Give it a Year (or two…)

So, you finally did it – you got a puppy! Congratulations! But things aren’t going as smoothly as you planned? Here are a few tips:

Invest a solid year or two in training and allow some time for natural maturing and settling down. Get a solid plan in place and stick with it! They don’t mature mentally as quickly as they grow:) Some may not mature before 3 years!
Don’t pay much attention to people who say things like “my puppy was house broken in 3 days…” “or my puppy knew all of his commands by 12 weeks” (which I highly doubt). They are feeling proud and boastful, and don’t realize that their words may make you feel as though you are not as good of a puppy parent as they are. Your puppy is an individual and like children, it is not fair to compare one to the next. Help your puppy to mature and learn at his pace. This isn’t a short race – this is a long-term investment!
Don’t ditch the crate! Let me repeat myself. Don’t ditch the crate! Not only does it help with house braking, training, keeping your puppy safe, keeping your stuff safe, setting boundaries, (the list goes on…), but it can be a source of comfort for your dog throughout his life. It is, after all, the ONLY place in your home that is HIS!!!
Be creative. Running through the same old training routine in the same old order is not only boring for you but it can actually get your dog to stop listening and thinking. Many times I have asked someone to get their dog to sit, and the dog sits, paws, downs, and rolls over because “that’s how we taught him”. Yes you taught him but is he listening and responding to what was asked? Mix things up. Play games. Introduce some puzzles or rainy day activities (hide and seek, hint hint).
Be patient. Know that puppies can sometimes be annoying (yes, I said it), frustrating, mouthy, jumpy, overly energetic, sneaky but they are also worth the time and effort you put it. It’s ok to occasionally say “I’ve had a really lousy day and am just not up to training tonight”. Give yourself a break just not too often!
Enjoy. Laugh at your puppy and yourself. Mistakes are a necessary learning tool. They happen so we can learn from them and improve.
Appreciate your dog for the amazing individual creature he is!
Love this wonderfully frustrating time! They aren’t puppies for very long.