MODOG Tips Page

 

In effort to ensure the puppy you adopted becomes a dog you’ll cherish forever, we’ve provided some very good steps in the right direction. All people and dogs are different so no single method is right for every situation. However, if you are a first time dog owner, or if it’s been a while since you owned a puppy, this page may be worth reading.

 

The following are the basic fundamentals of proven methods that can be easily applied in a broad manner. A portion of this information should be accredited to the rightful authors and I humbly apologize for not having the recollection of source to do so. ~MODOG

 

 

Establish a Bond

 

The first few days with your puppy are very important. Their confidence in you and many life long habits begin developing the moment you meet. They may test you, so take it slow and choose your actions and reactions wisely.

A puppy needs to learn and discover slowly, knowing you are always there to protect and direct. Leaving them alone, or giving them free run of the entire house too soon, is the leading cause of anxiety which leads to bad behavior.

 

Remember, this is all new to the puppy. The transition can be a bit overwhelming at first. Resist the urge to show off your puppy until it has a chance to get acquainted with the immediate family. It only takes a few full days and nights together to establish a bond of love and a basic understanding of obedience, that will last a lifetime.

 

 

 

 

Puppy Preschool

 

Though everyday life must be a constant and consistent learning experience, limit actual training sessions to 15 minutes or so. Attention spans are short and energy levels fluctuate so use good judgment by working during peak performance times.

 

Some puppies do better learning after playtime but most tend to stick with the work then play method. Just make sure it’s a calm controlled environment and that your puppy is not distracted by other wants or needs.

Don’t be discouraged if things don’t go smoothly at first because they seldom do. If you were consistent, fair and never once lost your temper, the day was a success. We tend to train our pets as humans, however the canine learning process is considerably different.

 

Cut learning time in half by using the three basic facts of canine life noted below as a foundation for your teaching strategies.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Facts of Canine Life

 

Humans Are Smarter Than Dogs

Use this to your advantage by creating and limiting them to an environment strategically designed for success. Remember dogs are very perceptive to emotion so keep a calm, confident stature and be patient when teaching. Cool, constant, consistent correction and reward is the format.

 

All Dogs Are Pragmatic

Dogs do whatever gets the greatest desired effect, requiring the least amount of effort and discomfort. Please read that last sentence again, out loud. Make it easy, pleasing and rewarding to behave your way and difficult, uncomfortable and maybe even shameful any other way. Consistently apply this proven method to a permanent set of well planned rules, and you will succeed.

 

Dogs Need a Master

Much like a child and parent, an unconditional bond of love, trust and obedience should be established between a dog and its Master. A wise owner will dedicate at least the first three full days and nights developing this sacred bond of trust while carefully nurturing, conditioning and slowly introducing them to your way of life. Be a good Master, or be mastered.

 

 

 

Puppy Training Tips

 

1. Use positive reward base training with the same treat or equal praise every time. You may have to use a “mama’s no” (the pinching of the skin accompanied by a low growl) a time or two to establish initial authority.

 

2. Whatever a dog does, be it good or bad, should always result in the exact same reaction from you, regardless of mood or situation. Choose and enforce your rules carefully and consistently from the get go.

 

3. After correcting, always make up and provide an alternate desired action that’s similar to what they were doing. i.e. If they’re biting your finger, say NO, make up, then try holding a chew toy for them.

 

4. Limit free access to one, or two non carpeted rooms until potty training is complete. In the meantime, the rest of the house requires the Master’s permission and direct guidance.

 

5. Never use brute force to conquer a dog’s fear or resistance of something. Fear is the result of confusion, lack of trust, or natural instinct. Work with, not against it.

 

6. If crying, whining, barking, begging etc. never once achieve their goal, it will all stop eventually. This requires some patience and determination from all parties involved.

 

7. Don’t allow any nibbling, biting or nipping of you or your belongings starting from day one. This is for your safety and theirs. Dogs mouths are to be respected and protected at all times.

 

8. If physical punishment should ever be enforced, a firm two finger “up-chop” under the chin, simultaneous with your “no” word is safe and affective. NOTE: Never call you dog to punishment or intentionally frighten them. Punishment must be immediate and consistent, or not at all. Always make up after scolding or punishing your dog.

 

9. All dogs love a routine. Plan a regular feeding, exercise, grooming, etc. schedule, that’s appropriate for you, and your dog’s specific needs. Many dogs love to have some daily duties to perform, like fetching the newspaper too.

 

10. All puppies make mistakes, correct, make up and do your best to prevent them from happening again. Always try to view things from a dog’s pragmatic point of view.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks for Shopping Responsibly

 

This page was created to help MODOG puppies and their new owners get off on the right paw. We’ll always welcome any questions or comments you have and look forward to assisting you through all stages of canine life.  

 

~MODOG

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Top 10 Products

 

Who knows what sorts of things you’ll end up getting for your new friend, so for now lets stick to the basics. They need to eat, potty, chew, play, sleep, exercise and learn. I’ll skip the obvious bowls, beds, and leashes, and give you the MODOG top ten common products recommendations.

 

 

Pee Pads - "OUT!" Deluxe Training Pads 21 X 23 is fine for small breeds. Might get a roll of masking tape for the corners. Won’t need either if going outside every time.

 

Reward Treats - Our favorite is "Hollywood Stars" Liver Treats. They’re cheap, healthy and now come in a small plastic pouch from Wal-Mart or pet stores. Try using a milk-bone as a reward for going to the crate at bedtime. One a day keeps the tarter away!

 

Water Bottle - 16 oz or smaller, round, clear. Avoid the cheap, or flat shaped ones like those with rabbit cages, they tend to leak. Water bowls are messy, unsanitary, and a major cause of many health related problems. Change the water daily, wash the bottle as needed or weekly.

 

Chew Rope - Size appropriate. Chewing is a must for puppies as well as dogs and few things are safer than chew ropes. Get a bunch and keep them clean and all over the place. They’re washer safe. No rawhides ever please.

Nyla Bone - Size appropriate. These are better for adolescent and adult dogs. These things are tough and tasty, but discard when the small pieces begin to crumble off.

 

Round Tip Scissors - Curved or straight. Use these to carefully trim any unwanted hair from around eyes, feet, ears, or anus. Keeping the hair off the tops of their feet, and underneath between the pads promotes good health and clean carpets.

 

Wide Tooth Comb - This can be used on nearly any coat, for general daily maintenance. A simple daily fluffing of the entire coat is very beneficial.

Flea Comb - This is to inspect for the “salt and pepper” like stuff left behind by fleas. Comb repeatedly near the base of tail, and look closely at the comb, and grooming table for any traces of fleas.

 

Sergeant’s Skips-Flea and Tick Shampoo - Not for puppies or faces. Use this critter killer year around, but keep a bottle of mild puppy safe soap to use on the face, or around any open soars.

 

Adam’s Flea and Tick Spray - Use sparingly, not for puppies. In conjunction with Skip’s shampoo and good clean living, you shouldn’t have any bug problems. Spot treatments like Frontline are not recommended. Ask your veterinarian about heartworm prevention. Click for all natural alternatives.

 

NOTE: Make a list now. Be sure you have your pet supplies BEFORE you need them. *Toss MODOG a bone and shop one of our trusted affiliates.