Understanding Your Puppy, Puppy Training and Care

Puppy Basics

Before you begin...

Understanding Your Puppy

Dogs don't know English!

A young puppy is just like a baby. Babies have to learn the English language. They have to listen for a long time before they can talk and do things.

A new puppy needs understanding.

An untrained dog must learn the English language just like babies do. They have to listen for a long time before they understand.

When a parent wants their baby to learn to stand up, they hold the baby up on its legs and say "good baby, stand up!" The baby hears the word 'stand' while he is standing. Someday he will understand what that means. Think of your puppy or dog as a baby.

If you were learning a new language, you wouldn't understand what the words meant until you were told or shown what they meant.

A dog does not understand the word 'sit' until someone shows him. You may have to show him (or help him) several times, but eventually he will understand.

Dogs need to be shown how to do things many times before they understand. Just like you with math. Sometimes your teacher has to show you five or six times before you get it. But you DO get it!
And so will your dog. Just be patient.

One more thing!

It is very confusing to dogs to get different commands for the same action. Be sure to say the same command every time so that your dog will have the best chance to understand what you are saying.

So remember...
When you teach your dog,
please be kind and consistent!

Consistent means using the same words and actions
over and over again to avoid confusion.

Rusty's Ridiculous Riddles

What did the dog say to the man who pulled his car over in the middle of the road?

PARK, PARK, PARK, PARK!!!

Thanks to Shea, age 10, from British Columbia, Canada for this funny riddle!

These are great books that would be helpful for you and your puppy:

ASPCA Pet Care Guides for Kids: Puppy, by Mark Evans, Dorling Kindersley 1992

Puppy is designed to help young animal owners learn about and care for their pets. Illustrated on every page with full-color photography, Puppy is packed with practical information on every aspect of canine care. Published in association with the ASPCA, this book engages and informs readers ages 7 and up.

Puppy Training for Kids, by Sarah Whitehead, Barrons Juveniles 2001
This book has easy-to-understand instructions for children on puppy training and care. With an emphasis on fun. Learn what to feed puppies and how much to give them, and how to play games that are safe and enjoyable. They also learn basics of puppy handling, grooming, giving commands, teaching obedience, tricks, and much more. There are great full-color photos throughout the book. For ages 9-12, or 4-8 with parents' guidance. Excellent Book!

Kids Training Puppies in Five Minutes, by JoAnn Dahan, Cork Hill Press; (February 5, 2004)
From an Amazon.com reader: My name is Christi, I am 7 years old. I just got a new lab puppy from my Mom and Dad her name is Ginny. Before I could have Ginny I had to promised I would care for her and train her. This book is so great, it is very easy to read and the pictures of the lab puppies and kids are so cute. I taught Ginny to sit and lie down really fast. I think every kid with a puppy should have this book. Ages 5-8

Your Puppy, Your Dog, by Pat Storer, Storey Publishing; 1997
From the Back Cover
What a dog needs most is love -- and loving a dog means providing everything it needs to be happy and healthy. With easy-to-follow instructions and plenty of illustrations, this book tells you just how to care for and understand your dog. Ages 9-12
* How to select the puppy or dog that is best for you
* What and how to feed your dog
* How to train and exercise your dog
* How to play with your dog or puppy
* How to keep your dog in the best of health
* Where and how to show your dog
* How to make items...

A lot to remember? Try this!

Lesson of the Day!

Puppy Basics

Understanding your Puppy

Start Now!

Puppy's First Year

Housebreaking

Socializing your Dog

Lesson of the Day

to Basic Training

Cody's Tour Kelly's Tour Trouper's Tour

Your New Dog Well-Behaved Dog Special Topics

A New Dog Your Best Friend Too Many Dogs

I'll Love You Forever Training Basics Following the Rules

What Dogs Cost Obedience Lessons Keeping Safe

What Dogs Need Behavior Problems Older Dogs

Puppy Basics Learning Tricks Losing Your Dog

Ready for a Dog?	Your Stories	Contract	When I Grow Up	Your Dogs
Birthday Page	Book Club	Riddles	Quiz Yourself	Your Poetry

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Cody's Tour	Kelly's Tour	Trouper's Tour
Your New Dog	Well-Behaved Dog	Special Topics
A New Dog	Your Best Friend	Too Many Dogs
I'll Love You Forever	Training Basics	Following the Rules
What Dogs Cost	Obedience Lessons	Keeping Safe
What Dogs Need	Behavior Problems	Older Dogs
Puppy Basics	Learning Tricks	Losing Your Dog

Before you begin...