If you’re thinking of buying or rescuing a puppy for Christmas or any other time of year, remember that a dog is a lifelong commitment.
Of course, without the proper training, discipline, love and care, any dog can become disobedient or aggressive. So it is important to understand what you are signing up for before you actually get the new addition home.
A dog needs to be disciplined from the start. They need to know who is in control and be taught that they are not 1st or 2nd in the family pecking order. If you have children, it is important for the dog to learn that the children are higher up the line of control than they are.
Simple training such as rewarding good behaviour with small dog treats can be effective.
Don’t sign up for a new dog if you are not 100% certain that you are up for the challenge. Dogs need a lot of attention, exercise and love. However, if you are making that decision as a family, be sure that you will find the hard work rewarding and you will love your dog as if it were a member of the family.