Choosing a Reputable Dog Breeder: A Comprehensive Guide

Choosing a Reputable Dog Breeder: A Comprehensive Guide

by | Aug 23, 2023

Choosing a Reputable Dog Breeder: A Comprehensive Guide

Welcoming a new furry friend into your family is an exciting and rewarding experience, but it comes with important decisions, like where to get your new dog! Most people will acquire their new pet from a breeder or through a rescue organization. Although we support and encourage adopting from ethical rescue organizations, for the purpose of this article, we’re going to focus on what to look for in a good breeder. 

As you can imagine, not all breeders are created equal. In fact, there are some truly terrible ones out there! On the other hand, there are some exceptional breeders that invest great care, time and money into producing quality pups with great temperaments and good health. 

In this guide, we will explore the essential factors to consider when choosing a dog breeder so you’ll have the best shot at finding your ideal four-legged companion.

  1. Research, Research, Research

Before diving into the process of selecting a dog breeder, take the time to research and educate yourself about different breeds, their environmental needs, potential health issues and common behavioral challenges. Oftentimes the run-of-the-mill breed descriptions found on the AKC website can lack depth and don’t give the full picture. Instead, we highly recommend Kim Brophey’s book called Meet Your Dog as an excellent guide to true breed origins. The book goes into detail about why some dog breeds behave the way they do and what to be aware of if you choose to have a certain breed. You can learn more here: https://www.meetyourdogbook.com/ 

This knowledge about your breed of choice will empower you to make informed decisions and ask the right questions when interacting with breeders. 

  1. Application Process and Puppy Picks

Reputable breeders care about where their puppies end up. You should expect that the breeder will have an application process of some kind that involves interviewing YOU almost as much as you are interviewing them! Do not be offended by this, it’s actually a good sign that the breeder wants to make sure you will be a great dog parent. Good breeders will also learn about your lifestyle, family and dog goals and use that information to match you to a specific puppy based on personality rather than just allowing you to choose by color alone. 

If you find a website that allows you to view individual puppies and “add to cart”, BEWARE! Most great breeders have wait lists for puppies and may not have puppies readily available at all times because they carefully choose their pairings and dedicate a lot of time and effort to developing each litter.  If a breeder has several puppies from multiple litters available any time, this is a bad sign. 

Choosing the Perfect Dog Breeder

Choosing a puppy breeder. Dog Trainer Treasure Coast, Florida. Puppy Training Vero Beach

  1. Visit the Breeder’s Facility and Meet the Parents

Physically visiting the breeder’s facility is a crucial step in assessing their professionalism and the living conditions of the dogs. A responsible breeder will allow and encourage visits, as they take pride in their breeding practices. Pay attention to cleanliness, space, socialization and the overall well-being of the dogs on the premises. Put on your detective hat here. Does it look like the puppies actually live here or could this be a staging area where the puppies are brought for sales but they are actually housed off site? It may be surprising but we’ve seen lots of situations where the breeder will meet the buyer at one location but actually keeps their dogs in terrible conditions on a farm or property elsewhere. 

Also, where are mom and dad? How about the rest of the litter? You should be able to meet your puppy’s siblings and mother at a minimum. When meeting the mother, take note of her personality. Is she outgoing and friendly or timid and reserved? Does she seem high-strung and hyper or relaxed and calm? If the breeder says something like “the mother is really protective of her pups we keep her separated”, this is a red flag! Keep in mind that genetics set the stage for your puppy’s behavior so if mom is fearful, anxious or aggressive, it’s pretty likely that at least some of the puppies will share those traits. 

This firsthand experience will give you valuable insights into the environment in which the puppies are raised and help you gauge the breeder’s level of care. 

  1. Ask Questions

Prepare a comprehensive list of questions to ask the breeder during your visit or communication. Inquire about the breed’s history, health testing, socialization efforts, and the breeder’s philosophy. A knowledgeable breeder will be open and transparent about their breeding practices, genetic testing, and the steps they take to raise healthy and well-adjusted puppies. If they seem annoyed by your questions or deflect the answers, this is a red flag.  Be sure to ask if the breeder is doing anything to help prepare the puppies for life in their new homes. Skills like crate training, house training, car rides and comfort being alone can all start before the pups leave the breeder. 

