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A lot of a canine’s personality actually develops during the period between eight to sixteen weeks of age. As far as how a family dog will actually turn out to be behavior-wise is largely decided by what kind of environment the puppy is living in at this important stage in his life.

When you first bring an eight week old puppy into the house, they are practically coming in with a mind like a blank slate. Whatever is written on that chalkboard will determine the personality and character of the puppy. The problem lies in the fact that the dog owners lack of knowledge is the cause of what ends up being a problematic dog.

Dogs Are Not Born With Bad Behavior

Dogs are not born problem dogs it is through lack of training that they are either allowed to become that way, or are made that way as a result of the puppy’s environment. The responsibility rests solely and squarely upon the shoulders of the person who owns the dog. Your dog needs dog obedience training.

The majority of puppy obedience classes will not let a puppy in the class until it is older than six months. This is quite understandable since most trainers know that the average dog owner just doesn’t have the necessary patience to cope with puppy training. It is unfortunate, however, that by the time a dog reaches six months of age it has already become a “problem dog”. You are alway responsible for your dog behavior problems. Dog obedience training may or may not help but in too many cases, it does not, as by that age it is too late.

There are many disappointing tales of disasterous training and lack of understanding of what has to happen. One example pertains to owners requesting that their standard Schnauzer be put sleep. Each person in the family had been the victim of a bite, with at least one being serious. Still a puppy in the eyes of dog trainers, the dog was just eight months old at the time. The first incident of biting happened when the puppy was only 12 weeks old, the last came at eight months old. In the meantime, the biting only became worse, however no one in the family had it in them to discipline the dog in the correct manner. They “loved” their dog too much and thought it would be too mean to discipline the animal. Mistaken kindness can be a bitter and unneeded cruelty and the responsibilty solely rests upon the head of the dog owner.

The natural instinct of the canine is to try and assume dominance within the pack. The pack in this case is you and your family. Just because it may push your buttons from time to time and try to be the one in control is not a sign that you are not loved. Neither does it mean that it doesn’t respect you. If you act weak and too permissive, you are allowing dominance and the dogs respect and love for you will fade. You then become inferior in your dogs eyes and will be owned by your dog,therefore suffering the consequences. Understanding your dog is one of the secrets to dog training. Begin early with your training and don’t let your dog become a problem dog.