realistic arrangements for your dog to get adequate DAILY exercise? Finding a dog requires a lot of forethought and planning.

1) Be Honest. Finding a dog can take some time. First of all, do you really want a dog? Is a purebred dog perfect for you? Or would you be just as happy adopting a dog from the local animal shelter or rescue organization in your area?

2) So you still really want a dog even will all the needs listed above in mind

If you can honestly answer all these needs mentioned above with a positive response then you’re ready for step 2.

So now, you must now ask yourself:

Finding a Dog 101 – What breed of purebred dog do you want?

Research, research, research! Before selecting a purebred puppy breed you must first carefully consider many things about yourself and your family, such as: your exercise schedule, your own personality, your family and home situation, what you expect of your dog (watchdog, companion for your children, hunting, etc.), whether you live in a house with a fenced yard or in an apartment/duplex/condo, etc. You want to honestly match the dog’s needs to yours as closely as possible for the best match possible. Finding a dog takes plenty of forethought and research.

For example, if you’re athletically inclined, you don’t want a doggie couch potato – a dog that has low exercise needs. If you’re a couch potato yourself, you don’t want a purebred puppy that needs a lot of exercise.

? First, DO NOT decide on any dog breed based on looks alone. When finding a dog take your time and do lots of research BEFORE making any new kind of new doggie addition to your family. The eight major purebred dog groups found in the AKC in particular (Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting, Herding and Miscellaneous) is a great place to start. Feel free to use the dog breed resources on our site as a good place to start as well. We offer many individual dog breed profiles including lots of indepth information on many kinds of purebred dog..

Finding a Dog 101 – Next: Selecting Your Dog. Do you want an adult or puppy?

Almost everyone wants a puppy. Puppies are lots of fun and can be easy to train and socialize, but they require a lot of time and care. Adult dogs often require less care overall than puppies but may have developed some types of behavioral or socialization problems during their life. If you are more inclined to get an adult dog, one good choice to start with is a rescue dog, possibly from a local shelter or rescue organization. There are many shelters and breed rescue groups available which can be visited on the internet, via the phone or in person depending on your area and finding a dog in one of these places can potentially mean saving it’s life. Sometimes these organizations may have puppies for adoption as well.

Finding a Dog 101 – Where is the best place to find a dog or puppy? ? First, consider adopting a dog from a shelter or purebred dog rescue organization. Way too many dogs are euthanized each year, and you might just find a dog – the perfect companion for you, at the local pound or through a rescue group for your favorite breed. And you saved a life in the process!

? Second, find a real breeder. A real breeder of purebred dogs usually belongs to a breed club for their specific dog breed as well as belonging to several other dog related organizations. Additionally, many purebred dog breeders may be involved in showing their own dogs or participating in other dog related activities as agility, lure coursing or herding events. Finding purebred dogs or purebred puppies here means you have a much better chance at learning abuot the dogs ancestors, breed health problems, littermates, seeing the actual living conditions the puppy was raised in, and have a resource for future questions and a new irend for the life of your new dog.

Other very important things to look for in a purebred dog breeder – do they: provide references; have a clean kennel with healthy, well-socialized animals; provide a pedigree and registration application form; give you written instructions on feeding, training and care; provide a written contract with conditions of sale and warranty; give you a record of vaccinations and wormings?

Are the breeders: interested in your qualifications to be an owner of one of their precious puppies (your home and family situation, etc); insistent that you take the purebred puppy to a vet for a check-up immediately after purchase; insistent that you continue with vaccinations and wormings on a regular basis; encouraging the relationship between you and the breeder as a continuing one; there for you on an on-call basis with ANY future questions or problems that you may have about you new puppy or dog?

Places to avoid when finding a dog:

? pet shop. These poor puppies are often poorly bred and raised in the most terrible living conditions. You’ll never get a chance to see the parents, littermates or the actual original home they were bred in and you will never know what kind of inherited health problems they have until way too late. Finding a dog here means a potential lifetime of health problems as well as the potential to carry on this awful practice of puppy milling by supporting the sellers of their animals.

? backyard breeders. Typically these are people who own a dog but are not knowledgeable at all in the details about the breed, inherent health problems and risks, history of their dogs (other than their papers), etc. and think it will be fun or maybe even profitable to have a litter of puppies. Any dog breeders who lets you handle a very young puppy, shows signs of neglect (such as lack of water, and dirty conditions) in their kennel, are willing to sell a puppy under seven weeks of age are not looking out for the puppies best interest. Leave and find a reputable breeder asap! Finding a dog here also means many potential problems and no real support for your new puppy in the future.

