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What Should I Do If My Puppy Exhibits Aggressive Behaviors?

by Gabriel Riesco | Jun 1, 2023 | Dog Problems. Behavior Modification, Dog Training, Puppy Training

Getting a new puppy is an exciting and fun experience, but it can also come with its own set of challenges. One of the most common issues new puppy owners face is behavior problems, such as aggression. Aggression can be a serious problem if not addressed properly, as it can lead to injury to both humans and other animals. In this blog, I will discuss what you should do if your puppy exhibits behavior problems, specifically aggression:

– 1. Identify the type of aggression. Aggression is a very general term. Here are some different types of aggression: Aggression because of lack of Social skills, Leash aggression, dog to dog aggression, human aggression, Stranger aggression, Fear aggression, Resource guarding (food, toys or humans), Territorial aggression, Trigger aggression (hats, uniforms, gender etc), Conditioned aggression (water sprays bottles, canes, brooms, sticks etc), Dominance aggression, Redirection aggression, Pure aggression (killer instinct) and probably other types that I haven’t mentioned. As you can see there is a wide range of different types of aggression that are treated very differently.

– 2. Identify the cause of the aggression The next step in addressing your puppy’s aggression is to identify the cause. When does the aggression start and why? Is your puppy under stress? Is it fear based? Is your puppy being dominant? Is your puppy in pain? Is your puppy overstimulated or frustrated? Is your puppy getting enough sleep or down time? Understanding the root cause of the aggression will help you develop a plan to solve the issue.

– 3. Knowing the difference between Behavior Training and Obedience Training will save you a lot of time, money and energy. Going to a basic obedience group class will not make much of a difference. Once you have identified the cause of your puppy’s aggression and consulted with a professional, it’s time to implement training and behavior modification techniques. These can include Behavioral Training, coping skills, desensitization, counter-conditioning and management strategies.

– 4. Consult with a professional If your puppy’s aggression is severe or you are unsure of how to address it, it’s important to consult with a professional. A dog behaviorist, dog trainer with aggression experience or a vet behaviorist can assess your puppy’s behavior and provide guidance on how to address and solve the issue.

– 5. Be consistent and patient Addressing your puppy’s aggression will take time and patience. It’s important to be consistent with training and behavior modification techniques and to give your puppy time to learn new behaviors. Consistency is key in ensuring your puppy understands what is expected of them.

– 6. Stay calm and present. It’s important to stay calm and present when addressing your puppy’s aggression. Getting frustrated or angry will only make the situation worse. Instead, stay patient and positive.

Addressing your puppy’s aggression requires knowledge, patience, consistency, and most likely the guidance of a professional. By identifying the cause of the aggression, consulting with a professional and implementing a behavior modification plan, you will be able to overcome your puppy’s aggression issues and become a well-behaved and happy member of your family.

How Should I Start Leash Training My Puppy?

by Gabriel Riesco | May 24, 2023 | Dog Training, Puppy Training

Leash training is an important skill for puppies to learn. Not only does it ensure their safety when outside, but it also helps them to develop good behavior habits. However, leash training can be a difficult and frustrating process for both the puppy and the owner. Here are some effective techniques for leash training a puppy.

– 1. Start with a lightweight leash and collar that won’t weigh your puppy down or restrict their movements.

– 2. Wait until your puppy is tired or half a sleep to put the leash on. While your puppy is still calm take it off. This is a very effective way to tell your puppy that the leash means nothing; Is not a chew toy, I’m not going to pull you or restrain you etc. That way they won’t fight it.

– 3. Put the leash on your puppy while your are training. That way your puppy will learn to do things on leash without any pulling. Reward and lure your puppy with treats, while wearing the leash. Start with short training sessions. 10-15 minutes. Gradually increase the length of the training sessions as your puppy becomes more comfortable on the leash.

– 4. Walk at a steady and slow pace when walking your puppy on the leash. Why slow? Because you walking at normal pace means your puppy is probably running. Once your puppy grows he/she is going to think that is normal to run on a walk. Your grown up dog running is not going to be you walking at a normal pace. Thinks ahead!

– 5. Don’t pull your puppy along or let them pull you. Learn Leash Communication skills.

– 6. Always put the leash on while your puppy is calm. Don’t get your puppy excited while working on leash manners, if not your puppy will start bitting and playing with the leash. Excitement and leash are like oil and water. It’s a bad mix. Remember this for the rest of your dog’s life. If your dog is on leash, your dog should be calm unless you have a working dog.