Puppy Training Vero Beach, Treasure Coast, Florida. Dog Trainer. Dog Training

  1. Health Testing and Genetic Screening

Ethical breeders prioritize the health and well-being of their dogs by conducting thorough health testing and genetic screening. Ask the breeder about the specific health tests performed on the parent dogs to ensure they are free from hereditary diseases and conditions commonly associated with the breed. You can find a list of the recommended health tests for each breed on the AKC website here: https://www.akc.org/breeder-programs/breed-health-testing-requirements/

Request to see copies of health clearances and test results to verify their claims. You may also verify their claim by searching for the name of the parent dog or kennel in the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals database here: https://ofa.org/ 

Make sure you actually check because I have seen many breeders claim that they health test the parents but when you search the database, the claim proves false! 

  1. Puppy Socialization

A responsible breeder will expose puppies to various stimuli and socialization experiences during their critical early weeks. Socialization helps puppies develop confidence, adaptability, and appropriate behavior. Inquire about the breeder’s socialization practices and how they expose the puppies to different environments, people, and other animals. A well-socialized puppy is more likely to grow into a well-adjusted adult dog. Bonus points if your breeder follows Puppy Culture or Avidog early socialization protocols! 

Be aware that the breeder may say that they don’t take the puppies anywhere due to disease risk. However, there are many ways to safely expose puppies to new sights and sounds without even putting them on the ground in a new place. They just have to put in the effort! Even a car ride or a stroller walk is an easy way to get the puppies out there! 

  1. Breeder’s Goals

A dedicated breeder is genuinely passionate about the breed and may have goals guiding their breeding practices. Typically breeders will prioritize either health, conformation, aesthetics (like color), temperament or working ability. It’s important to know what your breeder values most out of these goals. Generally, we recommend looking for a breeder who puts temperament and health as top priority, especially when looking for a companion pet.

Keep in mind that when dogs are bred for popular aesthetics like rare colors and coat types, the breeder may make concessions on the other important elements in order to get that special color. For example, if the rare fluffy Frenchie is dog aggressive and has a luxating patella, they may still breed it because it’s fluffy and the fluffy gene is rare so they have less breeding candidate options. 

Puppy Training Tressure Coast, Dog Training Sebastian, Puppy Trainer Sebastian

  1. Contract, Health Certificates and Guarantees

A reputable breeder provides a written contract that outlines the responsibilities of both parties, including health guarantees, return policies, and lifetime support for the dog. Review the contract carefully and ensure you understand all terms before committing. The contract should offer protection for both the buyer and the breeder and demonstrate the breeder’s commitment to the welfare of their puppies. The breeder should be willing to take the dog back at any time for any reason for the lifetime of the dog. And bonus if they offer a partial refund if the dog is returned within a certain time frame. If there is a major health problem that arises, the breeder should be supportive and offer some sort of compensation. 

In the state of Florida, it is illegal for a breeder to sell a puppy under 8 weeks of age. By law, the breeder must also provide you with a veterinarian signed health certificate. Here is a link to what it looks like: https://forms.freshfromflorida.com/09085.pdf If they are selling you a puppy that is younger than 8 weeks, they will not have a legitimate health certificate either.

  1. Red Flags to Watch Out For

Be wary of breeders who are unwilling to answer questions, provide health records, or allow visits to their facility. Avoid those who prioritize profit over the welfare of the dogs or seem evasive about health testing and the breed’s potential issues. Trust your instincts and avoid breeders who raise any doubts or concerns. You must be willing to WALK AWAY! If you buy the puppy anyway to “rescue” it out of the situation, you are fueling the whole cycle. Don’t be afraid to report the breeder to animal control if they are mistreating the animals in their care or trying to sell puppies that are under 8 weeks of age! There is no accountability for crummy breeders unless we start telling others about it. 

