Taking Care of a Puppy
Rescuing a puppy may be a tremendously gratifying experience, but it can also be very time-consuming and demanding. This is something that a lot of people overlook when they are looking for a new dog to add to their family. Puppies, much like newborn human babies, need virtually continual care and attention, particularly in their early stages of development. Puppies have a natural curiosity for exploring the world around them with their lips. The key methods by which a puppy will learn about new things are through smell and taste. This is especially true if the "new object" is an electric line or anything tiny that has the potential to get lodged in your puppy's throat. If a puppy is not continually monitored, it is quite simple for him to get himself into difficulties.
Another issue that might arise while raising and teaching a puppy is what could be referred to as the "cuteness factor," which can be a source of contention. Puppies are, by their nature, endearing creatures. On the surface, this seems to be a positive thing, but it might present complications when it comes to teaching your new puppy the dos and don'ts of puppyhood. You may find it difficult to correct your puppy when he or she has done something that you believe has the potential to develop into a harmful habit and should be avoided. Even raising your voice to correct the puppy may be tough. When two huge round eyes are staring up at you from a sorrowful puppy face, many people find it difficult to deal with it. Sometimes it's far simpler to forgive the puppy than it is to confront it with your disappointment. There is just one drawback with this approach: if you repeat it too many times, the puppy will begin to develop undesirable behaviors at a very early age. When your dog reaches adulthood, these problems will become considerably severe and more difficult to manage. No matter how tough it may be, it is important to catch them early and prevent them from spreading.
It is critical that your puppy has enough space to run about. This does not imply that they have unrestricted access to your property. Ensure that you set aside a spot where the puppy will have enough opportunity to stretch its legs and examine new things while remaining under your observation. Also, try to keep the puppy in locations where the rest of the family will be spending a lot of time together. In addition to aiding in the bonding process, this will ensure that your puppy is constantly exposed to familiar family scents. Close off doorways and, of course, the tops of stairways with baby gates, or if you don't have any, use a piece of wood cut to fit or any other improvised solution to keep children out. The goal is to keep the puppy contained inside a certain area, thereby limiting the likelihood of it getting into danger. You should keep a few of the pups' favorite toys in the same location, along with some fresh water for them to drink. An open newspaper on the floor will also provide a safe place for the puppy to relieve itself in an emergency without damaging your carpeting or rugs.
Dogs are naturally arranged into hierarchical pack structures. Essentially, this implies that their relative value within the pack is organized according to a defined hierarchy. The dominating member is at the front of the pack, with the succeeding subservient members following after him or her. The very first thing you should educate your puppy about is that you are the "top dog," or the most dominating member of the family unit. It is possible that the puppy may attempt to take on this position by instinct if you do not emphasize your control from the beginning. If your dog attempts to take control of your house, this is plainly undesired.
The quickest and most effective method to demonstrate your authority is not to be harsh or blatantly loud, but rather to be consistent in your discipline of poor conduct while rewarding good behavior with praise (and the occasional treat). If your dog is really misbehaving, a harsh verbal reprimand should be sufficient; physical violence should only be used in exceptional circumstances. The more you praise your puppy for excellent behavior, such as sitting when requested or stopping to bark when asked, the more likely he or she will repeat that behavior in the future.
Making yourself the dominant member will ensure that your puppy will turn to you for approval and advice, making the task of parenting your dog that much simpler and less stressful. Your puppy will quickly come to see you as the "alpha dog" in the household.
The experience of raising a puppy may be a rewarding one. No other feeling can compare to the pleasure you will have when your dog matures into a well-rounded member of the family who you can be proud of when others compliment you on what a beautiful dog you have on your hands.