You can find conveniently located breeders in our breeders directory. Remember, it is up to you to check them out thoroughly BEFORE buying / adopting.

We suggest you take your time when searching for your new canine companion. Call breeders, visit their websites if possible, contact parent clubs for references for reputable breeders in your area. The more research you do BEFORE you bring your new companion home, the better off everyone, including the doggie new addition, will be.

Debbie Ray, owner of http://www.pedigreedpups.com, is a lifelong animal lover and dog enthusiast. Interested in more dog information? Training and health tips? Thinking about getting a purebred dog? Check out http://www.pedigreedpups.com or http://www.total-german-shepherd.com for more information.

Anyone who owns a shih tzu dog or shih tzu puppy will eventually run into the need to eliminate unwanted habits. While most shih tzu dogs are eager to please their owners and smart enough to do what is asked of them, it is important for the owner to properly communicate just what constitutes acceptable and unacceptable behaviors.

Each type of unacceptable behavior requires its own specific cures, and in most cases the cures will need to be tailored to fit the specific personality of the shih tzu dog. Every breed of dog has its own unique personality characteristics, and every individual within that breed has his or her own unique personality.

Whining, howling and excessive barking: Let?s start with one of the most frequently encountered problem behaviors in both dogs and puppies. While some barking and other vocalizing is perfectly normal, in many cases barking, howling and whining can become problematic. This is particularly important for those living in apartment buildings, or in closely spaced homes. Fielding complaints about barking is not the best way for you and your dog to meet the neighbors.

Some tips of dealing with excessive whining, barking and howling include:

If your shih tzu puppy or shih tzu dog is howling or whining while confined to its crate, immediately take it to its toilet area. Most shih tzu puppies and shih tzu dogs will whine when they need to do their business.

It is important to teach a shih tzu dog or a shih tzu puppy to accept being alone. Many dogs suffer from separation anxiety, and these stressed dogs can exhibit all sorts of destructive and annoying behaviors. It is important to accustom the shih tzu puppy to being left on its own, even when the owner is at home.

Always strive to make the shih tzu puppy or shih tzu dog as comfortable as possible. Always attend to the physical and psychological needs of the dog by providing food, water and toys.

If the shih tzu dog is whining, check for obvious reasons first. Is the water dish empty? Is the shih tzu dog showing signs of illness? Has his or her favorite toy rolled under the furniture? Is the temperature of the room too hot or too cold?

Do not reward the shih tzu puppy or shih tzu dog for whining. If the shih tzu dog whines when left alone, for instance, it would be a mistake to go to the shih tzu dog every time it whines.

After you have ensured that the shih tzu?s physical needs are being met, and that discomfort is not responsible for the whining, do not hesitate to reprimand the shih tzu dog for inappropriate behavior.

Problem Chewing: Puppies naturally chew, and they tend to explore their world using their mouths and teeth. While chewing may be normal, however, it is not acceptable, and it is important to nip any chewing problems in the bud to prevent the chewing shih tzu puppy from growing into a chewing shih tzu dog.

Providing a variety of chew toys is important when teaching a shih tzu puppy what is appropriate to chew and what is not. Providing a variety of attractive chew toys is a good way to keep the shih tzu puppy entertained and to keep his teeth and gums exercised. Scented or flavored toys are great choices for most puppies.

The shih tzu puppy should be encouraged to play with these chosen toys, and the shih tzu puppy should be effusively praised every time he or she plays with or chews these toys.

Another great strategy is to encourage the shih tzu puppy to get a toy every time he or she greets you. Every time the shih tzu puppy greets you or a member of your family, teach him to get one of his toys.

It is also important to exercise good housekeeping techniques when training a shih tzu puppy not to chew on inappropriate items. Keeping the area to which the shih tzu puppy has access free and clean is important. Keeping items out of reach of the shih tzu puppy will go a long way toward discouraging inappropriate chewing. Try to keep the shih tzu puppy?s area free of shoes, trash, and other items, and always make sure that the area has been properly puppy proofed.

If the shih tzu puppy does pick up an inappropriate item like a shoe, distract the shih tzu puppy and quickly replace the item with one of its toys. After the shih tzu puppy has taken the toy, praise it for playing with and chewing that toy.

Try booby trapping items the shih tzu dog should avoid by spraying them with bitter apple, Tabasco sauce or other nasty but non-toxic items.

