The Puppy Pen

You have entered the puppy pen and are now surrounded by a bunch of happy, wiggly furrballs all trying to get your attention any way they can. Aren't they cute?  

You bet, but also a lot of work. But, properly trained and socialized, your puppy can grow up to be the kind of companion you will want to live with for many happy years. However, not properly trained and socialized, you could be on your way to becoming another sad statistic, another owner turn-in at the local animal shelter, another neighbor dispute, or another court case involving a dog attack. Dog ownership is not to be taken lightly, it is a huge responsibility. That cute puppy you take home with you will be looking to you for guidance. It is entirely up to you to ensure that he gets the kind of guidance he needs to become that dreamed of companion and Canine Good Citizen. It is important that you earn your puppy's trust, respect and confidence. It doesn't happen by itself, you have to make it happen. But, I guarantee the time invested now will be well worth the benefits realized for many years to come.  

Here you will find many links to information on puppy training and socialization both at this site and at other sites. You may want to place a bookmark here so you can find your way back. Check back from time to time as new articles of interest will continually be added. Good luck, have fun. If you have a specific problem and don't know where to go, feel free to drop us a line. On your way out, don't forget to close the gate, or the puppies will escape .... and don't trip over those laces!  

Socialization

House Training

Basic Obedience

Problem Behaviors
 
 

Socialization 

All too often, people acquire a new puppy, place it in the backyard, and that's it. Then they wonder, why 6 months later he barks at every little noise, he isn't receptive to strangers, he goes berserk every time they leave the house, he growls at small children and he cowers at the vet office, urinating on the floor. The first few weeks of a puppy's life would be the equivalent to the first several years of a child's life. If you confine a child to the house with limited exposure to people, noises, places, foods, etc. for the first seven years or so, just how capable of coping with change do you think that child would be? Not very. 

Get your puppy out of the house! Expose him to as many sights and sounds as you possibly can. Let him explore things at his own pace, don't push, keep everything positive and upbeat, but also, don't cajole! Praise him when he overcomes his fear and apprehension to investigate something new. If he is afraid, just wait it out, ignore his fear and give him the time he needs to overcome his fears and then, when he does, praise the heck out of him. Introduce him to fire hydrants, park swings, screaming children, benches, bushes, trees, cats, other dogs of different breeds (only non-aggressive, healthy dogs that you know have had all their vaccinations), stairs, elevators, doors, windows, escalators, bells, sirens, people of different ages, races, ethnic origins, sexes, funny hats and dangling jewelry, grooming, bathing, toenail clipping, both by you and at a grooming shop, the veterinarian, the next door neighbor, the post man. The more things he is allowed to experience during this very critical developmental period in his life, the more secure he will be as an adult. But, whatever you do, do not encourage improper responses.  

Do not comfort or cajole a puppy that is offering up a fear response, or laugh at a puppy that is barking at something it is afraid of. Just wait quietly by until he investigates whatever it is that he is fearing. Once he sees it is no big deal, just as your actions indicated to him through your quiet patience, he will be ready to move on. Your puppy will take his cues from you. If you are afraid or nervous in your approach to something, he will sense this and also be afraid. If you are nonchalant about it he will figure it is nothing to be concerned about. If you laugh at his antics he may no longer be afraid, but he may begin to think that barking at everything is a proper behavior, which it is not. Alarm barking comes very natural to Keeshonds, it is not something you need to encourage. A Keeshond owner is well-advised to be careful to not encourage unnecessary barking. Don't worry, your secure, well-socialized adult Keeshond will be an excellent warning barker, always alerting you to the approach of strangers. What you don't want is a dog that always crys "wolf!". 

What are the advantages of having a secure dog? Secure dogs are happier and healthier. Secure dogs are less likely to experience anxiety attacks every time you leave the house. Secure dogs are less likely to engage in destructive behaviors. Secure dogs are more outgoing and more fun to be with. Secure dogs travel better and are more relaxed in strange environments. Secure dogs are more receptive to strangers or changes in their lives. 

To learn more about socializing your puppy, check out what the people at the Perfect Paws Dog Behavior Training Center have to say. 

RETURN
 
 

 House Training 

Keep in mind that house training does not happen over night. The average puppy takes 6 months of consistent house training to become reliable. To be consistent, you must have your puppy in the house, with you, as much as possible; you must never lose your temper or alter your procedure or schedule; you must always remember to praise proper behavior and quietly clean up accidents; you must not stop the training process too soon; and you must be prepared for setbacks from time to time. For the mathematically inclined you might want to check out my article on A Mathematical Approach To House Training - A Formula For Success. 

We wholeheartedly endorse the crate training method for housebreaking. Properly carried through in a consistent manner it is the fastest, most reliable method for house training any dog.  

RETURN
 
 

Basic Obedience

Many city parks offer basic dog obedience classes throughout the year. These classes offer an excellent opportunity for you to learn from a dog training expert, the correct way to teach basic obedience commands. These classes also provide a great way to provide extra socialization for your puppy. Check with your city Parks and Recreation Department, your local Veterinarian or Pet Shop to find out how you can get in on this great opportunity. 

RETURN
 
 

Problem Behaviors

It helps to know there are places you can turn to to work your way through these rough spots. For simple problems the Perfect Paws site offers some very helpful advice. For more serious problems there are Specialists you can contact. Consult with your veterinarian, he will want to check to make sure the problem was not triggered by some health-related issue. Once health concerns have been ruled out your veterinarian may be able to recommend an Animal Behavior Specialist. Do not let difficult problems go untreated. 

RETURN

Do It! You'll Both Be Happier For It!