Teaching your puppy how to be a family member
This does not involve any 'formal'
type training at all, but rather, you are teaching your puppy
every minute of every day. The first moment of teaching
commences as soon as your puppy is home, after all you
probably give her lots of pets and cuddles, which teaches her
that your touch and praise is a wonderful thing. She will soon
learn too, where she gets her meals and where the water is and
the layout of your home and yard.
Oscar, Joe & Frank
You will need to help your pup learn the rules of the house so he can be included in everything, all daily household activities can be enjoyed by the well-behaved puppy. He will need to learn what he can chew on, where to go to the toilet, where his bed is etc.. these are all very big things to a young pup. Everything in your home will be totally foreign to your puppy, it would be like you moving to another planet and having to learn acceptable behaviour and new language. Be consistent, make sure everyone in the family expects the same behaviour from your puppy, and you will be well on your way to having a well behaved four-footed family member. If you use love and common sense and gentle hands, you can not go far wrong in teaching your puppy about being a family member.
A Dog's Prayer
Treat me kindly, my beloved master, for no heart in the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me.
Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hand between the blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me do.
Speak to me often, for your voice is the world's sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footstep falls upon my waiting ear.
When it is cold and wet, please take me inside... for I am now a domesticated animal, no longer used to bitter elements... and I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth... for you are my god... and I am your devoted worshipper.
Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I should not reproach you if it were dry, I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst. Feed me clean food, that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side, and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life should your life be in danger.
And, beloved master, should the Great Master see fit to deprive me of my health or sight, do not turn me away from you. Rather hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful bounty of eternal rest... and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I drew that my fate was ever safest in you hands.
Remember me not with tearful eyes... but instead with abounding heart. Should you choose to fill my bed, feel no guilt, you have not betrayed me. Love another as you always loved me... and they too will love you as I always have.
-Anonymous
You will need to help your pup learn the rules of the house so he can be included in everything, all daily household activities can be enjoyed by the well-behaved puppy. He will need to learn what he can chew on, where to go to the toilet, where his bed is etc.. these are all very big things to a young pup. Everything in your home will be totally foreign to your puppy, it would be like you moving to another planet and having to learn acceptable behaviour and new language. Be consistent, make sure everyone in the family expects the same behaviour from your puppy, and you will be well on your way to having a well behaved four-footed family member. If you use love and common sense and gentle hands, you can not go far wrong in teaching your puppy about being a family member.
A Dog's Prayer
Treat me kindly, my beloved master, for no heart in the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me.
Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hand between the blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me do.
Speak to me often, for your voice is the world's sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footstep falls upon my waiting ear.
When it is cold and wet, please take me inside... for I am now a domesticated animal, no longer used to bitter elements... and I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth... for you are my god... and I am your devoted worshipper.
Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I should not reproach you if it were dry, I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst. Feed me clean food, that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side, and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life should your life be in danger.
And, beloved master, should the Great Master see fit to deprive me of my health or sight, do not turn me away from you. Rather hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful bounty of eternal rest... and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I drew that my fate was ever safest in you hands.
Remember me not with tearful eyes... but instead with abounding heart. Should you choose to fill my bed, feel no guilt, you have not betrayed me. Love another as you always loved me... and they too will love you as I always have.
-Anonymous