3 Things You Should Teach Your Puppy
When you get a new puppy, teaching them how to act is one of the most essential things, and you should begin some training immediately. Most new owners know about things like house training and teaching a puppy to sit, but there are some things that you can teach your puppy now that will help them behave better and stay healthier as they age.
1. Cooperation for teeth cleaning.
Proper dental hygiene is an overlooked part of doggie health care. Dogs can develop gum disease and tooth decay like humans can, and one of the easiest ways to prevent this painful condition is to brush your dog's teeth often. You might aim for every day, but even every couple of days can help to protect against gum disease. Talk to your vet about which dog toothpaste to use, and begin brushing your puppy's teeth regularly. If you introduce this habit when your dog is a pup, they get used to it and won't fight as much as they get bigger. Trying to teach an adult dog to sit for teeth cleaning is more challenging if they did not learn this skill as a puppy.
2. Good manners during nail clipping and grooming.
Similarly, you can teach your puppy to sit still for grooming like brushing and nail clipping. Some dogs' nails should be clipped by a professional, and you should definitely ask your vet how to do it, since you can injure your dog if you trim their nails too close. However, dogs who can sit still for this care are less likely to get injured in the first place. Puppies can learn to sit and be rewarded for sitting well. Once they are older, this routine will not phase them at all—they will no longer be skittish, annoyed, or afraid.
3. Leaving people food and other items alone.
Puppies are curious, but dogs remain curious to a certain extent throughout their life. If you teach your puppy when young to leave things alone, you can prevent your dog from eating things that can make them sick. For example, if you drop food on the floor, a dog who has not been taught as a pup to wait for your okay before snapping it up might eat something that causes illness. Chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, and medications are all toxic to dogs.
For more information about animal dental care or other dog-related health care tips, contact a local vet clinic.
