You can expect your dog to behave like a dog

Raising puppies and new dogs is much easier & smoother when we start with training & management from day 1. There are so many little tips and tricks that can make a big difference in getting through the initial learning period with less stress and developing a well behaved, stable adult dog. As a dog trainer I love helping owners enjoy the journey more and achieve their goals with their dog.

That said though, these are living animals and things won’t be perfect all the time. Even the best dog with the best training in the world will still do dog things, especially while they’re young. It’s just part of the package of dog ownership, whether it’s your first dog or your 10th.

Before getting your new puppy or dog, here’s some realistic expectations to have in mind:

🐶 They will probably wake you up at night while they’re very young.

🐶 They will probably get into mischief and do things you might not appreciate if they’re left free unsupervised while they’re learning the ropes or if they haven’t had their needs met.

🐶 They will probably have an accident indoors at some point while they’re young, and likely when they’re old too.

🐶 They will probably jump up, nip and bark when they’re excited while they’re learning appropriate manners. This will be amplified in some breeds depending on what they’ve been bred to do.

🐶 They will probably need to learn to recall and walk on lead nicely, and this may take some time and consistent practice.

🐶 They will probably get dirty outside or find something disgusting and make a mess at some stage.

🐶 They will likely be sick or injured at some point and require expensive vet care.

We train and manage them so that they do this stuff less and we enjoy life with them more, but before you get a dog make sure you are ready for these realities of dog ownership - not just the idea of the perfect dog.

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If you’d like to have a smoother dog raising journey or need help working through a challenge, reach out to a local dog trainer. If you’re in the Waipa, NZ I’d be happy to help - hello@wolfedogs.nz