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You want to take your new puppy out for a stroll; now, all you need to do is train him to walk on a leash. Watch as Expert Pet Trainer Kathy Santo show you how to walk your new family member.
Hi, I'm Kathy Santo with IAMS, and today we're going to talk about how to leash train your puppy. Once your puppy is around eight weeks old, you can begin leash training. The first thing you'll need is a collar or harness that fits your puppy appropriately, never too lose or too tight. You should be able to fit two fingers between the collar and your puppy's neck. When deciding between using a collar or a harness, there are a few things to consider. Does your puppy have any respiratory issues? Does your puppy pull when being walked on leash? Use a harness or head halter if your puppy pulls on leash, or has respiratory problems. Before you can jump right into training, you'll need to get your puppy used to wearing a collar and having the added weight of a leash. The best thing to do is have him wear the collar or harness and leash around the house, so he becomes used to the feeling. Be sure to keep an eye on your puppy to make sure he doesn't get trapped, caught, or accidentally injured. If your puppy is noticeably struggling, or looks scared, start off with a shoelace, or a small piece of rope, so he can get used to dragging only a little something around. This will help him get used to the added presence and weight of a collar and leash. Now for walking on a leash. The leash should have some slack, because when you put pressure on a dog, their natural reflex is to move or pull in the opposite direction. If you find that your puppy is afraid of walking with the leash, try placing treats along the route you know you'll be walking, to give him the notion that good times are ahead. That way, he learns to focus on what's ahead of him with curiosity, and not fear. As you begin walking your puppy, you will notice that your pace will sometimes have to be faster than you expect to retain slack in the leash. The more you work with your puppy, the quicker you'll be able to train him to slow down, while maintaining the needed slack. As you walk around, begin incorporating specific commands for your puppy. Basic commands include sit, stay, and heel, or let's go. Do your best to remain consistent with your commands, and guide your puppy through the learning process. For example, when you say sit, guide your puppy to sit until the command is recognized by the puppy. When you say heel, make sure your puppy is obeying your command before you start walking again. When your puppy starts to move ahead too quickly, come to a complete stop and wait for him to cease pulling before going forward. Practice his stop and go, never allowing your puppy to dictate your pace. If your puppy continues to pull on his leash, ask him to change directions, while saying 'turn.' This will condition your puppy to always look for you for direction, instead of him feeling like he can dictate where the two of you go next. I also like to run backward, and then switch to a different direction. This gets your puppy excited about chasing you. Remember to reward your puppy when he does the right thing, so that he begins to understand what you're asking him for. If your puppy still isn't catching on, try upgrading your treats, practicing in an area with fewer distractions, or working on more basic commands. Leash training takes time and patience. Both you and your puppy may get frustrated during the learning process. Do your best to avoid tugging. It's not fair to correct them for something they don't understand. As your dog enters adolescence, and clearly knows the difference between right and wrong, it's OK to give a slight occasional tug on his leash, if he insists on being difficult. If you remain patient and consistent with your puppy, he'll be leash trained in no time. I'm Kathy Santo with IAMS, and I hope that you found this helpful as you welcome your new addition to your family.
As a pet parent, it's hard to hear your furry friend crying. It can be due to separation anxiety, fear, or illness and can be frustrating to deal with. This article will provide practical tips on stopping your pup from crying and help them feel more comfortable and secure. We will guide you through establishing a routine and using calming aids to help your puppy stop crying and live a happier, more peaceful life.
Crying in puppies can vary depending on their age. Older puppies may cry because they are experiencing separation anxiety, are bored, or need to go outside. Meanwhile, newborn puppies cry because they are hungry, uncomfortable, or need warmth. Pay attention to why your puppy cries, so you can provide it with the right care and comfort.
If you are wondering why your pup is crying and how to put a stop to it, the key is to understand the underlying reasons. By gaining this knowledge, you can take the appropriate steps to address the problem and silence the crying. Keep reading to learn more about stopping your pup's tears.