Choosing the Perfect Dog Breeder

Selecting a dog breeder is a significant decision that requires careful consideration and research. By following these comprehensive guidelines, you can ensure that you are choosing a responsible and ethical breeder who prioritizes the health, well-being, and proper socialization of their dogs. A reputable breeder will not only provide you with a healthy and well-adjusted puppy but will also offer ongoing support and guidance as you embark on this wonderful journey of canine companionship. Remember, investing time and effort into finding the right breeder will pay off for the lifetime of the dog. It is well worth your diligence! 

Meet Treasure Coast Puppy Trainer, Gerry-Anna

Hi!

I’m Gerry-Anna, the leading puppy trainer on the Treasure Coast, and I’d love to support you through your puppyhood journey and beyond!

If you want a dog that will be an absolute joy to share your life with, who’s a pleasure to be around, then it all starts with early puppy training.

As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure, and that is so true when it comes to raising a well-mannered dog who is a wonderful addition to your family. Fixing problems takes a lot more time, effort, and support. But if you learn how to prevent problem behaviors from developing and how to communicate with your puppy so they understand exactly what you want – you have an incredible foundation for the road ahead.

When To Start Puppy Training

In an ideal world, you will start your puppy training as soon as your puppy comes home. But it probably doesn’t look quite as you’d expect!

It’s much less about teaching cute behaviors like sit, down, and handshake…and more about helping your puppy develop confidence, manners, and resilience.

Included in all of my puppy training programs are my wellness essentials. These are the foundations that will underpin your puppy’s ability to understand boundaries, respond appropriately and grow into a content adult dog.

If you’ve not started training yet and wonder if it’s too late, please don’t panic or feel bad. Your dog can learn these foundations at any age. It may take a little longer to undo bad habits, but it’s entirely possible with the right support.

Puppy Training Vero Beach, Treasure Coast, Florida

If you’d like to learn more about our programs and see if we’re the right fit for your pup, give us a call or contact us online to book a FREE phone consultation with our puppy trainers. We’d love to chat with you!

5 Common Dog Training Mistakes and How to Correct Them

5 Common Dog Training Mistakes and How to Correct Them

by | Jun 15, 2023

 5 Common Dog Training Mistakes and How to Correct Them

Training a dog is an essential part of responsible pet ownership. It not only helps establish a strong bond between you and your furry friend but also ensures their safety and well-being. However, dog training can be a challenging task, and many pet owners unknowingly make mistakes that hinder their progress. In this article, we will explore five common dog training mistakes and provide effective solutions to correct them.

Mistake 1: Inconsistency in Training

Consistency is key when it comes to dog training. One of the most common mistakes pet owners make is being inconsistent with their signals and expectations. Dogs thrive on routine and repetition, so it’s crucial to establish clear rules and consistently reinforce them. Solution: Use the same signals for each behavior you want to teach and ensure that all family members are on board and using the same approach. Reinforce good behavior consistently with rewards and avoid rewarding unwanted behaviors. By maintaining consistency, your dog will quickly understand what is expected of them.

Mistake 2: Lack of Positive Reinforcement

Another mistake many dog owners make is relying solely on scolding or punishment to correct unwanted behaviors. Not only can this create fear and anxiety, it doesn’t explain to your dog what you WANT them to do.  Solution: Spend more time rewarding the behaviors you WANT instead of scolding the behaviors you don’t like. Reward your dog with treats, praise, and affection when they display desirable behaviors. This approach motivates your dog to repeat those behaviors and strengthens the bond between you. Puppy Trainer Vero Beach, Treasure Coast, Sebastian, Puppy training, Dog Training

Mistake 3: Improper Socialization

Socialization is a crucial aspect of dog training but it is often misunderstood. Most people think that socialization means getting your dog to play with other dogs. However it is so much more than that! In fact, you may accidentally create a behavior problem if you focus too much on intense dog-to-dog playtime. One bad experience at the dog park can create a lifetime of fear and reactivity in your dog!  Solution: Start socializing your dog from an early age. Socialization means exposing your pup to new sights, sounds, smells, textures, locations, people and other friendly animals. These experiences should be positive and controlled. Your dog doesn’t have to physically interact with other people or animals in order to benefit from the experience. Even watching people walking by in a park is a form of socialization. It’s crucial that your dog does not feel overwhelmed on these outings. Make sure they feel safe and reward them frequently for calm neutral behavior in new environments. This exposure will help your dog become well-adjusted, confident, and friendly.

