Speaking Puppy Blog #Puppy Training

Christmas and other holiday periods are happening soon and if like me you love to celebrate it is worth considering how this time of year may affect your puppies or dogs. You may live a quiet life for 11 months but in December you become a "Christmas Monster" and all of a sudden your house turns into a fairy grotto with decorations, music food you don't eat for the rest of the year. Imagine what your dog may make of this especially if it is their first year.

I know this is a website specialising in puppies and adolescent dogs, but for a dog to reach and enjoy their senior years, we need to look after its physical and emotional well-being throughout their life. This includes: Good nutrition & medical care Appropriate exercise Managing their safety Responding to their physical & cognitive changes

Halloween and Guy Fawkes (bonfire) night can be fun for many, and some dogs can cope with the costumes, decorations, bangs and flashes. Many of our dogs and other pets do not cope well during this time of year and some are really frightened by new and strange sights and sudden noises. I will cover things you can do to help you ensure your dog and other pets are not scared while you are enjoying the celebrations.

Just like humans, dogs also go through a period of adolescence as they transition from puppyhood to adulthood. It can vary with individual dogs and will also depend on the breed of your puppy and its adult size but can start at approximately 5 months for small breeds up to 2 years for giant breeds. It is triggered by the increase hormones such as testosterone in males and oestrogen in females.

Choosing a puppy involves considering many things to ensure you find a breed that suits your current & future lifestyle, preferences, & needs. While also considering the puppy’s natural instincts needs & personalities as these may not be compatible. This may cause conflict and distress to both you & your dog. It is also important to consider their adult size, future grooming, health, & care requirements.

What is “Puppy Socialisation”? Is it allowing your puppy to meet, approach and interact with any dog, person, or animal they encounter? Or is it helping them become dogs well-adjusted, confident, and friendly in many environments and situations? “Socialising” or “confidence building” you puppy to different environments, situations & other dogs and animals is such an important process that will help them navigate their way through their life in a happy and relaxed manner.