Making The First Four Weeks With Your Puppy Count

There are so many ‘lockdown’ puppies around. It’s really important to make the most of the first four weeks with your puppy. Many patterns established during this short time will influence your relationship with your dog as they grow.

The owners of Fox, an eight week old Fox Red Labrador, have signed up for the virtual training package. This is a big family and a busy household. Ensuing that Fox knows his place in the pack is absolutely essential.

Getting It Right From The Start

In the first Zoom lesson, I could already see problems emerging. The owner was on the floor with the puppy, who was mouthing his hand. First mistake – any contact of the dog’s mouth with your hand is biting and should never be allowed. To stop the puppy mouthing they were putting him on the sofa – never allow you dog on the furniture – it’s for humans only.

It’s great that these owners want to get it right with Fox. While he is a cute little puppy at the moment, he will grow into a big and powerful dog. What is seen as acceptable now, will not be so great when he’s fully grown.

We have established a clear lesson plan and Fox and the family will be having weekly virtual training with me until he is able to attend practical lessons. In these first four weeks with your puppy, it’s so important to get the whole family behaving consistently towards the pup. This is the start of any successful training plan.

Posted: June 11, 2020