Puppy Raising FAQs

If you've just acquired a new dog for you and your family, then there's a good chance that you've found a puppy that you'd like to raise. After the initial novelty of owning a puppy wears off, there are some strong questions that arise. How do you work with this puppy? How can you train it to be obedient? How can you change some problem behaviors that might be propping up? Here are some puppy raising FAQs (frequently asked questions) to get you started.

What toys do puppies enjoy?

Puppies can actually struggle with the concept of toys early on - just because you present them with a ball doesn't mean they'll necessarily "get" the idea that you want this to become a toy. So be sure that the toy your puppy does adopt won't make a mess (i.e., it's not filled with cushioning that can be spread everywhere). You'll also want to try using toys that will also make sense for the dog to enjoy when it gets older. These toys can often be used in training later on and can help you train your dog to exhibit desirable behaviors.

What do I do if the puppy starts snapping at my family?

As your puppy grows, you'll probably start to see more aggressive tendencies in its behavior. That's normal. But you'll want to be on the lookout for more abnormal tendencies. If a dog snaps at a child because the child was actively doing something to make the dog feel threatened, this is typically not a big problem. But if a dog displays a pattern of aggressive behavior, showing its teeth, and biting when minimally-provoked, then you will want to see a professional and consider having it put to sleep.

Make sure that your puppy isn't simply being "mouthy," as many breeds will tend to enjoy using its mouth to chew on toys.

My puppy seems anxious. What can I do?

A great way to get rid of anxiety with puppies is simply to exercise them, or at least let them have some freedom in a yard if you have one. Even puppies need exercise, so don't feel that you have to "baby" your dog. Remember that puppies will typically mature must faster than humans, so they will be ready for action perhaps before you believe they are. Give the puppy an outlet and let it tire itself out - this will help solve many anxiety problems.

If you have further questions about puppy training and raising a puppy, don't be afraid to simply ask a veterinarian or dog professional for further advice.

Photo Credits: emarquetti

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Puppy Training, Tips for Dog Owners

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