Complete Puppy Training

Puppy teething in general and when puppies teeth come in is something that a lot of new dog owners know very little about. In fact, they might be so caught up in everything else going on with the puppy they don't realize there is a reason why their puppy suddenly starts chewing on just about anything and everything.

There are two main teething periods in puppies.

The first one starts at around three to four weeks of age. This corresponds to the time when the baby teeth erupt. This is usually the easier and less troublesome period.

The more difficult one occurs at around six to seven months of age. This is when the dog's adult teeth make their appearance. First of all the canine teeth erupt, then the incisors and finally the pre-molars.

Increased chewing activity is definitely the first major sign that your puppy is teething. And this is where your problems can start because your puppy develops a taste for household objects like your shoes and your furniture.

Some of the other signs of puppy teething are missing teeth and swollen gums. If your puppy starts to show that he is experiencing discomfort during the teething phase, you can get gels and powders from your vet to help with the problem.

Of course, you should accept that your puppy is going to chew - it's perfectly natural for him to do so. When puppies teeth come in he will feel discomfort and soreness in his mouth. Chewing puts pressure on the gums which will tend to reduce his feeling of discomfort.

To try to reduce the incidence of damage to your household items due to your puppy's chewing you should introduce chew toys and get your puppy used to chewing on them. If you can establish a toy or toys as your puppy's favorites there is less chance that he will cause mass destruction in
your house. Many chew toys have been "flavored" by the manufacturer to entice the puppy to chew on them. Did you know they even make puppy teething rings?

Cold objects are very good for relieving soreness when puppies are teething and they can help to alleviate any pain the animal is experiencing so it can be a good idea to freeze their rubber toys or a piece of rope etc. before you let your puppy play with them. Many puppies like to chase
after an ice cube skittering across the floor and like to crunch on it.

When your puppies teeth come in, it's time for your understanding. It's a painful time for him and he could use your help in coping.

You might think you are the head of your household, but really, is your dog leader of the pack?

One of the first and most important steps in dog training is to get the respect and confidence of your dog.

Remember, dogs are pack animals and in their mind there must always be a leader of the pack. You need to be that leader without a doubt.

Once your dog sees you as the leader, you will gain the respect and confidence of your dog. And doing this will make dog training a whole lot easier and a more pleasurable experience.

Failure to gain the respect of your dog will result in a disobedient animal, as it is only the lead dog they will look to for direction. While most new puppy owners love to give their animal love and affection, they also need to be aware that leadership and respect are also very important. And the sooner you gain their respect, the more enjoyable life will be for both you and your dog, and the sooner and easier it will be to fully train your dog.

Here are some ways to be the leader:

• Don't allow your dog to walk ahead of you on walks.
• Don't let her walk through a doorway or out of a room in front of you.
• Let your dog know what you expect of her. It's best to be black and white with what's
  okay and not okay so she doesn't get confused.
• Do not allow the dog to "guard" her food or get away with growling or other dominant
  behavior.
• If your dog is making a play for the leadership position, do not lower your body to her
  level. If you bring your face to a lower position than your dog's, it is seen as submissive
  behavior.

If you're consistent and fair and act like the head of the house, you won't wonder any longer if your dog is actually the leader of the pack.

For more puppy tips check out our e-book: Complete Puppy Handbook.

If you've ever had children, you know that they need to be "doing" something all the time. If they don't entertain themselves, they expect you to do it. If they don't have anything to do, they find trouble.

Dogs are a lot like children. They need stimulation or they get bored, especially puppies.

Bored dogs are generally unhappy dogs and they are also the dogs that are most likely to get into trouble with other animals and humans.

The happiest dogs are often the working dogs as they not only have a purpose in life but they also get the praise and regular attention of their owners.

While it's not possible or practical for most people to have contact with their dog throughout the day, due to work and other commitments, a dog will always be a lot happier if it knows that at the end of each day, he will get the opportunity to go for a walk in the park. Dogs love to be taken for walks or a run. They get to look at different environments and interact with strangers and other dogs. This social interaction is very important for the overall well being of your dog and it is something that needs to be done on a regular basis.

Bored dogs need jobs to do, just like working dogs. They don't like to just exist; they need to have challenges to overcome and actions to take. People are the same way. No one is happy spending all day, every day, napping.

Start with getting your dog some toys of his own to play with. This can be fun for him, but more importantly you're getting the dog involved in something and it will have a positive effect on his mental state and happiness.

Consider toys that you can hide a treat inside and they have to work at them to get the treat out. While you may think it would be frustrating, dogs love the challenge. Hiding a dog biscuit inside a Kong is one example.

I absolutely don't recommend doing this, but my dog loves empty water bottles. She thinks it's her "job" to get the lid off as well as the label off the front. She then leaves the 3 parts in a prominent place so we will notice her successfully completed task.

Another good idea is to involve your dog in training. Even if he has the basics mastered, he would appreciate learning some new skills. Many high energy dogs relish learning to run through an obstacle course. This stimulates their brains and works off some energy. No more bored dog!