When your new puppy does not want to listen to you it can be overwhelming dealing with them. Many first-time pet owners get extremely frustrated when their new puppy wont behave. If you are one of
these new pet owners than this article is for you! We have gathered insights from top pet trainers and firsthand experience to bring you this guide.
Before getting started on any pet program it is important to know the process takes time. Your dog will not learn himself as he gets older, they learn what you teach them and how you go about it. Many studies have shown that providing your dog with interactive activity and challenging them is the best way to teach them positive behavior and prevent destructive tendencies.
My Puppy Won’t Behave
Everything we just mentioned above is much easier said than done. Add in a full day of work, social commitments and a million other things that come up and there goes your regimented training program. It is easy to push playtime till tomorrow with your dog but this isn’t going to help either of you. Your new puppy without proper stimulation will cry all night and likely be even more destructive, causing you less sleep and more time cleaning up messes.
The best thing you can do is find a dog breed that fits your lifestyle. Meaning, if you are at work all day – and can’t bring your dog with you – then an apartment dog that likes sleeping 22 hours a day is the best choice. On the other hand, if you are working ranch lands all day a high energy dog will find better fulfillment by chasing you around.
The main goal is to be proactive with you new puppy. Include them in what you are doing and take charge of how your schedule is and where they fit in. Be consistent in giving them attention and make them feel like they are a part of your life. Giving your dog purpose will give them a stronger sense of belonging and reduce the likely hood of them acting up.
Sometimes, even when you do everything right, your dog is still going to miss behave. Afterall, they are young and they are animals. Be patient with them as it is likely something they will grow out of. A great example is my French Bulldog, Gustav. He only chews on things when we are home and not giving him the attention, he wants. We can leave him at home after not playing with him all day and he won’t touch a thing. But the moment we get home, he is in full crazy puppy mode looking for anything he can chew or destroy… or even going potty in the house while looking at us!
How To Prevent Puppy Bad Behavior
At the end of the day, your puppy is going to be a puppy. They have instincts to mark their territory and destroy anything that looks like it needs to be chewed up. You need to know and accept this before getting a new puppy. If you do not, you will be frustrated out of your mind and neither you or your new puppy will be happy.
Give your puppy a space that is their own. It doesn’t have to be a create but I do think this is one of the best ways to train a puppy. Our dog Gustav loves his crate and when he is in there, we leave him alone. This is his spot and he knows he can go there and be free from anything. Just like a child doesn’t want their parents coming into their room unannounced, your dog doesn’t want you messing with him while he is in his spot.
Respect your dog’s personal space and they will respect yours. Defining the areas that are acceptable for your dog will also let them know you are the alpha in the relationship. They will see you as the leader of the pack and that you have control of the majority of the territory (your home). Without doing this, they
will be constantly trying to define the relationship and figure out who is in charge. This is a big thing for dogs to know, help them out by making it clear for them.
Happy training.