Mistake 4: Overlooking Exercise and Mental Stimulation

Many dog owners underestimate the importance of regular exercise and mental stimulation in a dog’s training regimen. Dogs are naturally active and intelligent creatures, and a lack of physical and mental outlets can result in destructive behavior or hyperactivity. Solution: Make sure to provide your dog with plenty of mental stimulation along with short bursts of exercise. Sniffer walks on a long leash, tug games and food puzzles can help burn off excess energy and keep your dog mentally stimulated. Fun training sessions are another way to challenge your dog’s brain and encourage them to think. Teach them a new trick and see how focused they become!  5 Common Dog Training Mistakes, Puppy Training Sebastian, Puppy Trainer Vero Beach, Dog Training Florida

Mistake 5: Impatience and Unrealistic Expectations

Training a dog requires time, patience, and realistic expectations. It’s common for pet owners to expect quick results or become frustrated when their dog doesn’t grasp a skill immediately. This impatience can lead to inconsistent training and ineffective communication. Solution: Remember that dogs learn at their own pace. Be patient and allow your dog time to understand and practice new skills in low distraction settings first. Break down complex behaviors into smaller steps, rewarding your dog for each small achievement. Celebrate progress rather than dwelling on mistakes. With consistency, positive reinforcement, and patience, your dog will eventually learn and respond to your signals.

Dog Training Mistakes and How to Correct Them

Avoiding these common dog training mistakes will greatly improve your chances of success in training your beloved furry friend. Remember to be consistent, use positive reinforcement, prioritize socialization and mental stimulation, and remain patient throughout the process. By correcting these mistakes and following effective training techniques, you’ll establish a strong bond with your dog and create a well-behaved and happy canine companion.

Puppy Training Vero Beach, Treasure Coast, Florida

If you’d like to learn more about our programs and see if we’re the right fit for your pup, give us a call or contact us online to book a FREE phone consultation with our puppy trainers. We’d love to chat with you!
Sebastian Puppy Training Expert Discusses Puppy Blues

Sebastian Puppy Training Expert Discusses Puppy Blues

by | Jan 6, 2023

Sebastian Puppy Training Expert Discusses Puppy Blues

I recently had a couple of new clients come on board and I noticed a bit of a theme that seems to be a fairly common struggle among puppy owners. People decide to bring a new puppy into the family and all of a sudden, it’s a lot more difficult than they anticipated! As most of you know, raising a puppy is a lot of work but you soon realize every waking moment becomes focused around this little animal. It’s surprisingly pretty similar to having a baby or toddler in the house. It’s a situation where unless that puppy is asleep in a secure place, you really have to know where they are at all times and what they are doing. If you’re not paying attention, that puppy is peeing all over the house, chewing on furniture, and more. At such a young age, these puppies struggle to control their bladder and their impulse control. I have met people who end up in tears over how stressful it can be. They can’t get anything done having to monitor the puppy all the time or they’re arguing with their spouse or children over puppy-watching shifts. Sometimes people even have feelings of guilt surrounding the whole situation because they start wondering if this puppy is the right fit for them and their lifestyle. They find themselves asking, “What have I gotten myself into?” and tend to be really struggling with all of these feelings. 

Are Puppy Blues Normal? 

An important thing to remember is it’s normal! Don’t feel guilty about feeling overwhelmed. When I say puppies are a lot of work, it’s true! I’ve been doing this a long time and sometimes, a puppy isn’t a good fit. It may be controversial but the reality is, sometimes it just is not the right fit. The question is are you able and willing to find solutions to meet not only the dog’s needs, but your needs as well. Can you find a way to ensure everyone involved is living a good quality life or not? If you find yourself in this situation, I think you owe it to yourself to seek professional help and at least talk to someone who understands the struggle. A lot of times, there are a ton of solutions and management options that can not only solve problems, but also make puppyhood much less stressful. 