Connie Limon publishes a FREE weekly newsletter. A professional newsletter with a focus upon health and wellness for you and your pets. Discounts are offered to subscribers. Sign up at: http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com

Dogs are believed to be descendants of wild wolves. They were the first wild animal to be tamed. Ancient man probably brought home cub wolves to raise as pets. The pet wolves were also useful in driving away bears and other wild animals. One of the oldest known breed of dogs is the Salukis, which were bred by Egyptians thousands of years ago as hunting dogs. Greyhounds and Dalmatians are also among the oldest breeds documented.

Over the centuries, people have found many ways for dogs to be useful. Dogs helped to pull loads, herd cattle and sheep, and guard their master and the master?s property. The Ancient Greeks developed tiny lap dogs, which were meant to be held in a lady?s lap to help keep her stomach warm. Bulldogs with huge jaws and short noses were developed so they could hang onto the throat of a bull and still be able to breathe. In more recent years, dogs have been trained as seeing eye dogs for the blind. Dogs have also been recruited to work with law enforcement to detect drugs and explosives.

Today many dogs, such as the Poodle or Chihuahua, no longer resemble the wolf. Other dogs, such as the Siberian Husky and the German Shepherd still show a strong resemblance to the wolf. There are many different breeds in existence today, from the short haired Beagle and Boston Terrier to the long haired Cockers and Scotties. The Beagle may be better suited to live in the city, while Setters or Collies may be more comfortable in the country. The tallest dogs are Great Danes and the Irish Wolfhound. They would probably be more comfortable in a place where they had a lot of room to run and play.

In the United States, one out of three families owns one or more dogs. Most dogs live anywhere from eight to fifteen years. When dogs are one year old, they are as physically mature as a 15 year old human. Dogs can see some color but not as vividly as humans, thus they are considered color blind. Yet, dogs can see much better in dim light than us. Dogs have us beat in the category of smell, also. Their sense of smell is up to one million times greater than humans!

Regardless of which kind of dog you choose- big, little, smooth haired, shaggy, fast, slow, playful or dignified, dogs make wonderful companions. Enjoy their companionship and remember they need plenty of love, attention, and petting to be happy!

About The Author

Wendy Yeager – http://www.wenmarcorp.com/dogs-go2

mjy222@hotmail.com

Many years ago I read a book about selecting the perfect canine companion. The concepts in that book altered my life forever, because it changed the way I made pet choices.

Instead of selecting a puppy simply because it was cute, I ?tested? each puppy considered for adoption. I was able to choose just the right puppy, one compatible with my family and home needs.

The tests helped to reveal certain aspects of the puppy?s temperament and personality. Selecting a new puppy based upon test results instead of how adorable it was helped ensure that the adoption would be a happy and successful experience, both for me and the puppy. We would fit together like a glove!

The first things to consider before choosing a new family dog are the basics: where they will live, home and yard size, ages and temperament of family members, family lifestyle, and characteristics common in certain breeds of dogs.

For instance, a Great Dane might not make the best companion for someone on the go, living in a one room kitchenette on the fifth floor of a high-rise apartment building.

A family with small, active children might not provide the best environment in which to introduce a new pit bull. Larger, active dogs like Labrador Retrievers appreciate lots of yard space to exercise, while small breeds such as toy poodles and Yorkies would make pathetic guard dogs, restricted to a dog house in the back yard.

In addition to family, home, and location considerations some breeds of dogs, such as Irish Setters and Shelties, are generally speaking ?higher strung? than a Golden Retriever or Basset Hound ? both breeds renowned for their ?low key? easy going temperament. And, breeds such as German Shepherds and Malamutes usually have a natural protective instinct that makes them more suspicious of strangers.

Another thing to consider before acquiring a new dog is ?why? one is being sought. As companionship for adults, or as a playmate for children that will help teach responsibility? Will the new family pet be trained as a hunting dog, or to provide protection as a guard dog?

Once these questions have been considered, and certain sizes or breeds that do not fit the criteria omitted as possibilities, you are ready to start looking for your new dog.

When it comes to selecting an adult canine, making the right choice is much simpler than it is for a puppy. What you see is basically what you get; size, appearance, temperament and personality. By spending a little time together, you get a general idea as to whether or not that particular dog would fit into your family, or adequately meet your needs.

Puppies are an entirely different matter. A puppy changes as it grows. But whether you purchase a puppy from a pet store, adopt one from an animal shelter, or respond to an ad in the newspaper, you can still pretty much determine which pup is best suited for your home by implementing one or more of the following tests:

1.) Kneel down in front of the puppy. Calmly and gently stroke his chest with one hand while lifting his head to make eye contact. Once the puppy has relaxed, stand and walk away. Does the puppy lunge after you, jumping up on your leg and nipping at you, demanding more attention? This type response suggests a dominant personality. Or does he merely sit and watch you walk away? This usually indicates a more passive personality. A puppy that happily prances along side of you might be middle of the road, neither too dominant nor too passive.

