Diann's
Happy Tails

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This is the most important time in your dog's life. Making the most of it can not be ignored in order to have a happy well adjusted dog. To do puppy rearing the right way, it can be a full time job, but is worth every minute.

One of the most important things to do with your puppy is get into a good positive puppy class. A good puppy class will give her the exposure to other puppies and people in a safe environment. Socializing as a puppy is critical and should not ignored. Be safe in the places you do take your puppy due to lack of vaccinations. Stay away from parks, rest areas and where other unknown dogs have been.

Puppies need mental stimulation as well as physical exercise. When these needs are not meet, many behavior problems can develop. A puppy has a lot of energy and curiosity. It is your job to direct that in the proper places.

Playing games with your puppy is a great way to have fun and burn off puppy energy. Plat fetch, hide n seek, swimming, walking. A do or puppy does not do something out of spite to make you angry. Chances are she needs more exercise attention, training, or all of the above.

Separation Anxiety

This can become a problem very quickly. If you are at home all the time with your puppy, take her with you every where, cater to her at all times, you could be creating a problem. We all want to spend every minute with our puppies and of course the puppy loves that also. BUT, if she gets used to that attention, and suddenly you have to leave her alone or with someone else, panic can set in. Separation anxiety is hard to fix, so prevention is the key.

To help your puppy become independent, you need to make her have alone time every day. Even when you are at home. Use a crate or a place that is small, safe and quite. After feeding her, play time, and potty time, put her away. Give her treats, a stuffed Kong, a safe chew toy, and walk away. Don't make a big deal out of it. Just tell her Nap time, and go into another room. If she cries, scratches or barks, ignore her. You know she has been feed and all her needs meet. Don't let her out until she has been quit for at least 15 minutes. A good rule is to crate for an hour each time.  She will learn quickly that it is not a bad thing and will look forward to her nap time.

Good Behavior

Reward your puppy often for good behavior. A puppy and dog will always do what is rewarding for them. So, if she is coming to you, sitting for meals, lying quietly, praise and reward these behaviors.  Remember: Reward the behavior you like often, your puppy will give you that behavior more often.