I can’t speak for other dog trainers but I like to do free phone consultations where I take the time to get to know you and your puppy, and make sure what I offer is a good fit for you. In most of these phone consults there are easy tips and tricks I’ll offer to people that can help make some changes, regardless of whether they choose to work with me or not. 

Just remember, you’re not alone in feeling like this while integrating a new puppy into the household! There’s even a term for this situation called the “puppy blues”! Be sure to reach out for help and make things a little easier on yourself. 

Sebastian Puppy Training Expert 

Sebastian Based Puppy training expert Gerry-Anna helps humans and their dogs live together in harmony. Book a call today and start receiving support right away.

Sebastian Puppy Training Expert Puppy Trainer Vero Beach Florida

How to Deal with Puppy Blues

I spoke to someone earlier this week and these types of conversations always pull on my heart strings. It’s very common and I wanted to address it here for those of you out there who have also struggled with this. It’s quite often that I talk to someone who had a senior dog that recently passed away. As to be expected, they are completely devastated. After so many years you know your dog very well and at that age, they tend to be the well behaved golden child. You get so used to their routine it becomes second nature. But once your old dog is gone, it’s not unusual to feel a void. At this point friends, family, or maybe even you yourself start thinking, “Maybe getting another dog will help get me through this.” 

So you bring a puppy home and at first, it’s great! The puppy is so cute and there’s something new to focus on. After the first few days, you may find you have a case of “comparisonitis” when he realization of how much work raising a puppy entails sinks in. Puppies are a ton of work! They’re biting, they’re nipping, and you soon can’t even cuddle or pet them because all they want to do is bite and play! Then you realize you’re still grieving your old dog and this new puppy is nothing like your old dog. In fact, this new puppy seems to be causing you an immense amount of extra stress. You might be arguing with your spouse over who wakes up in the middle of the night to take the puppy out. You may even find yourself in tears as you’re trying to get ready in the morning and the puppy has already peed and pooped everywhere! You realize, you can’t have time to yourself anymore with this puppy and compounding that with the feelings of grief from losing your old dog, it can all become really heavy! 

Just remember, this is completely normal. You have to try to find a way to shift out of the comparisonitis mentality. Your old dog may have listened to you 24/7, always been by your side, and was just the greatest companion. But you have to remember this puppy you brought home is not your old dog. They’re a young baby who is just learning about everything the world around them has to offer. A lot of the time, they’re not going to listen 24/7. They might be adventurous and wander off. That is the time to get into a productive mindset and come up with a plan to start raising this puppy to be well behaved. While yes, they’re going to be different from your old dog, there are still going to be new things with this puppy that are special to you as well. You just have to make it through the annoying puppy stage to get there. It’s a long road to not only train your puppy, but to also fulfil their enrichment needs, ensure they’re well socialized and all the other important pieces that go into a well rounded companion. Not to mention, there are a lot of solutions and management options to make your journey through puppyhood much easier. If you’re feeling stuck in those negative emotions, seek help from a professional dog trainer and if it’s right for you, seek a pet loss support group or therapist. There are plenty of ways to make this new chapter of life much more doable. 

Sebastian Puppy Training Expert

A note from Gerry-Anna expert puppy trainer at Goldstar Puppy Academy.

 Vero Beach, Treasure Coast Puppy Training

Investing time in your puppy’s leash walking skills is a worthy decision. You have many years of adventures ahead, and they’ll be much more enjoyable if your dog can happily walk at your side when on their leash. 

If you’d like some more puppy training tips, you can download my free ultimate puppy training guide, you’ll find the link in the footer of this page. 

Inside you’ll find easy to follow training advice to help you understand how your puppy learns, plus crate training, potty training, puppy biting and a socialization checklist.

