5 Puppy Tips from the Best Trainers

Whew! Today’s been flying by faster than I could have imagined.

First, breakfast was smallish, as I knew I had my first hot yoga class midday, and I wanted to make sure my tummy was safe.

So, I had berries, yogurt, almond milk, with a few tablespoons of my homemade muesli, plus half a can of tuna fish. berries and yogurts

The tuna was kept separate, just to be clear.

After teaching my first hot yoga class on Friday, I couldn’t wait to take one for myself.

In short, I found it really challenging. I didn’t know my eyeballs could sweat. I absolutely enjoyed myself and had a great time, but I was also exhausted when it was done. Love that.

Puppy Love

I’ve been reading a bunch of stellar puppy books lately, to learn more about Chewbacca and how to bring her home safely, sanely and with grace. I’ve never had a puppy of my own, nor has Anthony, so we have our research ahead of us.

Here are five tips that I’ve come across that were interesting, a-ha moments, that I thought I’d share.

1. Puppies love their crates. According to Cesar Milan, to puppies, when introduced the right way, puppies find the crate to be den like and cozy, not cages. Introducing them the right way means never forcing them into the crate, but instead enticing them in with treats and toys. Also, only spend a few minutes each time in the crate when they are first introduced. Finally, have them crated while you are home with them, so they don’t associate crating with separation from you.

puppies in a basket

2. Calming them while they whine only encourages whining. When puppies howl or cry or growl, when you pet them or say “oh, it’s ok, puppy….it’s ok” you’re actually telling them that they are correct in that behavior. The best way to deal with it is ignore them, give them a quick leash correction, or a gruff “no.”

puppies in a basket

3. Walk around on the leash with them for the first two weeks. According to Julie Bjelland, the best way to establish your relationship with your puppy is to have them attached to you whenever you are home for the first few weeks. They learn that you set the rules of where to go, not them, and it deeply encourages bonding. Just introduce the leash slowly and allow them to play with it first.

That's Chewbacca's mamma and brother!

4. The are smart enough to be trained from day one. One of the biggest mistakes you can make, according to the Cesar again, is to wait until your puppy is “old enough” to be trained. Eight week old puppies are already two year old in human years, and imagine if you waited until your kid was two to teach them appropriate boundaries! Teaching them to sit, heel, and be gentle, attentive, non-jumping or mouthing dogs starts from day one.

5. Puppies like to be trained, and love you to be in charge. From birth, puppies are establishing pack order and rank. According to the Monks of New Skete, disciplining your dog is not mean to them, nor will it get them to resent you. In fact, done the right way, it will make them love and respect you even more than you ever thought possible.

I hope these are helpful!

Here’s a list of the books I’ve been reading. If you have any recommendations, please send them my way!