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For all of you that have received a new puppy for Christmas or are contemplating getting a dog in the future, the best way to save your pets life is by saving your pet from behavior problems. The number one cause of dogs being turned into shelters and/or being euthanized is due to the behavior problems the animals have.
Steps that may help in preventing such problems include the following:
-Meet the dog’s physical needs of food, water, shelter, exercise, and medical care. In order to provide these you must budget to have disposable income.
-Meet the dog’s social needs of companionship. Dogs require the company of others-either dogs or people.
-If you did not have the option to research a breed before acquiring a puppy, do your research now. This is important for mixed breed puppies as well as pure bred puppies and dogs. Look the breed’s purpose historically. What was the dog bred to do? This will help determine the best type of training and activities to participate in with your new family member.
-Aggression can be genetic. An excellent predictor of aggression problems is the dog’s mother’s and father’s temperament.
-Effective socialization can be provided by having the puppy experience regular non-traumatic exposure to people and places. Make sure nothing happens to scare the puppy.
-Have the puppy learn to trust that you will not let anything bad happen to it.
-Enroll the puppy in an obedience class at a young age.
-Neutering intact male dogs as well as spaying female dogs at an appropriate age will reduce dominance aggression in both sexes.
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