How to Train a Puppy to Walk on a Leash

How to Train a Puppy to Walk on a Leash

by | Nov 30, 2022

How to Train your Puppy to Walk on a Leash Without Pulling

Vero Beach Puppy Trainer, Gerry-Anna’s Top Tips

Teaching your puppy to walk calmly beside you on their leash is a skill that you’ll be so glad you took the time to teach.  

If your dog pulls on the leash, it can make walks stressful and make you dread going out for walks together. 

However, when your puppy can walk nicely on their leash without pulling or lunging, you will enjoy your walks and look forward to all the adventures you can have together.  

So, let’s explore how you can teach your puppy this important life skill. 

Where to start your puppy’s leash walking training

Whenever we start teaching a puppy or dog anything new, we need to make it as easy as possible for them. 

If your puppy finds the training too hard or frustrating, you’ll quickly lose their attention – and you’ll also probably quickly lose the desire to keep going too. 

Instead, we break everything down into small steps, so you both have plenty to celebrate as you progress through your training together.  

So, start your training in your yard or on a quiet street before progressing to more distracting environments.

It’s important that your puppy doesn’t learn that pulling on the leash gets you to move forwards. So even on potty walks, I recommend that you stop moving forward when your puppy pulls. Use a long leash of 6-8 feet which will give your puppy enough freedom to explore without the need to pull and get used to creating tension in the leash.  

Puppy Training Vero Beach, Sebastian and Fort Pierce

Puppy training expert Gerry-Anna helps humans and their dogs live together in harmony. Book a call today and start receiving support right away.

How to train a puppy to walk on a leash without pulling Very Beach Puppy Trainer training Sebastian Florida Treasure Coast Dog Training

Tips to Train your Puppy to Walk on a Leash Without Pulling

Step 1 – Reward your puppy for being at your side

The first step is to teach your puppy that being beside your leg is an awesome place to be!

We’re often teaching our dogs to sit in front of us to perform tasks, so we now need to build value in being at your side. 

  • Begin with your puppy in the backyard with your puppy dragging the leash. If your yard isn’t fenced then use a long leash and keep hold of it – but don’t allow the leash to get tight with tension.  
  • Begin walking in a big circle or oval and say your puppy’s name to get their attention. 
  • When your puppy catches up to you on your left side, say ‘yes’ and deliver a treat to their mouth right beside your left leg.  
  • ​​Keep walking at a brisk pace and mark with a yes, and treat when they follow along on your left side. Always reward with your left hand and keep food in your left pocket. 
  • Repeat, gradually increasing the steps you take between marking and rewarding.

Use the word “yes” to mark the behavior of walking on your left side. Pretty soon your puppy will learn that the word “yes” means a treat is coming!

Your puppy will soon realize that when they’re at your side, great things happen!

Step 2 – Put your puppy on the leash

Now your puppy thinks being beside you is a pretty good idea, we want to introduce having only a light touch on the leash. 

Repeat the training steps above, but this time hold the leash with just your pinky finger! The goal here is to practice walking with no tension on the leash. You want the leash to remain loose at all times. 

Keep these sessions short to start with and away from any interesting distractions. 

As your puppy gets the hang of this, you can increase the number of steps you take before rewarding your dog. 

Step 3 – Take your leash walking training on the road

Once your puppy understands that walking at your side is rewarding, you are ready to begin practising this new skill in new environments. 

Choose the places you progress your training to carefully, we don’t want to make it too hard for your puppy, too fast. 

A great idea is to head somewhere new, but begin your walk with a sniffari. A sniffari is a nature walk where your dog is encouraged to mooch around and have a sniff – which is a naturally calming activity. 

Once your puppy has had around 10 minutes to explore, you’re ready to practice your leash walking skills. 

Repeat the training steps you tried at home, rewarding your puppy frequently for being at your side. 

I hope you find these tips helpful. Start slow, and keep your sessions short but frequent. 

Puppy Training Vero Beach, Florida

A note from Gerry-Anna expert puppy trainer at Goldstar Puppy Academy.

 Vero Beach, Treasure Coast Puppy Training

Investing time in your puppy’s leash walking skills is a worthy decision. You have many years of adventures ahead, and they’ll be much more enjoyable if your dog can happily walk at your side when on their leash. 

