Attention first time puppy owners:

[Carrie]

I am seeing a trend after being on dog forums for quite a while. I am seeing that people who haven't had dogs or puppies in their lives before or even some who have are seeing normal puppy behaviors....as problems. "Nipping problems, biting problems, chewing problems, jumping problems, peeing problems." After having a pup for a month or two, the "problems" are still continuing. I think this mindset of seeing these things as problems is working against you. And I think your working them up into something that is causing you anxiety could be picked up by your puppies. Does anyone ever read the stickies about puppies that we have on this forum?

If you, who are interpretting normal puppy behavior as problems would change your way of looking at them as par for the course, take things in stride and realize that this is the way puppies are and that growing up doesn't happen after 1 month, 2 months 5 months. Most puppies are puppies until they're at least a year old, most older.

This is definitely NOT to say that we don't work on teaching and directing our puppies into learning how to get along in a human being's world, how to teach them to stop biting, jumping and peeing in the house. We start when we first get our puppies. All I'm saying is that if you would relax, take things more in stride WHILE you're teaching your pups... and stop viewing everything as a problem, I think you'd get further with your pups. I think that puppies are more receptive when we're not anxious and stressed.

There are good ways to help puppies grow up and grow out of these puppy antics, ways you can find out right here on this forum, but growing up can't be rushed. TIME is the very important ingredient to growing up.

So, calm down and remember that these behaviors are normal puppy, baby things. You're not going to make an adult dog out of a puppy while he's still a puppy.

May I offer the suggestion that you read the stickies on puppies and there's one there that explains the different stages of growth and what to expect.

[Tiffany0204]

lol this is a great topic Carrie. I know for one that I am guilty of doing things! Although I suppose people at times wonder just how much is "too" much and whatnot. People get so over-worked about doing it the "right" way and don't trust themselves to make the right decision.

hahaha, I'm certainly talking about myself at times! But I will keep this thread in mind the next time I worry about Giz doing something that I'm unsure about!

[zookeeper]

Great post, Carrie. You're right we (read I) sometimes take things way to seriously. The stickies have been really helpful.

[Raised By Wolves]

Yes, great post Carrie!

Puppies deserve to have a babystage, and be understood when they go though their adolesent and even the "Hey, I'm a grown-up now!" stages in their lives.

An understanding of what to expect duriing these varying stages, really helps set your dog up for a success which will last the rest of their lifetime with you.

Then one day, you will be sitting by the fire with your old companion by your side, wondering how could time have passed so quickly?! And reflecting on all of the joys, trials, and memories of those early years when you learned and grew, together.

[hotrod41573]

I have some questions about the puppy stage that I just simple forgot it has been serval years since I had a pup.Then again Diamond isn't just any old pup she is my baby just like my son who is six years old no he isn't my only child but it has been six years since I had a six year old around.Sometimes I forget what it's like to raise a pup. Carrie I'm not offend and your right great post.

Hotrod and Diamond

[Carrie]

I have some questions about the puppy stage that I just simple forgot it has been serval years since I had a pup.

Carrie I'm not offend and your right great post.

Why would you think that I thought that you were offended? I don't get it. LOL.

Every time I get a new puppy, (and I've had my fair share) even after having dogs for about 45 years, I forget and have to refresh my memory. I forget anything after about 5 minutes. Isn't everyone like that?????? LOL.

It's always good to boot up the memory.

[Gerald]

At work we say that we never have problems, at worse we have "Issues", but really every "problem" is just another oppertunity. I think the same goes with a puppy. Everything can in someway be an oppertunity to train your dog. That's how I try to look at it w/ Rocky, even after the 100th time of jumping on the couch

[fireworksinjuly]

Great Topic!!

Dont forget we do have the Global Paw Woof Review , which has a summary of things you need to know, as well as links to further in depth topics.

Carrie here even helped write it...

[Cassiepeia]

Oh, good post Carrie!

I've never had a puppy to raise, but I'll bet the second I get one I'll forget everything I know. LOL Thank the gods for Global Paw, eh?

Cass.