14 DAY TRIAL // There are currently millions of puppies living in homes all over the United States, and each and every one of them is supposed to receive love and compassion from the people who have adopted them. One of the main things that owners want and need to do when buying or getting a puppy is to train the animal in the way of the house, and to show it how to be a real dog, even though that may seem a bit redundant. The actions each of you new owners perform everyday will be of a paramount importance to the later development of your pet, and to your relationship.
First of all, no matter how you go about taming and training your new dog, never use old-fashioned ways such as beating, or any other form of negative compensation for this task. Though your puppy may appear to be learning for the moment, it will actually remember those things for years to come, and will never become extremely attached to you, as its master.
Then, you have to pay serious attention to the way dogs communicate. Undoubtedly, if they had a way to speak, everything would be settled very quickly, but, as it turns out, they don't, so you have to be very patient and learn to interpret the way your new puppy barks, growls, stands and looks like.
The facial expressions dogs have are fairly similar to those of humans, so the first feeling you get when you see it's face, be it supplicant or threatening, is the feeling that the dog surely wants you to get, for a pup is incapable of using “double standards,” as humans do.
Another very important thing is to establish a mutual respect relationship with your puppy. Some might argue that animals have no notion of respect. Maybe they don't, but when it comes to feelings, respect is often disregarded. Your dog will fell like you are neglecting him, and will become upset. In the end, this will only harm your relationship, as you will have a much harder time gaining back its trust.
No matter what training method you use, always gratify the pup for the training session with positive rewards, such as a pat or a sugar cube, and never by hitting it, or yelling at it. Always keep the sessions short and fun, but repeat them often, especially the first lessons, those related to indoor living and heeding your basic commands. Do not get angry if the dog fails to perform your actions at first attempt, and remember that these are all new things for it.
Once you show your puppy the respect it deserves, and manifest kindness towards it, then you will have just won yourself a faithful friend for life, willing to die for you if it's asked of it. Remember that such sacrifices rarely come from the people who blame pups for everything, and that a few weeks of training will make it all possible.