If you’d like some more puppy training tips, you can download my free ultimate puppy training guide , you’ll find the link in the footer of this page. . 

Inside you’ll find easy to follow training advice to help you understand how your puppy learns, plus crate training, potty training, puppy biting and a socialization checklist.

Puppy Training Vero Beach – How to Stop My Puppy Nipping

Puppy Training Vero Beach – How to Stop My Puppy Nipping

by | Sep 13, 2022

Puppy Training Vero Beach – How to Stop My Puppy Nipping

Unfortunately for us, puppies explore the world with their mouths. As a puppy training expert providing puppy training in and around Vero Beach and the Treasure Coast, Gerry-Anna shares her do’s and don’ts for preventing and stopping puppy nipping.

It’s totally natural for them to bite and chew on just about everything including us. This is one of the biggest headaches of puppyhood and can make even the calmest pet parent rage. Rest assured though, most puppies grow out of this phase and do not grow up to be Cujo. While you do have to live through it, below are some tips to help you survive.

Vero Beach, Treasure Coast, Florida Puppy Trainer

For expert advice on all aspects of puppy training in Vero Beach and the surrounding area contact me or arrange a FREE consultation call to discuss how we can work together to give you a dream dog.

How to Stop Puppies Nipping

Here are the do’s and don’ts for stopping your puppy nipping:

Do: Make sure your puppy is getting plenty of undisturbed quality sleep in their crate. A tired puppy is like a tired toddler, grouchy and ready to throw a tantrum at a moment’s notice! After about an hour of awake activity, your puppy will be ready for rest, otherwise, they become a gremlin. Generally, I suggest at least two 2-hour crate naps per day as a minimum. This routine can greatly improve your puppy’s behavior. 

Do: Keep a leash on your puppy when they are loose in the room with you. This way you can easily get a hold of them without touching them when they need redirection. If they tend to chew the leash, soak it with bitter apple spray or get a plastic coated cable tether instead. Hitch the leash to a doorknob if you need to until they settle down! 

DO: Keep several toys in easy to reach areas so you can put them in your puppy’s mouth when they start biting or chewing on something inappropriate. Rotate the toys weekly so they stay novel. 

DO: Calmly take your puppy’s leash and walk them to their crate when they start getting crazy. If you’ve redirected them to a toy twice and they keep coming back to bite you, chew on furniture or pester your other animals, it’s time to go to nap-town for a spell. Don’t worry about the crate being a “punishment” in this situation, it’s not. Your pup will be asleep within 15 minutes. 

DON’T: Roughhouse with your puppy or use your hands as toys. Puppies don’t understand that sometimes it’s okay to put teeth on skin and sometimes it’s not. 

DON’T: Keep petting or touching your puppy when they start mouthing you. Your puppy may even go through an “untouchable” phase where it seems like you can’t even pet them because they are so bitey. Don’t worry, it will get better eventually!

DON’T: Make high pitched noises or squeals when your puppy bites. This can make them more excited. 

DON’T: Physically punish your puppy for biting. This likely won’t work in the long term but can damage your relationship with your puppy. And for some puppies, it can make them come back and bite harder!

Puppy biting is a serious pain but stay strong, it will be better in a couple of months!

Vero Beach Treasure Coast Florida Puppy Training How to Stop Your Puppy Nipping Dog Trainer

Puppy Training Vero Beach, Treasure Coast, Florida

Goldstar puppy training programs offer a revolutionary blend of in-person private puppy training, home-study tutorials, and group puppy classes.

We provide puppy training in Vero Beach and all areas of the Treasure Coast, Florida.

Through years of experience, we’ve discovered that this is the most effective way to train your puppy successfully. Your puppy progresses their new skills easily, with the optimum conditions to promote powerful learning that lasts.

So that you can enjoy life with a dog who is confident, well behaved, and an upstanding member of doggy society!

Check out some of Gerry-Anna’s amazing reviews.

Book your FREE consultation today for expert puppy training advice and find out how Gerry-Anna can help you and your puppy live stress-free.