There’s a wagging tail, a wet nose, and a heart full of love – you’ve got yourself a brand-new puppy! As you navigate the joys and challenges of raising a puppy, remember that a well-balanced pup is a happy pup. So, how do you make sure your little canine companion grows up to be a well-rounded adult dog?
The OneMind Dogs Puppy Training Program might just be the key to achieving this. In this article, we will share five essential tips from our experts, along with additional insights and practical advice to help you raise a well-rounded dog.
Why is Balance Important in Puppy Raising?
If you’ve ever heard of the ancient Chinese concept of Yin and Yang, you’ll understand that it emphasizes the importance of balance and complementary forces. Raising a puppy is all about finding harmony between the various aspects of its growth and development, including the chaotic forces that are a natural part of a puppy’s energetic nature.
Sure, your dog might be a ball of energy that loves to greet people and zoom around the yard. But it’s also crucial for them to learn when and how to calm down. A holistic approach to puppy raising takes into account both physical and emotional well-being.
Balanced training for puppies goes beyond obedience. It encompasses all aspects of your pup’s life, from nutrition and exercise to socialization and mental stimulation. By focusing on the whole dog, you can create a strong foundation for your puppy to thrive throughout their life.
Here are some benefits you can expect for see when raising a well-rounded puppy:
- Confidence Building: A well-balanced puppy will grow into a confident dog, ready to face new experiences and challenges without fear. You’re setting the stage for a fearless, curious, and self-assured companion.
- Social Skills: Puppies learn important social cues from interacting with other dogs, humans, and even other species. A good upbringing ensures they develop healthy social skills, which are vital for life in a world of different creatures.
- Emotional Stability: Just like humans, dogs have emotions too. An emotionally stable puppy can better cope with stressful situations or changes in their environment. This results in a happier, more resilient dog that can bounce back from life’s curveballs.
- Strong Bonds: Our approach to puppy raising helps to create a strong bond between you and your new friend. By understanding and respecting each other’s perspectives, you’ll forge a relationship built on trust and mutual respect, creating a fulfilling partnership.
- Behavioral Success: A balanced puppy is less likely to develop behavioral issues later in life. By addressing their physical, mental, and emotional needs, you’ll find yourself with a well-mannered and content adult dog that’s a joy to live with.
How to Achieve The Right Balance
Ready to unleash your inner puppy Zen master? Achieving the right balance in your puppy’s life may seem like a daunting task, but fear not! With some expert guidance and a sprinkle of patience, you’ll be well on your way.
Let’s dive into five tips and tricks from the team here at OneMind Dogs.
Tip 1: Be forward-thinking, and prevent problems before they begin
“You can’t teach an old dog new tricks” is a commonly used phrase, and unfortunately, it holds some degree of truth regarding puppy raising. That’s not to say that an older dog is incapable of changing behavior, but rather that it may take more time and effort than a puppy.
Ideally, you want to prevent problematic behaviors from forming in the first place. The best way to do so is to start teaching your pup good habits right when you bring them into your home.
Being proactive also means assessing your lifestyle and adjusting to accommodate your new pet. Consider factors such as work schedules, travel plans, and existing commitments. It will be easier to plan for consistent care and attention. Additionally, establishing clear boundaries and expectations will help prevent confusion and promote a healthy relationship between you and your pup.
For example, your dog will most likely love chewing on, well, every single intriguing object in your house. Don’t wait until your couch is in tatters to teach them what is ok to chew on and what isn’t. Instead, use chew toys to guide them in the right direction and reward good behavior with praise, treats, or playtime.
Remember that puppies are not naughty on purpose; they simply don’t know better unless we teach them. Every interaction is a learning opportunity for them, so make sure they are learning the right things.
Tip 2: Socialize your puppy the right way
Part of balancing your puppy’s life is giving them confidence through socialization. As such, you should expose your pup to various people, animals, environments, and experiences during their first few months.
Quality is more important than quantity when it comes to socialization. Ensure that your puppy has only positive encounters, gradually increasing the level of difficulty. Have them meet bigger dogs, smaller dogs, cats, birds, etc. Teach them to be gentle and calm when interacting with other animals.
This step will help your pup develop a strong foundation for coping with new experiences as they grow older. Socialization should teach your puppy that other people, dogs, and things are just part of the background. Things your puppy should ignore in favor of focusing on you and having fun. That way, you get a puppy you can take anywhere, knowing they will listen and not be distracted.