2.) Kneel down in front of the puppy. Pet and play with the puppy until he responds, then turn him over on his back. With one hand on his tummy, hold him down. What does he do? Does he frantically thrash about, resisting and nipping at you? Again, this would suggest an aggressive personality. Does he fail to resist at all? He most probably is very passive. Or does he struggle somewhat, then lay still once he realizes he can not free himself? This type puppy will probably grow to be ?middle of the road;? neither too aggressive nor too passive, but submissive to his care giver.

3.) Kneel down facing the puppy. Calmly stroke the puppy?s head and chest while lifting his head to make eye contact. Talk to him in low, friendly tones. While he is in the sitting position, have someone hold him in place while you walk 8-10 feet away from him. Turn to face him and kneel down again. Repeatedly call to the puppy at the same time the other person releases their grip on him. What does he do? Does he immediately lung toward you, jumping and nipping? Does he playfully run to you, without jumping? Does he approach slowly or hesitantly, with his head down and his tail between his legs? Or, does he fail to come to you at all? Each response reveals something about the puppy?s degree of aggression or submission.

If you seek a well rounded family pet, one that will be both a good companion for adults and a playmate for children, as well as provide protection around the home, a ?middle of the road? response is what you should be looking for.

An all adult household looking for a canine family member for the main purpose of providing protection might want a puppy that responds somewhat more aggressive.

While more passive responses might be good in a puppy obtained solely as a playmate for small children, totally passive, hesitant responses usually indicates that the pup won?t train as easily as one with more confidence. He will also be more easily intimidated by people and other dogs.

Taking the time to consider ?why? you want a new dog, your house and yard size, family lifestyle, and canine breed temperament will keep you from barking up the wrong tree when selecting a new family dog. And performing these simple tests will help you select the puppy with the best qualities and temperament for your home and family.

By choosing wisely you are sure to enjoy your new canine family member for many years to come.

Copyright ? 2005, Ian White

Author Ian White is founder of Dog-Breeders.biz. This extensive online directory includes listings by private breeders, kennel clubs, and occasional hobby or family breeders. Those seeking dogs can locate and match with appropriate breeders. Dog-Breeders.biz automates the matching of dogs for sale with puppy wanted entries, with daily email notifications to all parties.

For more information about matching dog lovers with breeders visit http://www.dog-breeders.biz

Sometimes puppies are born that can’t suckle properly, and it’s almost alway’s because they have a cleft palate. A cleft palate can be a complete division up the middle of the palate, or roof of the mouth, or it can just be a small hole in the palate.

Canine cleft palate is a failure of the two sides of the palate to fuse correctly during the embryonic stage of developement. It can just be the soft tissue, in which case it only presents as a cosmetic malformation, but if the hard palate is affected, it inevitably spells doom for the new born pup. A cleft pale in dogs can be either a genetic defect, or due to something occuring during the developement of the embryo. Surgical correction of cleft palate

All puppies should be examined for a cleft palate as early as possible, by opening the jaws and looking at the roof of the mouth. If the breed is very small, it may be necessary to get your Vet to check for you.

It is possible to correct a cleft palate surgically, however the pup must be old enough to undergo an anaesthetic, so in the early stages of it’s life the puppy will need hand feeding with a stomach tube.

Cleft palate of the outer soft tissue, sometimes called canine hare lip, can repaired surgically at about six months of age. Small holes in the roof of the mouth can self correct as the pup grows older, but may also be corrected surgically if so desired.

Russell Savige has been a professional dog breeder for 18 years. He is the owner of Training Dog Breeds, a high content website of dog related articles, and also the home of a Directory of over 16,750 dog related websites of breeders, clubs, trainers, vendors, shelters and rescues.

Distemper: Spotting This Dog Killer Before it’s Too Late

Canine distemper is a devastating disease. It often crops up in seemingly healthy pets without any warning. What?s more, distemper often mimics benign problems, like the common cold. This is truly the most insidious aspect of this illness. Sadly, many cases progress to the point where they are no longer treatable before the owner even realizes what’s happened.

How to spot the early signs of distemper

First and foremost, understand that distemper can often be diagnosed very early if regular trips to the veterinarian are scheduled and kept. This cannot be stressed enough, especially for new puppies! Because afflictions like distemper most often strike very young pups when they have weaker immune systems, it?s crucial that owners visit the vet often in the first few weeks of life. Early diagnosis means a chance to survive distemper.

