Common Questions Answered
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Should I crate train?
We highly recommend this. Almost every dog owner we know and trainer we’ve spoken to has started out with this, and then either continue or take the crate away. It expedites potty training, gives them their own personal space, helps with separation anxiety, and keeps them safe when you are out of the house.
How do I stop my puppy from chewing all the furniture, shoes, and wires? And everything else they shouldn’t chew?
Instead of telling your dog “no”, give them something to chew on instead, such as any chew toy or rawhide alternative. It will be even easier if your dog learns “drop it”, “leave it”, and “off”. Always keep an eye on your puppy when teething.
Resource Guarding - what is it?
When you reach towards your dog’s mouth with a toy or bully stick, does it turn its head away from you, or physically move? Even worse, growl? That is because they are guarding their resource (can be a toy, water, food, etc.)
Teach your dog “drop it” - this a really good way for your dog to learn they are not always getting their toys taken away when you reach for their mouth.
How do I stop my puppy from biting and nipping me?
When your puppy or dog bites you
Exaggerate an “Ouch!!” with a high pitched noise and go limp. This will startle your dog, and they will stop temporarily
Swap out your hand with a bully stick or hard chew toy, so they chew on that instead
Don’t move your hand or feet - they will think it is a game, and continue
What is a typical puppy schedule?
This routine works for us, but may not work for you or your schedule. With what you decide, keep consistent, and dogs like routine.
Puppy <6 months: 6:30 AM - walk, 8 AM - breakfast, 1 PM - lunch, 8 PM - dinner, 10 PM - bed time. Walks after every meal, play, and nap time.
Puppy >6 months: 7:30 AM - breakfast, 8 AM - walk, 5:30 PM - dinner, 6 PM - walk, 9 PM - treat, 10:30 PM - walk, 11 PM - bed time.
Exercise Goal: At least 1 hour a day, much more on weekends. This is breed dependent.
Is my dog peeing or marking?
Peeing - natural occurrence, typically a large amount
Marking - intentional, typically on vertical surfaces, smaller amount, and outdoors. Sometimes, indoors if there is another dog.
How long does it take to potty train a puppy?
Puppies typically take about 4-6 months to potty train, quicker if you are diligent (sometimes in just a few weeks). Certain breeds are known to be more difficult to potty train, such as the terrier family. Be patient!
How do I socialize my puppy or dog?
Introduce puppies and dogs to other puppies, dogs, and people as early as possible. It is important for them to meet a diverse group of people and dogs.
My dog doesn’t like other dogs - is that ok?
Yes, not all dogs love other dogs. Some adult dogs don’t like puppies, and some dogs only like people. This is completely normal. Don’t force your dog to interact when they clearly do not want to!
Why is my dog sneezing? Should I be concerned?
It is common for dogs to sneeze - they can get excited from playing, or have allergies to pollen or even dust. If your dog’s nose is very runny, looks like there are foreign objects, or is blowing out colored snot, talk to your vet.
When do puppies stop teething?
Typically puppies will stop at around 6 months, when all teeth have fallen. However, dogs will still have the urge to chew once they have their adult teeth, so it is important to still keep chew toys around.
My dog doesn’t like when I touch it’s face or paws. What do I do?
Give your dog a high value treat as you are touching the face and massaging the paws. This will allow them to associate it with positive things.
My dog doesn’t like treats - what do I do?
Try giving your dog high value treats, such as cheese, peanut butter, deli meat, or fruit. Every dog is different, and requires different motivators. Remember, not all does like treats. They might be better motivated when you have a toy in your hand, or when you praise them with high excitement!
How do I get rid of bad doggy breath?
Every night, you should do one of the following: brush teeth with toothpaste and toothbrush (most effective), Greenie’s dental treat, or time with the bully stick or rawhide alternative. These all remove plaque and tartar build up.
What is the adult size of my puppy?
This is incredibly hard to guess, unless you got your dog from a breeder and they know the lineage of the puppy parents & grandparents well. Even then, the ranges can be inaccurate. For example, Brioche’s mom was 12 pounds, and dad was 9 pounds. He was 17.5 pounds at 7 months, much larger than his parents. The other puppies in this litter are also much larger than the parents.
Puppy Chart has been the most accurate for us to guess our dog’s size - hope it works for you too!