Tip 3: Do these 3 things every single day when raising a puppy
Consistency is key, as we often emphasize at OneMind Dogs. Being consistent doesn’t necessarily mean adhering to a rigid schedule or being monotonous. Instead, it’s about establishing reliable habits that help your pup learn and maintain desired behaviors. Set aside a few moments each day to practice these three essential activities that contribute to a well-balanced puppy:
- Play and have fun: Make time for play and daily bonding. Playtime is enjoyable for both you and your pup, but it also helps to develop their social and cognitive skills. Try to switch up the types of games and toys to keep things fresh and exciting. Doing so is not only good for the dog. Puppies are hilarious creatures, so you’ll get a good dose of laughter medicine in the process.
- Practice coming when called: The “come” command, also known as recall, is an essential skill every dog should master. It ensures their safety and helps you maintain control in various situations. Dedicate time each day to work on this vital command, gradually increasing the level of difficulty and distractions as your puppy becomes more proficient.
- Reward calm behavior: Acknowledging and praising your puppy when they display calm and relaxed behavior is also a good idea. By reinforcing this demeanor, you’re teaching them that settling down and being at ease is a positive thing. Keep an eye out for moments when your pup is calmly lounging or resting, and offer gentle praise or a small treat as a reward.
Tip 4: Make sure your puppy learns to rest independently
While we’re on the topic of calm behavior, here’s our next tip. Teaching your puppy to rest independently is a game-changer for their emotional well-being. This valuable skill lays the groundwork for preventing separation anxiety and cultivates a sense of comfort when alone. It is an absolute must-do when raising a puppy.
First, your pup will need its very own safe haven. Establish a cozy and inviting space for them, such as a crate or a playpen. Fill it with their favorite toys, blankets, or even an item of your clothing that carries your scent. This designated area will become their sanctuary for relaxation and security.
Then, you should encourage your puppy to spend time in their special space by offering treats, their meals or using positive reinforcement when they enter voluntarily. It will help them associate the area with positive experiences and rewards.
Note that you’ll want to take baby steps. Slowly increase the duration that your pup spends in its designated space. Start with just a few minutes and work your way up, always ensuring they remain relaxed and content. If your pup starts itching to get out after only a few minutes, keep sessions super short so they don’t feel trapped in a jail cell.
Finally, remember that balance is what we’re all about. While teaching your puppy to be comfortably independent is excellent, balancing this with quality time together is equally important. It ensures a strong bond while reinforcing the idea that being alone is a normal and positive part of their daily routine.
Tip 5: Do fun things together!
That brings us to our last and most obvious tip: have fun! Your puppy’s journey to becoming a well-balanced adult dog should be filled with enjoyable and memorable experiences for both of you. Embrace this precious time together by participating in activities that strengthen your bond and bring out the best in your pup. Raising a puppy should be a fun and exciting time for both of you!
Discover new places together, whether it’s a walk in the park, a hike in the woods, or a visit to a dog-friendly café. Exploring the world as a team will help build trust and create lasting memories.
Get in touch with your pup’s goofy side by playing fun games or inventing unique tricks. Let your creativity run wild, and don’t forget to reward your efforts with plenty of praise and a treat or two.
Once you’re ready to take it up a notch, test your bond through a more challenging activity such as agility training. It’s incredibly effective for mental and physical stimulation and promises to be loads of fun for you and your pup.
Raise your puppy with OneMind Dogs and Tick All of The Boxes
The OneMind Dogs Puppy Training Program is an excellent resource for raising a well-balanced and happy puppy. This online program emphasizes mental and emotional well-being, enrichment activities, and developing a deeper understanding of your puppy as an individual. It is the best way to a happy life with your puppy in only 10-minute sessions per day.
Our program is not only about the dog’s point of view but also for humans too. We truly believe in the magical connection between dogs and their owners and want as many people to experience it for themselves as possible.
At OneMind Dogs, we are a group of crazy dog people with an emphasis on the “crazy” part – we really are passionate about what we do. The countless hours spent with puppies have presented us with some invaluable insight. Instead of you having to learn these lessons the hard way, we want to share them with you!
Download our app and get the latest puppy advice straight to your fingertips.
Check out our FREE puppy webinars to learn more!
