Gound Rules for a New Puppy

Teaching your puppy some ground rules especially when it comes to chewing / biting is really important for later life and can help prevent your puppy from becoming a menace.

1. Teach a ‘no bite’ on any part of a human body: Puppies should never be allowed to teethe on people parts, chewing and biting on chew toys should be established (see separate puppy article on how to control your puppy’s chewing). Biting family members is an attempt to establish dominance. Even toy dogs will try to become leader of the family pack if given the opportunity and can be a real menace. Puppies that are allowed to rule the roost with teeth and growl will turn into dogs that do the same.

2. If you want to encourage your dog to play retrieve or Frisbee be sure to teach "bring it" and "give it": Teaching your dog these commands early on prevents you from chasing your dog to get the ball back. Otherwise, your chasing him becomes part of the game as well. When you are teaching retrieve, keep your puppy on a long lead so you have control.

3. Each time you give your puppy a toy or treat, say "take it" before he puts it in his mouth: Grabbing is not allowed. Teaching your dog to wait before they take the treat will help teach your dog that you are in control. When your dog has mastered "sit," he should do so before the toy or food is offered.

4. Don't be intimidated by puppy growling and don't overreact: If you back off when your puppy growls, they will continue to do this and ultimately can become dominant. As your puppy learns the appropriate responses, the growling will cease.

5. Be very careful if you play tug-of-war with a pup: No matter how cute this growling ball of fluff looks on the other end of a rope or stick, if you give up the game and your puppy wins they will advance up the leadership ladder. If you pull the rope from your puppy’s teeth, you may hurt his mouth. There is also a risk that puppies that learn to play tug-of-war frequently look at any moving piece of clothing as fair game, even if there's a child inside.

6. Teach children that puppies must never be encouraged to chase or bite: Collies, Corgis, Shetland Sheepdogs and other herding breeds may try to round up children by nipping at their heels, but this is unacceptable. Owners can understand that their herding breed pups may exhibit this behaviour, but they should not allow it to continue.

7. Use discipline, not punishment: A stern "no" or "quit it" and banishment to a crate should handle most infractions. Puppies must never be hit. Rewarding good behaviour with praise and giving no attention (and punishment is a form of attention) to bad behaviour is the most successful.

8. Be persistent and consistent: If it was wrong yesterday, it's wrong today. The whole family must agree what behaviour will be tolerated and everybody in the household is responsible for the training of your puppy.

Enrolling in puppy training classes from a young age is invaluable. They will help you quickly learn the basic training commands as well as helping to nip any wrong behaviour in the bud.