Preparing to welcome a new puppy into your home is an exciting event. It is also a very important one. For during these first few weeks the puppy will be learning to adapt to his new home and family. It can either be a happy time of bond-building, gained understanding, and growing trust. Or a confusing time riddled with frustration, apprehension, and uncertainty.
Understanding Canine Body Language
All dogs belong to the canine family, a family that includes wolves. Like wolves, dogs rely on canine body language as a form of communication. Dogs "talk" to each other using a combination of body postures, behavior patterns, sounds, and scent marks. Even young puppies learn the essentials of canine body language very quickly.
Understanding "why" dogs behave the way they do will go a long way in building a life-long bond with your new puppy that will benefit you both. By understanding how a dog communicates, you can avoid unnecessary and frustrating miscommunication, wrought by conveying something to your puppy that you didn't intend to.
For instance, lunging forward to pet or cuddle the new puppy can be perceived as a threat. The puppy may cower, whimper, try to struggle away, or experience apprehension or fear. Instead, help instill trust; get down on his level and allow the puppy to come to you on his own, rewarding him with pets and cuddles when he does.
Lessons in Communication
Although domestic, another dogs still share the same type communication abilities of their wild ancestors. Your new puppy has already picked up on what canine body language communicates; both while playing with brothers and sisters and interacting with their mother.
Once removed from his mother and adopted into a new family, the puppy will need to learn his new caregiver's body language. This must be done in order to bond and form a good, trusting relationship.
Dogs, and even young puppies, are gifted with remarkable observation skills, and learn quickly. Due to a breakdown in communication skills, unfortunately, problems can arise. Very often this is due to miscommunication.
By understanding this, and adopting certain postures, facial expressions, controlled voice tones, and other behaviors, caregivers can reduce misunderstandings, and more effectively communicate with their new puppy.
Canine body language is one of a dog's main methods of communication. Because of this, they are programmed from birth to be highly observant. Consider the following:
- Ears pricked forward - interested and attentive; could also be threatening
- Ears pulled backward - intimidated; could be also be agitated
- Eyes in a direct stare - interested and inquisitive, but could also be threatening
- Eyes looking away - intimidated
- Hackles raised - excited or aroused, or aggressive
- Twitching lips - aggressive
- Lips pulled back, teeth exposed - a final warning of aggression; accompanied by growling - very threatening and aggressive.
- Cowering - submissive or frightened
- Roll over on side - submissive
Basic Puppy Training; Convey What you Mean
When interacting with your new puppy, do not just concentrate on what he is doing. Keep in tune to what you are conveying through body language. What do your mannerisms say, what is the tone of your voice?
For instance, let's say the puppy was just caught chewing on the leg of the sofa. If you touch him gently to get his attention and say in a sing-song voice, "You naughty dog...time to go back in your kennel." The chances are his tail will start wagging and he'll try to lick or gum your hand, before returning to what he was doing before you interrupted him; chewing on the sofa leg.
If you grab the puppy by the nape of his neck, and scream "What a bad puppy you are...out with you!" before roughly tossing him in his kennel and slamming the door shut, the only thing you have accomplished is instilling fear. The puppy has no understanding that he is being punished because he did something wrong
But, if you point to the sofa leg, and stay in a stern voice, "No!" Then, "Bad puppy!" as you shake your finger at him, the puppy will stand a better chance of understanding that chewing on the sofa leg is not acceptable.
If the puppy tries to chew on the sofa again, calmly repeat the discipline. Instead of becoming frustrated and yelling when the puppy fails to grasp your intended message, try changing the way you deliver it. Dogs normally seek to please their caregiver; that's what makes them such great companions.
Let's look at the above example again. You found the puppy chewing on the sofa leg. What was the puppy trying to convey? Was he lonely, or bored? Was he trying to relieve painful gums caused by growing teeth? Was he hungry? Puppies rarely do "naughty things" simply for the sake of being naughty.
Effective Handling Tips
In order to be effective, puppy training and discipline must be delivered in the way the puppy in question responds best. Take note of the personality unique to your puppy. Personalities that are domineering require a firmer approach. Such puppies must learn to be submissive to their caregivers.
More timid puppies require extra patience and a less aggressive tone. They need confidence in order to perform as expected. For these type puppies, structured puppy training sessions in an environment free from distractions is especially important.
The following are effective ways to socialize puppy, and instill trust and respect:
- Avoid towering over your puppy, staring into his eyes, or moving quickly. Instead, get down on his level; remain still and let him approach you. If he acts timid, talk to him in soothing, encouraging tones and hold out your hand.
- All dogs need to know their social position. Encourage submissive behavior by having your puppy roll over to expose his belly at different times during play. This will help reinforce that you are the "pack leader," or the alpha family member. Puppies that respect the authority and higher status of caregivers as family members, grow into more obedient, happier dogs.
- Always behave calmly when handling your puppy. Use a friendly but firm approach when interacting with him to let your puppy know that he has nothing to fear from you and has nothing to fight against.
- Avoid playing too roughly or aggressively with your puppy. Remember, aggression begets aggression; you don't want to teach your puppy to engage in battles of strength with people.
- Teaching your puppy to respond to hand signals as well as verbal commands will help your puppy grow into a more responsive dog.
Another basic puppy training tip is this: all family members should treat the puppy consistently. Inconsistent treatment will make the puppy confused. Teach children, as well as other adult members in the household, proper handling and treatment of your puppy. This will help socialize puppy, and make puppy training easier for both of you.
Combined with a nutritious diet and proper puppy health care, understanding canine body language and following these practical puppy training tips will help ensure you and your new puppy stay on the right road to relationship success!