With the addition of a new puppy into a household there will be many hours of companionship, fun and entertainment. In addition to the positive moments, there are likely to be behavior that is far from ideal and must be dealth with.

Puppies explore their surroundings with their mouths. Whether mouthing, chewing or biting it is possible for puppy to hurt itself or its surrounding. To effectively discipline a puppy, timing is everything. Unless you witness the the puppy commit the offense or within a few seconds, any corrective measures will be fruitless. The dog is unable to connect the discipline with the offending act unless administered during or immediately after the fact.

If you return home to find that your pet has damaged something accept the fact and ignore your pet until you have cleaned up the mess. Yelling and hitting the pup with a rolled-up newspaper are not only harsh and unkind but ineffective.

Discipline should serve to startle your pet, distracting it from its current objectionable pursuit long enough for it to detect your displeasure. Substitute the objectionable activity (chewing) immediately with an alternative and acceptable activity. If your puppy is chewing on your slippers for example say "no" in a firm tone and gently remove the slipper without making a game of it. Follow this immediately with an acceptable toy or rawhide bone and give immediate praise by saying "good dog" for example.

By following these simple guidelines your puppy will learn that discipline only comes from misbehavior and that if he behaves appropriately he will be rewarded with praise.