Persistence K9 Training Club

Bringing a new puppy home can upset the routines that your dog(s) already have! It will also make it worse if they haven’t had much exposure to other dogs. Signs of aggression that may be cause for concern include the bearing of teeth, growling, nipping, and the standing-up of hair. If you notice these signs, immediately get your puppy to a safe location as a negative situation can escalate very quickly.   However, there are ways to slowly introduce and encourage your dog to tolerate and enjoy each other’s’ presence. And this begins with positive reinforcement using treats.   You first want to have your puppy in a secure location, and when you notice your older dog getting close, reward with a treat. As they get closer and closer to the puppy, reward with more treats.   Next, watch for when your dog’s make eye contact. As soon as this happens, reward with a treat. As your dog’s keep eye contact, reward with more treats.   Try this m...

Alright, so you just got your puppy? Congratulations, but now what? Obviously there is a lot for both the owner and your puppy to learn, but your puppy already knows how to do one of the most important things! Play! This is one of the most important things a puppy can do, as it exercises both a growing mind and a growing body. However, your puppy will be accustomed to playing with their litter mates, and will need to learn that other dogs are safe and fun to play with as well.   Playing and interacting with other dogs outside of the puppy’s litter will encourage a healthy world view and help to build their confidence. Your puppy is experiencing a lot of new sights, smells, sounds, and people, and it is important they are exposed to as much as possible to avoid becoming fearful as they age.   A great resource for socializing any new puppy are puppy playtimes offered by many local pet stores. They are monitored by staff, and are typically free. The sto...