Eliminating Puppy bad behavior & bad habits

While most dogs are keen to please their owners and smart enough to do what is asked of them, any  dog or puppy owner will ultimately run into the need to get rid of unwanted puppy and dog bad habits. It is vital for the owner to properly communicate just what constitutes satisfactory and intolerable behaviors.

Every breed of dog has its own unique personality individuality, and every individual within that breed has his or her own unique traits. Each type of improper behavior requires its own specific cures, and in most cases the cures will need to be tailored to fit the particular persona of the dog. 

Puppy bad behavior & bad habits : Whining, howling and excessive barking

Let’s start with one of the most often encountered problem behaviors in both dogs and puppies.  While some barking and other vocalizing is perfectly normal, in many cases barking, howling and whining can become problematical.  This is particularly important for those living in apartment buildings, or in closely spaced homes.  Fielding complaints about barking is not the best way for you and your dog to meet the neighbors.

Some tips of dealing with excessive whining, barking and howling include:

• If your puppy or dog is howling or whining while confined to its crate, immediately take it to its toilet area.  Most puppies and dogs will whine when they need to do their business.
• It is important to teach a dog or a puppy to accept being alone.  Many dogs suffer from separation anxiety, and these stressed dogs can exhibit all sorts of destructive and annoying behaviors.  It is important to accustom the puppy to being left on its own, even when the owner is at home.
• Always strive to make the puppy or dog as comfortable as possible.  Always attend to the physical and psychological needs of the dog by providing food, water and toys.
• If the dog is whining, check for obvious reasons first.  Is the water dish empty?  Is the dog showing signs of illness?  Has his or her favorite toy rolled under the furniture?  Is the temperature of the room too hot or too cold?
• Do not reward the puppy or dog for whining.  If the dog whines when left alone, for instance, it would be a mistake to go to the dog every time it whines.
• After you have ensured that the dog’s physical needs are being met, and that discomfort is not responsible for the whining, do not hesitate to reprimand the dog for inappropriate behavior.