Understanding Your Dog

  In This Chapter Using direction instead of correction for housetraining success Determining a potty routine for your puppy Understanding the differences between paper and outdoor training Housetraining your pup kindly and cheerfully I wish I had a nickel for every time I heard “He knows it’s wrong! Just look at his eyes — guilt’s…

  In This Chapter Training your puppy with positive reinforcement Using treat cups and snack packs as training devices Discovering clicker-based training Improving communication with targeting and point training Believe it or not, you can solve more problems with positive feedback than with discipline. I’ve used every technique in this chapter, often simultaneously, and I…

  In This Chapter Encouraging consistency among your family and friends Creating a clan of helpers Comparing puppy schools and private trainers Bringing up a well-rounded puppy in today’s society is definitely not a one-person job, even if you do live alone. However, if you’re surrounded by family members or friends, striking a balance between…

  In This Chapter Being a good neighbor Helping your puppy adjust to life changes Traveling by plane, boat, or automobile Yes, life beyond your four walls holds endless possibilities, and you should take your dog with you wherever life leads. The key is in knowing how to direct your puppy so that she’s a…

In This Chapter Shopping for supplies you’ll need immediately Checking out training collars and leashes to be used later on Readying your house and your family Making introductions Getting through the first week Mom’s right again: First impressions really do count. To make your puppy’s transition into your home as smooth as possible, you have…

  In This Chapter Deciding where to look for your puppy — breeders, shelters, newspaper ads, or pet stores Asking and answering all the right questions about your prospective puppy Testing your puppy’s temperament and personality Considering an older pup Let the search begin! You can find a puppy in so many places, from serious…

  In This Chapter Pinpointing your ideal breed or mixed breed Understanding what makes a breed (or mix of breeds) unique Getting the scoop on the terms “breed groups,” “designer breeds,” and “hybrid vigor” Sure, almost all puppies love dog biscuits and a scratch behind the ears, but the similarities pretty much end there. All…

In This Chapter Asking yourself why you want a puppy Considering how a dog fits with your current and future family arrangements Figuring out what you want in a dog Fitting a puppy into your daily routine Your puppy may be the only family member you get to handpick. You choose based on anything from…