How to Choose & Cruise with a Puppy

BY JOHN HARMON

training and exercising? Some are high maintenance and some just need to be taken around the block.

Research breeds that interest you. The American Kennel Club’s website, akc.org, will give you a solid overview of recognized breeds. From there you can visit links to local dog clubs and reputable breeders. Visit dog parks and local dog shows; dog owners have a wealth of information and love to talk story.

Also check local shelters and rescue organizations. There are plenty of puppies looking for a forever home. Their backstories may be unknown, and downright sad. But with tender care and love you may find your best furry forever friend.

So now you’re looking at a litter of puppies and wondering what comes next. Even if yours will be a poi dog, homework is still essential. Knowing what’s in your mixed breed might give you insight into certain traits and even possible health issues. DNA kits are available to determine mix-breed heritage. Always good to know!

Take time to watch the puppy in group play. Is it gregarious or shy? Is the bold puppy just that or is it aggressive? Is the mellow puppy calm or too scared to get involved? And there’s everything in between— independent, aloof, cautious or go-with-the-flow.

Have some one-on-one time and observe behavior. Turn the puppy over on its back with its belly exposed in the palm of your hand or lap. Does he struggle or relax? Does he whimper or look away? Toss a ball and see if puppy eagerly retrieves or shows little interest. Bottom line, every puppy is different. One may need extra training and bonding to tame that independent streak, while another needs more quiet, careful training to ease insecurities. Your ultimate success lies in bonding, training and love to bring out the best in your puppy. And you too, of course.

At Home

Without prepping your home before - hand, your first day will be spent scrambling to prevent puppy from chewing up anything within reach, blotting up pee puddles and making hasty choices on the fly about where to feed the dog (oops, where’s the dog food!?!), where to pee the dog, and where to keep the dog when you’re out—important decisions that really do shape their success as your companion for the next 10, 12 years or more. Your dream adult dog is not going to happen by luck or accident. You and da kine are in training the moment you get home.

Take time to puppy proof your home—inside and out. Imagine what your little pup is seeing…what looks scary; what looks like it’d be fun to chew. Move dangerous household items out of reach. Your favorite slippers, the cable TV wiring or the leg of your heirloom dining table won’t be so tempting if you provide appropriate toys for play and chewing.

House Training

Getting puppy to relieve himself in the desired area requires establishing a routine, lots of supervision, patience, and consistency. Very young puppies need to be pottied often—every hour or two. They need to go first thing in the morning, after meals, playing and napping. Learn to read the signs— sniffing around, circling, pacing or stopping suddenly. Get the leash on and take him out to the potty area. Use a phrase like “Go potty” each time; be sure to praise and even offer an occasional treat so puppy associates good things with going in the right place.

Puppy proof your home! Their new home is a big, wonderland of tempting smells and objects that need to be sniffed, mouthed and chewed. Be prepared with appropriate toys for play and chewing or else say aloha to your slippahs.

When you are unable to supervise closely or need a break, crating is a good option. Introduced properly, your puppy will find the crate a safe, cozy and peaceful haven. If crating is not your style, consider a collapsible wire enclosure or use a baby gate to section off a portion of a hallway, bathroom or laundry room.

There’s bound to be an occasional accident. Harsh punishments such as yelling, rubbing his nose in the mess and whacking with a newspaper just instill fear. Your pup will be inspired to find a sneakier place to relieve himself the next time!

If your daily work schedule is long, consider asking a neighbor or hiring a pet sitting service to drop in and give puppy a potty and play break.

Your patience, calmness and consistency will pay off as your puppy matures and learns your expectations and house rules.

Puppy Kindergarten

Just like children, your puppy will thrive, flourish and become more confident as he gets accustomed to the world around him. Rules, structure and discipline will ensure his formative years will be safe

Resources and enriching. Get a start in the early weeks by introducing different people to your dog, going for a ride in the car, visiting the vet.

After about 2 months of age, your puppy can go to class. Typically, puppy classes teach basic obedience commands such as sit, down, stay, come and heel. You will get tips on dog care, handling and behavior while your pup gets accustomed to doggie socialization. You’ll find the class helpful in your daily routines at home with puppy and it’s fun to network with other dog owners.

Classes are offered through several training organizations such as the Obedience Training Club of Hawaii, and Leeward Training Club or private trainers. Take time to make calls and ask questions—get a feel for their training philosophy and experience.

Classes can be outdoors or indoors and vary in size. They run from 6 weeks up to 11 weeks and cost varies. Ask if you can stop by (without your dog) and watch a class. Also find out if family members can come—it’s good to get everyone involved so the commands are given in a consistent way.

And now, let us be the first to say “Congratulations! You got a new puppy! Aww....so cute!”

• Visit islanddogmagazine.com to search for private trainers in our Pet Services Directory and to locate local shelter and rescue organizations.

• Doggie DNA Kits, such as Embark and Wisdom Panel are available at Amazon.com.

Adding to the Pack...Awesome or Awful?

Case Study

PATIENTS: Koba - 13 yo Shepherd, Cheddar - 3 yo Golden Retriever, Miso - 2 yo Maltese.

SYMPTOMS: Cheddar started attacking Koba after Miso was added to the Pack.

DIAGNOSIS: Koba had developed a routine with his owners over his 13 years and got very comfortable in his home dynamic. But at 10 years, old age began to set in, and Koba started to lose some visual and auditory acuity. And right about that time, the owners decided to add a new dog, Cheddar, the 3 year old Golden. Both dogs lived well together, until the appearance of Miso the Maltese. With the addition of the third dog, all semblance of structure in the house went to the wayside. The two young dogs were allowed on the furniture (historically Koba’s sleeping place), ran rampant around the house, and challenged for each other’s toys.

While this would all be good and well with a few young dogs, it was an unwelcome and undesirable change for the older dog, Koba. As Miso started to take Koba’s sleeping places, toys, and food, Koba became increasingly shut down and avoidant of any interactions. With this, Cheddar saw the opportunity to assume the role of “Top Dog” and began to target the weakest and least challenging opponent: Koba.

SOLUTION: The first thing we did was to acclimate Cheddar to wearing a muzzle, for the safety of Koba. We then began to establish some house rules to give Koba the privileges he was accustomed to, while limiting the younger dogs’ freedoms. This built Koba’s confidence in his home environment, while resetting the younger dogs’ expectations for status. As we began to allow the dogs to interact, with the muzzle on Cheddar and some new rules for Miso, Koba’s confidence blossomed. He started to identify the couch as his safe haven. The owners began to understand when the younger dogs were vying for privileges they had not yet earned, and enforced the appropriate boundaries. These adjustments resulted in a pack who could live together peacefully in their home, with respect and boundaries for all.

If you struggle with dog-to-dog aggression, or intra-dog aggression in your home, reach out. We’ll help you understand your dogs and how to best resolve their behavioral challenges!

Email sean@apetperspective.com or call 808-202-0897

Learning never stops, and there’s no such thing as a “Bad Dog.”