Getting a puppy you should realize that you are bringing a new member of your family home. Its character is not yet developed and you are the one to help your puppy grow up. What your dog will be like in future depends on what you want it to become. Your dog will most probably resemble you in some of your habits, your attitude and they way how you treat other people and animals.
If you want your puppy to sleep in your bed then your dog will be pleased to do it. If you feed your dog while you are eating then it will sit near the table and drool. If you encourage its aggression to people then your dog will become vicious.
First adaptation is an important period in every puppy’s life and that is why you should start walking your dog as soon as possible on a regular basis. If a puppy has been sitting at home for a long time it may encounter a lot of troubles outdoors and wouldn’t be able to handle them right. A puppy wouldn’t know how to behave and may be even punished for something. Don’t be afraid of grown up and large dogs you two may encounter while walking. Minor games and settlements help the little one adjust to natural life. If you are trying to protect your puppy from all these things you may create a background for complexes and weird behavior of your dog. Be attentive to your dog especially while walking it. If there is a high chance of a serious conflict and your puppy is the one starting it you should make it understand that it’s wrong in order to prevent possible fights in future.
You shouldn’t also demand too much from a young puppy. A young dog is usually friendly and curious, it may get absorbed in playing and run away after another dog. It is pretty much natural and you should show patience in educating it. Imagine that it is your baby who have just started learning about the world and you will be able to understand your puppy’s behavior and you won’t require to much.
The most important period in your puppy’s improvement is when it is at the age from 2 to 4 months. It is the main time when a dog gets used to the real world and starts communicating with other dogs. This period is good for teaching you puppy some fundamental things that it will learn for the rest of its life. Try to avoid stressful situations and pay more attention to your dog’s improvement.
The next period of growing up is from 4 to 8 months. Your puppy may think it’s grown up and don’t need you, that is why you shout capture its trust and respect. Play with your dog outside and reward it when it reaches you.
The age of 8 months is the time when a dog starts developing actual personality and interests.
A dog is a creature that is constantly improving just like a human being. Try to be a good example for your dog and the results won’t keep you waiting.