Leash training is a vital skill for puppies and adult dogs to learn, since we need to use a leash by law. By using positive reinforcement, starting with short training sessions, and being patient and consistent, you can help your puppy develop good leash behavior habits that will last a lifetime.

How Do I Teach My Puppy Not To Bite My Hands?

by Gabriel Riesco | May 19, 2023 | Dog Body Language, Dog Training, Puppy Training

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Getting a new puppy can be an exciting and fun time, but it also requires a lot of work and patience. One of the most important things you’ll need to teach your puppy is how to not bite your hands or your clothes. Here are some tips to help you train your new furry friend:

– 1. Set Boundaries

The first thing you’ll need to do is to learn how to set boundaries for your puppy in a calm and effective way. Teach them that biting is not acceptable. If your puppy bites your hands, you can stop the play or use the underhand technique to calm them down.

– 2. Do NOT yell or say NO

Using a high-pitched yelp to mimic the sound of a littermate being hurt to help discourage biting is NOT a good idea. This usually riles them up and makes them bite harder. Saying NO in harsh voice will either scare your puppy or make him/her more feisty.

– 3. Provide Chew Toys With Movement

Puppies like to chase things. Instead of just throwing toys to the floor and hope for the best, move the toys around with your hands. Make them chase the toys so they become interested in them. Offer your puppy a variety of textures and shapes to see what they prefer. This will help redirect their biting behavior to an appropriate outlet.

– 4. Encourage Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is a very effective training method for puppies. When your puppy exhibits good behavior, reward them with a treat or verbal praise. This will help your puppy learn what is expected of them and will encourage them to continue appropriate behavior.

– 4 Be Consistent

Don’t let your puppy rehearse biting your hands. Consistency is key when it comes to training your puppy. Make sure everyone in your household is on the same page and using the same training techniques. If you’re inconsistent with your training, it will confuse your puppy and make it harder for them to learn.

– 5. Control Excitement

Excitement can encourage biting behavior, so it’s important to be aware of it. If you riled your puppy up with excitement and move your hands fast your puppy is more likely to get bitey and target your hands.

– 6. Seek Professional Help

If your puppy’s biting behavior becomes aggressive or doesn’t improve with training, it may be time to seek professional help. A professional dog trainer or behaviorist can help assess your puppy’s behavior and provide more targeted training techniques.

Training your puppy not to bite your hands or your clothes takes patience and consistency. By setting boundaries, providing chew toys, encouraging positive reinforcement, not letting the practice it and seeking professional help if necessary, you can help your puppy learn appropriate behavior and develop into a well-behaved adult dog.

What Is Puppy Socialization?

by Gabriel Riesco | May 8, 2023 | Dog Training, Puppy Training

What is Puppy Socialization?

Puppy socialization is the process of exposing puppies to different people, animals, places, and experiences in a positive and safe way during their critical socialization period, which typically occurs between the ages of 3 and 14 weeks. The goal of socialization is to help puppies develop into well-adjusted, confident, and friendly adult dogs by teaching them to be comfortable and adaptable in a variety of situations.

Socialization includes exposing puppies to different surfaces, sounds, and textures, as well as introducing them to other dogs, animals, and people of all ages and backgrounds. It also involves training puppies to respond positively to new stimuli and to feel safe and secure in new environments. Proper socialization can help prevent behavior problems, such as aggression and fearfulness, in adult dogs. It is an essential part of raising a happy and healthy puppy.

Why is Puppy Socialization Important?

Socializing your puppy is vital because it helps them become well-adjusted and happy dogs. Dogs that have not been socialized may become fearful or aggressive in certain situations, which can lead to behavioral problems and even aggression towards people or other animals. A well-socialized dog is more likely to be friendly and confident, and less likely to experience anxiety or stress.

How to Socialize Your Puppy?

Socializing your puppy is a process that requires patience and consistency. Here are some steps you can take to help your puppy become a well-socialized dog:

1- Introduce your puppy to new people: Allow your puppy to interact with different types of people, including men, women, children, and elderly people. Encourage them to interact with strangers by giving them treats or toys.

2- Expose your puppy slowly to new environments: Take your puppy on walks in different locations, such as parks, city streets, or even shopping centers. This will help them get used to different sights, sounds, and smells.

