Key Differences Between Dog and Puppy Training

"But puppies are dogs." Many people have the same reaction to the question of whether or not puppy and dog training is really all that different. Yes, puppies are simply young dogs, but like any other animal, they are not born with a healthy set of habits and behaviors. If you're going to raise a puppy in your household or bring in a new fully-grown dog, you're going to have to take some different approaches to make sure that your dog or puppy lives up to your household rules. Here are some of the key differences between dog and puppy training.

-Adjustment time.

While dogs can adjust fairly quickly to a new environment, puppies are living through adjustments on a day-to-day basis, still figuring out how to navigate their way through the world. Separating a puppy from its mother initially can be quite a shock for a puppy, so don't necessarily worry if its behavior for a few days seems a little off. It's not uncommon for young dogs to feel a bit of separation anxiety for a little while - but the key is that eventually your puppy should acclimate itself to its new home. Give the puppy a break and know that many of the behaviors it exhibits will probably improve with time and training.

-Bonding.

Puppies are cute, so it's natural to want them to be as free and happy as possible in order to gain their affection. But if you're working with a new puppy, you'll have to resist the urge to avoid obedience training even more than you would with an adult dog. Puppies are in a crucial time in their lives, so it's essential that you establish a clear relationship from the get-go.

This relationship can't be built on the dog's power; it has to be about establishing your own boundaries. Don't be afraid to crate a puppy or correct it when it does something wrong. Don't be afraid to ignore it when it isn't giving you the behavior you'd like. Treat the puppy like a grown-up and it will grow up into a healthy adult.

-Breeding issues.

With puppies, breeding issues won't come up. Adults, however, especially young adult dogs, will definitely have these issues. Will the dog be used for breeding? Will you neuter your dog? These are important questions once your puppy grows up, and something you won't have to worry about in those few initial months of having a puppy.

Remember that your puppy isn't a dog yet, but also remember to keep your optimism. Old dogs can be taught new tricks, and puppies can learn to function as healthy adults given time.

Toronja Azul

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Dog Training, Puppy Training

Posted by Dog Training Pet on February 13, 2010 in Dog Training, Puppy Training. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.