Owners who suspect distemper, but haven?t had the animal seen by a vet yet, can detect it by a couple of signs. First, yellowish-green or dark green discharge from the eyes and nose is a classic symptom. It?s often accompanied by sneezing and general lethargy. Unfortunately, many pet owners assume this is just a sign that their dog has contracted a cold or has allergies and they ignore it.

If you remember nothing else about what you read here, remember this: any greenish discharge from the eyes or nose means distemper is a real possibility. RUSH your pet to the vet at the first sign! In most distemper cases, the only chance your puppy or dog has is early detection and aggressive medical therapy.

While distemper can manifest differently from one dog to the next, another hallmark of it is constant shaking or twitching. This happens in the more advanced stages of the disease, when the infected dog’s neurological system has been compromised and muscles fire continuously. Unfortunately, by this stage it?s rarely treatable and the humane step is euthanasia. Having said that, always get your pet checked out thoroughly to rule out some other condition that may be causing the tremors. You never know. Dogs are like people, in that they are susceptible to a wide range of illnesses and diseases that can share very similar symptoms. Never assume!

It isn?t easy for pet owners to prevent diseases as serious as distemper. It’s infamous for sneaking up on otherwise healthy puppies. But starting a new puppy out right – with good nutrition and regular visits to the vet for vaccinations and check-ups – will go a long way toward keeping him healthy and disease-free. Know and watch for the signs of distemper and your dog will have a strong ally in you!

? John Schwartz http://www.puppies-dogs-supplies.com (all rights reserved)

John Schwartz is a web site publisher and professional writer. For more information about dog toys and other dog supplies, visit his site at Puppies-Dogs-Supplies.com today.

It?s always interesting to bring home a new puppy and introducing the new puppy to the family is an unforgettable event. It is a fun moment for both yourself and your puppy. Unexpected puppy behavior is one of the first challenges you will have to face with the excitement of the new puppy.

One of the common problems faced is the biting and mouthing problems. Biting and mouthing is a very common activity for many young puppies and dogs. They naturally bite and mouth each other when playing with siblings and therefore they behave similarly with their human companions. It is very important to train puppy what is appropriate, and what is not, when it comes to using those sharp teeth as humans do not have thick skin like puppies and dogs.

In the first phase of training the puppy we must inhibit the biting reflex among puppies. Biting might be cute and harmless with a 5 pound puppy, but it is neither cute nor harmless when that dog weighs 20 or 40 pounds or more. It is before puppies and dogs reach the age of four months that they should be trained to control biting habit. Puppies usually learn to bite from their mothers and littermates. Since pet dogs and puppies are taken away from their mothers when they are young, so it depends on the humans to train puppies not to bite.

Allow the puppy to play and socialize with other puppies and socialized older dogs to inhibit the biting reflex. Puppies bite each other constantly when they show love, tumble, roll and play with each other. This is the best way by which puppies can be controlled and their biting habit can be changed. The group will punish the puppy that becomes too rough while playing teaching them to inhibit biting habits.

Being in socialized group of dogs and puppies also teaches the puppy to not be fearful of other dogs, and to work off their excess energy. Puppies that get less socialization can be more destructive, more hyperactive and exhibit other problem behaviors as compared to socialized dogs. Lack of socialization develops fearful and aggressive behaviors in puppies. Dogs react aggressively to new situations as they never learnt to be socialized. A puppy should be socialized to other people and children in order to become a member of the community as well as of the household. It is very important to introduce your puppy to both children and adults as puppies learn to make distinction between their owners and other people, and between children and adults.

When a puppy is four months old or younger then it is the best time for it to socialize with young children. Reason to do so is that young children in the family may approach the dog or puppy and try to play against the wish of puppy. It is more dangerous with breeds of dogs that have a reputation for aggressive behavior.

The other way of eliminating this problem is by using trust to prevent biting. The basis of dog training is to gain trust and respect from your dog. It is a very effective way to teach your puppy to trust and respect to prevent biting. During training or any other time never ever hit or slap the puppy. Physical punishment is the way to diminish the trust and respect of dog in you. To reprove severely will not stop a dog from biting rather it will simply scare and confuse him resulting in distrust in you.

A vital part of any puppy training program is training a puppy not to bite. When it is a puppy it biting habit seems like harmless behavior but quickly escalate to dangerous, destructive behavior as the puppy grows to an adult dog.

Phillip Culver has a variety of recreation sites providing useful information to internet users. For more recreation information and articles go to http://www.recreationdirectoryonline.com.