How to keep puppy love good

The way you raise your new pet can mean everything

So you got a puppy for Christmas?

Puppies are perhaps the only holiday gift that doesn’t come with an owner’s manual. Moreover, the return policy isn’t easy and re-gifting isn’t proper. If there’s any similarity with other gifts, it’s that the novelty and excitement seem to fade shortly after the wrapping paper is picked up.

Raising a puppy is a big commitment and an investment of time – all the time. One of the more common mistakes is not being consistent with training techniques and/or ignoring bad behavior. So much of what a dog learns, or doesn’t learn, isn’t their fault, but rather the fault of the owner’s.

Another misstep, and understandably so, is letting your heart rule your decisions particularly with regard to crate training. It’s hard to discipline a cuddly furball with big, round eyes staring right at you. However, experts all say that crate training is for their safety and keeps them from getting into danger when you’re not looking.

“Many owners treat puppies like they’re babies,” says JoAnne Fine of Top Dog Obedience in Grass Valley. “There’s a different behavior and completely different thought process. Babying a dog reinforces unstable behavior.”

Crate training also helps with potty training and it is recommended that they are trained to go outside as early as possible. When puppies have their own place inside, it’s hard to teach them to go outside when they’ve learned that the house is OK.

“Puddle pads are bad,” JoAnne says.

On the subject of potty, I just read that scolding a dog for a mess and rubbing their nose in it is a big no-no. I’m guilty on this one but apparently that confuses the dog because it’s done afterwards rather than during the act when the puppy should be taken outside (with an abundance of praise, too, for taking care of business in the proper location).

“When dogs are taught limitations and boundaries, they grow into a more balanced and happier dog,” JoAnne points out.

With some help and coaching, your young Christmas gift can grow into a treasured keepsake.

JoAnne Fine is the owner of Top Dog Obedience and can be reached at 530-477-5742. Cheryl Noble is the loving mother of Mulligan, a 12-year-old Catahoula. She can be reached at cheryl.noble@ymail.com.