3- Introduce your puppy to other dogs: Puppy playdates are a great way to socialize your dog. Let them play with other puppies or dogs, under your supervision. Socializing with adult dogs is as important as with other puppies. Adult dogs will teach them boundaries and social cues that are vital in the future to stay out of trouble. Make sure the dogs they interact with are healthy, friendly, and vaccinated.

4- Expose your puppy to new experiences: Take your puppy on car rides, to the vet, or to the groomer several times just to meet them . This will help them get used to new experiences and will make them more comfortable when they actually need to go.

5- Reward good behavior: When your puppy is friendly and relaxed around people or other animals, reward them with treats or praise. This will help them associate positive experiences with new situations.

6- Be aware: Exposing doesn’t mean flooding your puppy with new experiences. Take it easy and make sure your puppy is comfortable or at least can tolerate new situations. Exposing your puppy to bad experiences or scary situations is the opposite of socializing.

Puppy socialization is a vital process that helps your puppy develop into a well-adjusted, confident, and happy dog. By exposing them to a variety of people, animals, and environments, you can help your puppy develop confidence, positive behaviors and social skills. Remember that socialization is an ongoing process and requires patience and consistency. By investing time in socializing your puppy, you can help ensure that they grow up to be a happy, healthy, and well-behaved dog.

5 ESSENTIAL “Must Knows” For Training Puppies

by Gabriel Riesco | May 3, 2023 | Dog Training, Fun Doggy Wisdom, Puppy Training

5 ESSENTIAL “Must Knows” For Training Puppies

These 5 “Must knows” to train your puppy can dramatically impact the long term and short term behavior of your dog. If you get these things wrong with your puppy, you are going to waste a LOT of time and money trying to fix them later:

1. Never chase your puppy. If you chase your puppy, she will pretty soon learn that running away from you gets rewarded with her favorite game: game of chase. Game of chase is far way more reinforcing than treats. If you keep running after your puppy even if it is because they’re getting in trouble you’re reinforcing the behavior of staying away from you.

2. Keep Training Sessions Short: Puppies have short attention spans, so it’s important to keep training sessions short and sweet. Aim for 10-12 minute sessions or less, several times a day.

3. Socialize your puppy with other puppies and with well behaved adult dogs. With other puppies they will learn how to play. With adult dogs they will learn boundaries and social cues.

4. Move away from your puppy so she chases you. Go to the other side of your room and get excited. If she comes reinforce with play or with food. Keep moving away from her so she learns to check in with you and stay with you.

5. Use body language and techniques to calm your puppy down to teach boundaries. Puppies who have no boundaries will struggle with socialization with both humans and dogs. Remember that a highly trained does not mean a well behaved. To learn more check this blog: Difference between behavior and Obedience

How To Put Your Puppy To Sleep At Night

by Gabriel Riesco | May 2, 2023 | Dog Training, Puppy Training

Training your puppy to sleep at night can be a challenging task, but it is an important part of the process of raising a well-behaved and happy dog. While you’re potty training your puppy I would highly recommend to use crate at night. This will avoid accidents from happening and will teach your puppy that the crate is a safe place where he or she can rest and relax. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Establish a consistent bedtime routine: It’s important to establish a consistent bedtime routine for your puppy, which should include calm activities to wind down and having a potty break. This will help your puppy understand that it is time get ready for bed.

2. Do not rile your puppy up and get her excited close to bed time thinking your going to tire her out. This will make your puppy restless and more prone to seek for your attention at bed time. Keep the bedtime routine nice and calm.

3. Ignore nightime barking or whining: It is natural for puppies to whine or bark a little bit, especially if they are not used to being alone. However, it is important to ignore this behavior and not give in to your puppy’s demands for attention.

4. Once your puppy is in the crate, never give eye contact, talk or engage . If you do so your puppy will think that is time to play or engage and will start barking out of frustration. Is not fair to engage with them if they can’t get out. Once your puppy is in the crate do not engage.

5. If your puppy is settled in the crate and relaxed, DO NOT give treats to reward behavior. This is a huge mistake and bad advice a I keep seeing all the time. Treats and food usually makes puppy excited. The last thing you want to do once your puppy is settled is to interrupt their calm state of mind. If you want to use treats put them before your puppy is in the crate. Make some crumbs and hide them at the end of them crate. The scent and the search will calm your puppy and it will still create a positive association with the crate.

Training your puppy to sleep at night takes a little bit of time and patience, but with consistent effort and a simple routine, your puppy will soon learn to sleep peacefully through the night.