Puppy Training - Teach Your Little Doggy Good Manners

With the advent of the pint sized pooch many pet owners have started from day one with training.

Teaching your puppy good manners and obedience brings with it the duty of showing him that he can't get away with impolite manners. Puppies are bound to throw tantrums and nip at your ankles and hands in a day time environment.

While it is known to all that their little bodies are often a source of many injuries, it is also true that a well mannered puppy is a pleasure to be around. He who has a well mannered dog is often deemed an owner worthstable.

What to do? Where do you start?

If you are new to the world of pet ownership and still seeking your first puppy, then it's best to begin with the four basic commands - sit, stay, come, and heel - that your pup can learn, and if mastered, will make the day to day activities with your companion much more enjoyable.

A first step in teaching your puppy good manners is to introduce him to a collar and leash. This canine co- terminated with might seem a bit strange to you, but it is important.

Start small. Put a collar on him and let him get used to it. He might start to paw at it and refuse to wear it, but it will remind him that it is not a threat to him.

When he gets used to the idea that there is a collar for his head and neck instead of one that attaches to a leash on his throat, you are ready to step two.

Some people feel that it is important to choose a completely flat collar for their puppy. They find that the constriction of the collar on his neck reminds them of their own neck.

When they discovered that the leather or fabric collar irritated their own neck, they bought one that was made just for them. They are often the first to put a collar on their puppy that does not allow for any breathing during the day.

Others like the idea of a flat collar, but would prefer a collar with some movement to it. He would probably appreciate a buckle collar a lot more. As the puppy gets older, you can purchase a sturdier collar, one that is custom made with support pads for sore necks.

When you have the choice of a collar and leash, you may want to be overwhelmed and decide that a harness is the better decision.

Once again, if you have a puppy, a harness can be a good idea to protect your dog against falling off a couch or chair, against the possibility of being stepped on, and to still be able to move where ever you want to go.

Puppies are curious about everything and will want to explore their surroundings.

A custom made harness keeps him from being stepped on. Or, if you like to use a collar and leash, you may want to consider a harness that has an opening so that the leash can come out below the dog's neck.

This is a great idea for those of us who walk our dogs on the sidewalk, not down the street, across the park, or even in the mud. We do not want to be tethered to a post or tree.

A custom made harness is not only a safer way to walk our dog, it is a better choice for his safety.

There are many different types of harnesses for you to choose from. Crates, safety gates, step-in gates are just a few for you to consider. You will want a harness that is easy to put on and take off, but you also want one that is safe, comfortable, and easy to use.

Choosing the right harness for your puppy is an important decision. Your little guy will be wearing that harness for a long time. It would be a shame for him to have an accident and get hurt.