Teaching your new puppy the
right way to play
Puppies can play rough. So to ensure a lifetime of
safe and happy interactions, learn how to play appropriately with your new puppy from the start.
Most puppy play consists of chasing, pouncing, barking, growlin, snapping, and biting. So how can tell the difference between normal play and possible signs of true aggression in your puppy~?
NORMAL PLAY BEHAVIOR:
In normal play, a puppy may play bow (lower its head and raise its hind end), present its front end or side to the owner, hold the front part of its body up, wag its tail, dart back and forth, emit high~pitched barks and growls, and spontaneously at~tack. Of course, even normal play can be~come too intense.
AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR:
Behaviors that may indicate a problem include prolonged, deep~tone growling; a fixed gaze; a stiff posture; and ag~gression that is situational or stimulus~dependent (not spontaneous). These aggressive behaviors may be related to fear, possessiveness, conflict, or pain.
Talk to your VERENNARIAN if your puppy is exhibiting these behaviors.
NORMAL PLAY BEHAVIOR:
In normal play, a puppy may play bow (lower its head and raise its hind end), present its front end or side to the owner, hold the front part of its body up, wag its tail, dart back and forth, emit high~pitched barks and growls, and spontaneously at~tack. Of course, even normal play can be~come too intense.
AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR:
Behaviors that may indicate a problem include prolonged, deep~tone growling; a fixed gaze; a stiff posture; and ag~gression that is situational or stimulus~dependent (not spontaneous). These aggressive behaviors may be related to fear, possessiveness, conflict, or pain.
Talk to your VERENNARIAN if your puppy is exhibiting these behaviors.
7~ STEPS TO PROPER PLAY Follow these steps to
prevent inappropriate play:
1) PROVIDE PLENTY OF EXERCISE.New puppies are bundles of energy, so give them productive ways to expend that energy such as going on walks or playing "Monkey in the middle" see to your right....
2) PROVIDE METAL STIMULATION.Rubber toys that can be filled with treats, such as Kong (kong company) or Busy Buddy puzzle toys (Premier), offer puppies a chance to chase and bite the toys and obtain a food reward.
3) PLAY WITH YOUR PUPPY.Playing fetch or throwing a soccer ball for your pet to puch around will sap some of your puppy's energy.
4) TEACH AND REVIEW BASIC OBEDIENCE COMMANDS.A well~trained dog is more likely to follow order when behaving inappropriately.
5) CONDUCT LEADERSHIP EXERCISES.Follow three rules to maintain overall order:
* Nothing in life is free. Ask your puppy to respond to a command such as 'SIT" before it receives anything it wants or needs. *Don't tell me what to do. It's OK to give your puppy the love and attention it needs, but if it becomes too pushy about gettin attention, such as by nudging, whining, barking, or leaning, pull your hands in, lean awaym and look away. Walk away if ypur puppy is too difficult to ignore. Once the puppy stops soliciting attetion for 10 seconds, ask it to sit and give it attention. * Don't move without permission. Anytime you being to move from one area of the home to another, ask your puppy to sit and stay for a second or two before you give it a releas command to follow you. 6) DON'T SIT ON THE FLOOR WITH YOUR PUPPYThis tends to get puppies excited, puts family members in a vulnerable position, and makes it more difficult to control the puppy.
7) PROMOOTE SOCIALIZATION.Puppies must have frequent, positive social experiences with all types of animals and people during the firt three or four months of likfe to prevent asocial behavior, fear, and bitting. And continued exposure to a variety of people and other animals as the puppy grows and develops is an essential part of maintaining good social skills.
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MONKEY IN THE MIDDLE:
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WHAT NOT TO DO!!!
You and your family should never use physical punishment, such as scruff shakes, alpha rollovers, squsszing the puppy to the floor, thumping its nose, or swatting.
Remember, everybody wins when you take the time and effort to teach your new puppy how to play appropriately. You'll gain a well~behaved pet, and the puppy is more likely to remain a happy, important part of the family.
Remember, everybody wins when you take the time and effort to teach your new puppy how to play appropriately. You'll gain a well~behaved pet, and the puppy is more likely to remain a happy, important part of the family.