Now, just to make clear, I am by NO means an expert. I had an amazing trainer in Seattle who helped me to understand the natural way a dog might think, but every dog is different. I also had an amazing dog, Norbert, as my guinea pig to work with being a new raiser and he DEFIANTLY gave me a run for my money and kept me on my toes! Brewski seems to be much easier this time since I have more of an idea of what to expect! Every week I am going to highlight 3 things that are important. I am using Brew as my pacer, so when I have an issue with him, I'll write it down so I can blog about it! I have made a huge list and I'm trying to go from the MOST important to ones that can at least wait a week. (You have no idea how hard it is for me to choose because I realize that they are really so important but I don't want to put you guys into overload!) Also, if you have questions that I can answer place them in the comment section and I can be sure to answer to the best of my knowledge, or do the research to find some answers! So, here it goes!
Getting puppy used to their crate is going to be a huge lifesaver for you in many ways. This will give them comfort of being in a confined space and feeling protected since everything they are going to experience in the next few weeks will be brand spanking new to them! For a puppy, I recommend a plastic crate that isn't too big and keeps them nice and snug verses a metal airy crate since the added bulk of plastic gives them added protection and makes them feel instinctively like they are in their "den".
Never use their crate as a "timeout" or punishment! You want them to feel like this is their safe spot and don't want them to ever feel resentment about being in their den.
Their crate is also great for their sleeping area. I know it seems like a great idea to put puppy into bed with you for that special bonding time but your bed is wayyy to big for a little puppy. When puppy's have too much room they will decide that they can go potty on one end and sleep on the other. Thats why a crate that doesn't give them too much room is perfect. A puppy will never go to the bathroom in their sleeping area so this will also help force the puppy to find a signal that works for the both of you to let you know he has to "hurry". For example, Brewski starts sounding extremely restless in his kennel and it sounds like he is doing some type of ti kwon do in there! If I ignore that sign he will start flat out barking! However, don't let the puppy out of the crate if they are barking for no reason for instance if they are unhappy and just want out. If you give in to them they will associate the bad behavior with getting their way and it will make crate training a nightmare! This goes for a lot of different things.
My next big point is to start cradling and if anyone has ever known Paul and I while we were raising Norbert than you know exactly what I am talking about! Its when you place puppy on their back in-between your legs with their head on your lap. This helps to give puppy "down time" and is says that "I'm in control". Another thing that this helps with is to establish is dominance (this is will be most important for the girls since guys naturally have that deep voice and stance that establishes dominance with puppy). If Brew starts getting too wild or even if I just want some cuddle time with him I'll cradle him. Don't always cradle him for the same behaviors mix it up, keep this a positive exercise! Again, once puppy is in the cradling position don't "release" them until they are completely calm and relaxed. If you let them get up when they are antsy and throwing a fit they will associate that bad behavior with getting their way and getting out of the cradle, so only release them when they are finally calm.
Hope this helps!! I'll be blogging next week with three additional points!! YAY, this is fun!
