Puppy Power - Raising a dog from puppy

Raising a dog from puppy to mature adult is rewarding experience, but also pretty exhausting. Much like human babies, puppies tug at our heartstrings and we sometimes give into their whims. But, just as with humans, it is very easy to spoil a puppy and end up with an annoying pet instead of the sweet companion you wanted.

Puppies need almost constant supervision and guidance. They actively explore the world around them, which puts them at risk for injury or poisoning. Puppies, like all dogs, use their mouths to learn about items that interest them. If they mouth an object and like the taste or texture, they will continue to chew on it. If that object is a roach trap or electrical cord, your puppy's curiosity might prove fatal.

If you can't supervise your pup at al times, use baby gates or other barriers to create a large, confined space for her to play in. Try to choose a spot that people spend a lot of time in. The more time spent with family members, the more quickly and deeply your puppy will bond with them. Give her something soft to lie on, a few toys to play with, and a bowl of clean water.

People often ask pet experts when is the best time to begin training a puppy. Most experts agree that training should begin the moment your puppy enters your home. They aren't talking about learning to heel or sit and stay for long periods of time, but the fact that the first thing you must train your puppy to understand is that you are the boss. Usually, dog trainers refer to this as making yourself the "leader of the pack." Dogs are pack animals by nature, and therefore instinctively look to a leader for approval. If you don't make it clear that you are the leader, your pup may try to take that role. You don't have to be aggressive to assert your dominance. Small, subtle acts communicate your leadership more successfully than loud roughness. In fact, handling your puppy harshly will only make her afraid and diminish her ability to bond with you.

One of the first behaviors you can teach your puppy at a very young age is to sit. Place one hand on her chest, and the other on her rump. As you give the command to "sit," push down on her rump and up on her chest to guide her into a sitting position. Give her lots of verbal praise in a high-pitched voice, and perhaps a treat. Now, every time you feed her, make her sit before you put her bowl down. Trainers refer to this as the "nothing in life is free" technique. Your pup learns quickly that you control the food, and that she must please you in order to eat. This establishes your leadership in her eyes.

The key to raising the "best dog ever" is compassion, patience, and love. Give your puppy plenty of those things, and you'll reap the rewards for many years to come.

Dog Crate Kennels

Dogs love to curl up in snug spots. This is a natural "denning" instinct left over from their wolf ancestors. Many people view a kennel or crate from a human perspective-a cage, or prison. Yet, if it is properly introduce, a dog crate provides a sense of security for your pet; a place of her own. At the same time, a dog that is comfortable in a crate is easier to housebreak and travels well.

Dog Crates, or kennels of various sizes are easily available at pet supply stores. There are two main styles to choose from: thick, hard plastic crates with small openings on each side to allow ventilation, and open wire kennels. Pet supply manufacturers realize that dog crates are quickly becoming an essential piece of furniture for dog owners. Some now offer a line of high-end kennels with decorative finishes on the sides and tabletops so the crate does double-duty as an end table.

It is important to get the right size crate for your dog. If she is a puppy now, it is best to get a crate that will fit her as an adult---she'll quickly grow into it! Ideally, the crate should be large enough to allow an adult dog to stand up and turn around, with about four inches of extra space in length. If you are unsure how large your puppy will grow to be, you can find information in books or on the Internet that give approximate sizes for each breed.

You will need to teach your dog that the crate is hers. Some dogs take longer than others to "catch on" to their special place. This is not an indication that the dog doesn't like the crate, just a result of unique personalities each dog has. Training your dog to use the crate requires a number of small steps, as well as patience. The kennel should always be associated with pleasant moments. If you force your dog into the crate or get angry at her, she will see the crate as a bad thing.

To introduce the crate to your dog, sit beside it with treats in your pocket and call her to you. When she comes to you, give her a treat and lots of verbal praise in a happy voice. Place a treat at the entrance of the crate, and after she takes it, toss one into the crate. Each time you place a treat inside, give a unique command, such as "kennel up" or "kennel in" so she begins to associate the behavior with the command. End the session before the dog loses interest. Once your dog enters the crate, begin feeding her regular meals inside the crate. Nothing says "special moment" like food.

Crates and kennels are comforting for dogs and excellent tools for housebreaking, but they should be used carefully. Puppies will need to be taken out of the kennel during the night to relieve themselves. Never leave any dog confined to a crate for more than 6 hours-they will become bored and can develop behavior problems as a result.