Fearfulness in Puppies
Crate Training for the Puppy
Puppies generally need enclosed small places to feel secure. Crating works because the pup feels safe in his own private place. Some think that crating is like placing the pup in jail. In this instance, you should never use the crate to administer punishment.
Make sure the size of the crate is comparable to the dog. It is fine to get a larger crate if the dog will grow into it. Use a partition board to keep the crate smaller until th pup grows. Make sure the animal has enough room to lie down, turn around, and stand up comfortably.
Introduce him to the crate first. Let him explore around it. He may go in or just sniff around it at first. He will slowly become at ease with the structure. Begin by placing the pup in the crate for 20 minutes at a time. If he starts to whine, you should ignore it. Placing a cover over top of the cage also helps. It makes the crate seem more confined. You can also put a toy or blanket inside with him.
After twenty minutes, take him out of the crate and then straight outside to potty. Praise him if he does. Take him back inside afterward, and play with him for about half an hour. Then place him back in the crate again. If he doesn’t go in, throw a treat inside. Praise when he enters and close the door. Try another twenty minutes. Puppies can be confined for one hour for each month old they are plus one hour. If your puppy is four months old, he should be ale to build up to five hours.
Never leave puppies in the crate for longer than eight hours. They need to be let out at regular intervals to exercise and potty. Following a schedule is the best way for a new puppy. He will come to learn wha is expected and comply with minimal fuss.
Exercising Your Puppy
Puppies can be quite active and they need exercise to keep them in good shape. Usually a brisk thirty to sixty minute walk can be quite invigorating for them. If you are unable to do this every day, ensure your yard has more than adequate space for the pup to run around in and play. You can even take the dog to the high school’s track and walk it there. Some people even train their dog to walk on the treadmill with them. This will afford both of you some great time together and good exercise too.
Evaluate your dog’s needs and formulate an exercise plan that will work for both of you. A young puppy might like to go for a run whereas an older dog may just enjoy a nice leisurely walk. Start out with puppies for about 15 minutes. Build up to an hour as they get bigger and can handle it.
If you like to walk at night, use some reflective clothing so that cars will see you on the side of the road. You can also wear light colored clothing as well.
The best time to exercise your puppy is right before or right after they have eaten. Also provide him with very small amounts of water, a full stomach may cause upset.
Upon arriving back home, check the animal’s paws to make sure there is nothing stuck in it. Items such as glass, burrs, ice, and rocks can be removed immediately.
Teaching your dog how to play Fetch can also be great exercise. Start by rolling a toy a short distance away from the puppy and letting him go get it. As he gets older, increase the distance you throw the toy for him. Always give praise when he does go get the toy and bring it back to you.
Fearfulness in Puppies
Puppies tend to pick up on the emotions of people around them. They can be excitable or very calm depending on how you act to certain situations. The tone in your voice and the way you posture yourself will tell the dog if there is something to fear or not. If you want the pup to remain calm, then you must act this way yourself. He is learning emotions and will mimic what you do.
Puppies can be afraid of other dogs, especially larger ones. Let your dog come into contact with other dogs. When you are walking him, you may run into other dogs. At the vet’s office, he will run into other canines and maybe a few felines. Try to find some friendly dogs at first. This will help the pup build confidence.
Puppies fear people at times too. They may see them as a threat if they have had other bad experiences with people. Try giving the person a treat to toss to the dog or let the dog walk up to the person. Never drag a dog over to a person he doesn’t want to meet. Allow the dog to set the tone. Give him a treat or praise when he meets someone new and doesn’t growl. If the pup becomes aggressive, you may need to have a dog trainer work with him.
The most common fear is the fear of veterinarians. You certainly can’t blame the pup for that. There are so many things going on at the vet’s that the dog doesn’t get to see anywhere else. There is sensory overload, other animals ranging from dogs, cats, birds, and reptiles, many unfamiliar people, and the dreaded shot. Bring a toy or blanket with you. Bring some of his favorite treats so when he does a correct behavior, you can reward him.