As delicate and helpless beings, newborn puppies rely on their mothers or caregivers to provide for their basic needs. When hungry, cold, or sick, they often cry out in distress, it is like their tiny voice is seeking help. It can be heart-wrenching to hear their cries as they struggle to communicate their needs.
At this stage, the puppies must receive proper care and attention for survival. This may involve giving them warm, nutritious milk from their mothers or finding a suitable substitute if the mother cannot feed them. Providing the puppies with the necessary care will ensure their health and well-being.
In certain situations, puppies may need to receive medication or other forms of treatment to help them recover from an illness or infection. This can be a delicate and complex process, requiring close monitoring and expert knowledge to ensure that puppies receive the appropriate level of care.
As puppies grow older, they often become more vocal when they need to go outside to play or relieve themselves. This can manifest in whining or barking at the door and scratching at it with their paws to grab someone's attention. While this behaviour is natural for puppies, it can be frustrating for their caregivers, particularly when they are trying to get some rest or focus on work.
As a pet parent, providing enough exercise and mental stimulation is important to keep your puppy happy and engaged. If your older puppy is crying or whining, it could signify that they are bored and need entertainment. They may start pacing or circling the room, looking for something to do. If you notice your puppy exhibiting these behaviours, consider taking them for a walk or providing them with a fun new toy to play with.
As puppies grow older, they may become restless and cry when they are tired or ready for bed. This is typical behaviour among puppies, but it can be disruptive for the pet parent. To help your pup settle down for the night, try implementing a bedtime routine and providing a comfortable, cosy bed for it to sleep in. This will not only help your puppy feel more at ease but also allow you to get a good night's rest.
As a responsible pet parent, it's crucial to identify the reasons behind your puppy's crying and take appropriate steps. Whether it's hunger, fear, or loneliness, addressing these underlying causes can create a happier and more comfortable environment for your furry friend. By understanding the root causes of your puppy's crying, you can also provide your canine companion with necessary support and affection to help them feel loved and at ease. Here are some common reasons why puppies may cry:
Suppose your puppy is crying and showing other symptoms of illness. In that case, it could be due to several reasons, ranging from a respiratory infection to a more severe condition such as parvo or distemper. Keep an eye on your puppy's behaviour and pay attention to any changes that may indicate a health problem, so you can act quickly and prevent any potential complications. It is crucial to take your furry friend to the vet as soon as possible for a proper diagnosis and treatment, especially if the crying continues or is accompanied by other signs of discomfort or distress.
As puppies have small stomachs, they require more frequent meals than adult dogs. It's important to provide them with regular, balanced meals and snacks throughout the day to ensure their well-being and happiness. If your puppy is crying and has not eaten in a while, it may be asking for food.
If your puppy is crying, it may be because they feel lonely and neglected. To prevent this, spend quality time with your pup daily. Engage in activities like playing, training, and bonding with them to create a strong, positive relationship and prevent feelings of loneliness.
Puppies overflow with energy and require significant stimulation to stay content and healthy. If your furry friend is crying and appears restless or fidgety, it could be because they are bored and need something to do. Provide your puppy with various toys, games, and activities to keep them entertained and focused.
Suppose your puppy is crying and appears frightened. In that case, it may be because of loud noise, a scary situation, or even a sudden change in their environment. To help calm them down, try speaking softly, offering a treat, or playing soothing music. If the fear continues, seeking the assistance of a professional trainer or behaviourist may be necessary to help your puppy overcome its anxiety.
If your puppy is used to being around other dogs or people and is suddenly left alone for long periods of time, they may become lonely and cry. To prevent this, consider providing your puppy with a companion like another dog or a stuffed animal. Additionally, ensure your puppy has regular opportunities to socialise and interact with others to prevent loneliness and unhappiness.
Consoling a crying puppy can be a challenging and emotional task. Still, making your furry friend feel safe and loved is essential. Here are a few tips to help comfort a crying puppy:
To successfully comfort a crying puppy, it is crucial to have patience and an understanding of what may be causing distress. Once the source of the crying is determined, providing the appropriate support and can help stop its tears and give the puppy a feeling of safety. If needed, seeking advice from a professional can also be beneficial in these situations.
