Puppy Talk

Here are three reasons why you never want to repeat commands to your puppy:

1. The puppy loses respect for you as a leader
2. The puppy gets confused and checks out
3. You’re programming the number of times you say the command

Say the command once, and allow the puppy enough time to do it.

You can purchase my book here: https://www.amazon.com/author/dalebuchanan

RESOURCES:
Podcast Website: http://puppytalkpodcast.com
Sponsor Website: http://www.topgundogtraining.com
Dale's books: https://www.amazon.com/author/dalebuchanan

Are you contemplating adding another furry friend to your household? Join me, Dale Buchanan, on this episode of Puppy Talk as we examine the pros, cons, misconceptions, and truths about owning multiple dogs. Discover whether an additional pup could bring joy and companionship to your current dog or if it might just add to your responsibilities. We'll discuss common myths like the idea that an older dog will train a new puppy or that dogs need another canine companion at home to be happy and relaxed. Through real-life examples, like my own dog Dixie who thrives solo with the help of daycare, we’ll debunk these misconceptions and offer a realistic perspective.
Managing a multi-dog household isn't all fun and games; it comes with its own set of challenges. From financial responsibilities to time management and training difficulties, you'll get practical tips on how to navigate these hurdles. Learn why you must train each dog separately and how to handle the logistical aspects like walking and transporting multiple dogs. If you're on the fence about adding another dog or struggling with the ones you already have, this episode is packed with insights and strategies to help you make an informed decision and maintain order in your dog-loving home. Tune in and equip yourself with the knowledge to create a harmonious multi-dog household!

You can purchase my book here: https://www.amazon.com/author/dalebuchanan

RESOURCES:
Podcast Website: http://puppytalkpodcast.com
Sponsor Website: http://www.topgundogtraining.com
Dale's books: https://www.amazon.com/author/dalebuchanan

You must put in the work yourself to raise a puppy successfully. A dog trainer cannot fix all of the dog issues and strengthen your relationship with the dog. Dog trainers give advice and suggestions and help educate you on how to solve problems. You have to do the work. You have to put in the time with your dog.
Things you can do right now:

• Check your emotions - let go of all stress, anxiety, fear, and worry.
• Don’t get frustrated with your puppy - they can sense your frustration, and they will also be frustrated because they don’t know what you want.
• Set the puppy up for success - focus on what you want the puppy to do and learn, not stopping or fixing the puppy.
• Set clear rules and boundaries and enforce them - this includes what rooms they are allowed into, how they must behave in the house, and how they behave on walks.
• Manage expectations - be patient, and don’t expect your puppy to learn everything overnight.

Follow the L.E.G.S.® model for behavior issues, created by Kim Brophey:

• Learned - Understanding how dogs learn helps identify effective ways to teach them new behaviors. Like humans, dogs are always learning, and not just in training sessions. Through learning, all animals learn to adapt to new situations.
• Environmental - The environment is everything an animal interacts with, and we humans can control it to promote a safe environment for our dogs. Examining and adjusting environmental factors helps promote positive behavior from your dog.
• Genetics - Recognizing the unique characteristics of your dog’s breed/s reveals your dog’s natural instincts. Each breed has its own set of genetic instructions that affect its behavior, such as herding instincts or protective tendencies.
• Self - Understanding your dog’s unique personality is crucial for successful mediation between you and your dog. Age, gender, nutrition, health status, and reproductive status all contribute to developing an animal’s distinct character and behavior.

You can purchase my book here: https://www.amazon.com/author/dalebuchanan

RESOURCES:
Podcast Website: http://puppytalkpodcast.com
Sponsor Website: http://www.topgundogtraining.com
Dale's books: https://www.amazon.com/author/dalebuchanan

Focusing on your puppy being calm in the crate lets you create a list of ways to achieve this goal. I will help you get started with this list. It is up to you to expand on this list and follow through.

1. Help your puppy develop a positive association with the crate by feeding them their meals there. Also, playing games with your puppy, going into the crate to fetch a toy or treat, and calling them out of the crate playfully and happily will allow them to associate fun and good things with the crate.
2. Help your puppy learn to relax in the crate and that it’s not a torture device. Try putting the crate in a location where the puppy can see you. Try moving it to the living room if they cry or bark with the crate in the bedroom. Explore your options and see what works best. Place a bully stick, Lickimat, or stuffed Kong in their crate with them.
3. Help your puppy learn that it’s not the end of the world when you leave. If your puppy is very attached to you and can’t leave the house without them crying in the crate, you will have to start with a very short duration of 30-60 seconds and build up from there. Once you get to the puppy being calm for 10-15 minutes, you should be OK.
4. Help your puppy desensitize to departure cues, such as the sound of the front door closing or you grabbing your keys to leave. This is the hardest part. If you are unsuccessful on your own, you should consider hiring a CSAT (Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer) to help you. This is usually done virtually so you can work with any CSAT anywhere in the world.

These are just a few things you can do to help your puppy not bark or cry in the crate. Here is a great article from the ASPCA about separation anxiety. This is not my expertise. I am only here to pass on some useful resources to you.

https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/common-dog-behavior-issues/separation-anxiety

You can purchase my book here: https://www.amazon.com/author/dalebuchanan

RESOURCES:
Podcast Website: http://puppytalkpodcast.com
Sponsor Website: http://www.topgundogtraining.com
Dale's books: https://www.amazon.com/author/dalebuchanan

This episode was inspired by a post from Juliette Jones of Inquiring Noses Dog Training in Rockwell, TX. Her website and Instagram page is listed at the bottom of the show notes.
Before you get a puppy, ask yourself these questions:
➡️ Why do I want a puppy? Why now?
➡️ Is my home suitable for a puppy?
➡️ Is my entire family ready for a puppy?
➡️ Is my entire family on board with getting a puppy?
➡️ Will my current pet be okay with sharing their home?
➡️ Does my current pet need any training?
➡️ What does the next year look like? Planned moves? New baby?
➡️ Am I going to be able to dedicate time and money into proper and humane training?
➡️ Am I able to be prepared for any planned or surprise veterinarian costs?
➡️ Am I able to afford regular grooming visits that are appropriate for the breed I choose?
If after asking yourself those questions and you determine that yes, you are in fact ready and able to take care of a puppy, consider the following:
➡️ What breed or mix of breeds is right for my lifestyle?
➡️ What behaviors and health issues is that breed genetically predisposed to?
➡️ What veterinarian will I use?
➡️ What groomer will I use?
➡️ What trainer will I use?
➡️ What house rules will I set?
➡️ How can I set up my home to prevent unwanted behaviors before I bring the puppy home?
➡️ What will our routine be? Who will be responsible for what care?
I encourage anyone who is considering adding a puppy to their home, regardless of the time of year, to reach out to a certified professional dog trainer BEFORE you get the puppy so they can help you answer all of these questions.
Juliette's Website: https://www.inquiringnosesrockwall.com/
Juliette's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inquiringnosesrockwall/

You can purchase my book here: https://www.amazon.com/author/dalebuchanan

RESOURCES:
Podcast Website: http://puppytalkpodcast.com
Sponsor Website: http://www.topgundogtraining.com
Dale's books: https://www.amazon.com/author/dalebuchanan