HELPFUL HINTS

Prevent or stop begging!Avoid getting your pet into the habit of begging by always placing all treats in their food bowl. This helps to reinforce in their minds that any food they receive will be found in that place. Only give a treat when your pet is sitting or laying down, never when they are up and jumping!

Get your pet accustomed to riding in the car: Start off with short trips and gradually work up to longer ones. This will also relieve some of the anxiety pets feel on the way to Veterinarian’s office by teaching them that car rides don’t always mean a trip to the doctor! Note: It is a good idea, especially with very young animals, to plan the ride a few hours after their last meal to avoid upset stomachs! Young animals should not spend any long amounts of time outside until they are fully vaccinated:

Playtime can be for learning: New experiences can be created for puppies by erecting barriers, tunnels, etc. This is an excellent way to give quality play time and exercise to a virtually housebound animal, as well as helping to stimulate mental growth and development. Give your pet a treat when he successfully completes a barrier or tunnel.The basic “come” command should always be irrestible for your pet: When disciplining your pet, NEVER call him to you to be punished: Get up and go over to him. He will be much more willing to respond to the “come”command if he associates it with affection, treats, or a trip in the car. “Punishment” should be only given at the moment a pet makes a mistake. Any corrections made “after the fact” are not likely to take hold and will only cause anxiety which may make for more mistakes. Give many more praises for the good behavior your pets shows than focusing only on corrections.

Pets should not be given any type of cloth toys, articles of clothing or shoes to play with: It very difficult for them to distinguish between these “toys” and actual articles of the family’s. Use rawhides or rubber puppy toys instead. Never play aggressive or “equal basis” games with your pet, especially a dominant puppy.
Even during play time, it should be made clear to your pet that you are the pack leader at all times.
It is possible to have lots of fun with your pet without losing your image as the authority figure. Avoid playing fighting, tug-of-war, etc. Toss a toy or tennis ball for them to retrieve. To help your pet adjust to his or her den or crate, use a rag or blanket to play with your pet on, and then use it for the bedding. This playing on the rug will help the pet to associate it with good feelings and pleasant activities.