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This is a section of my
website that I am going to deal with behavioral issues of
both the dog and the owner! Each month I am going to cover a
new topic!
Teenage stage of puppy-hood can be challenging and sometimes
lead to other problems later if not solved properly. Read
on
Doggedly Challenged?
The teenage stage can be the most trying of all for some dog
parents. You may find yourself doggedly challenged. Are you
experiencing any of the following behavioral responses?
Stubbornness
Erratic behavior
Inexplicable aggression
Unwillingness to cooperate
A propensity to be easily distracted
If you think I'm talking about your dog, think again. I'm
talking about you! What I'm describing is the type of dog
owner who is prone to find fault with training techniques.
They think their dog is too stubborn or stupid to learn.
Many first-time dog owners are doggedly challenged. They
feel as though their dog is purposely destroying things to
get back at them for going to work. The listed behavioral
responses begin to apply to the owner's behavior, not their
dog. You may have a family member or a spouse who fits into
this category.
The doggedly challenged often complain that their puppy
exhibits behavioral problems, not realizing they may not be
meeting their dogs needs, either by not giving the dog
enough exercise or proper chew bones.
Your puppy's chewing and exercise needs can change within a
few months as he matures from toddler to adolescent. If you
don't keep up with the changes, the result could be
occasional destruction. What I mean by keeping up is buying
more chew bones and providing enough exercise. What the
owner sees as stubbornness or random acts of destruction on
the part of his new pup is simply the growing pains of
puppyhood, or a symptom of the owner's inconsistency.
Do not give your dog items to chew like old shoes. Your dog
does not know the difference between new and old. This
inconsistency, or laziness, just confuses your dog. It is up
to you to show your dog what to chew.
Keep in mind that chewing is simply a stage of development,
not bad behavior directed at you. Your puppy may begin to
need more exercise and stimulation before being gated or
left alone while you are at work.
There are sprays available to help protect furniture and
cabinets that detour puppies from chewing on things that
they shouldn't. In addition to puppy proofing in your home,
you need to compensate by providing more exercise and
training. If anything, this is the most crucial time to keep
the training going. Hang in there; it does get easier. Give
your dog the benefit of the doubt, and stick with the
process of training. Sometimes the only way to get around
something is to go through it.
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