Skills Every Puppy Should Learn

Puppies grow into dogs very quickly. And having a dog that is tolerant of routine handling and grooming makes your life (and your groomer and veterinarian's) much easier! Dogs need a lifetime of maintenance. Activities like baths, nail trims, brushing, and dental care are routines we should practice weekly. If your pooch has grown up learning to deal with and tolerate the small stresses that these type of activities create, it really is no big deal. You can breeze through routine chores in minimal time with minimal resistance. But if the dog has never been exposed to these experiences and suddenly your 50 pound boy is in need of a nail trim or a bath, you might be surprised at the level of difficulty you have in getting the job done! It is not "normal" for a dog to want to have their feet or mouth touched. Most dogs don't "enjoy" a bath or haircut, but they can certainly learn to tolerate it. Just as we teach young children to brush their teeth or comb their hair, we need to do the same with our dogs. And we should get started early. The best time to begin these simple practices is as soon as we bring our puppies home to live with us. Take a look as I work with this 15-week old English Pointer pup on simple handling and creating tolerance.

Questions? Since 1972, we're here to help. Call 1-800-624-6378 or 662-324-2410 and we'll answer any questions or take a phone order. Prefer email? Contact sales@gundogsupply.com. -- Steve Snell