Problem Solving - Setting your Puppy up for Success
by Laura-Jade Durrheim
Laura-Jade is the owner of Proud Pups in the Randpark Ridge & Honeydew areas,
and is one of our Recommended Puppy Schools. To find out more about the school and how she works click here
Laura-Jade is the owner of Proud Pups in the Randpark Ridge & Honeydew areas,
and is one of our Recommended Puppy Schools. To find out more about the school and how she works click here
As owners of a new puppy it is important to understand the very valuable role we play in setting our puppies up for a lifetime of success! (No pressure)
Never fear! In the following articles “Setting your puppy up for success”, we will highlight some key points and discuss topics which are essential to the development of a successful puppy.
One of the fundamental mistakes we make as puppy owners is to “baby” our new arrival. As vulnerable and tiny as they may seem, it is critical to understand that their development and growth is a key part in creating the well mannered, well rounded individual we want and often expect them to become.
There is a big wide world out there, which, like it or not, our puppies will have to be a part of. There is a common mentality which many new puppy owners have and this is to “save” our puppies from the difficulties and obstacles they may face in their day to day activities. The problem with this is that your puppy never learns to problem solve.
Problem Solving is a vital skill to the development of your puppy and will influence their behaviour throughout their lives. Most new puppy owners set out to help their puppy through every difficult and challenging situation their puppy faces, and whilst they do this with the kindest of intentions and their puppy’s best interests at heart, what they don’t understand is that they are inhibiting the growth of their puppy mentally and emotionally.
Your puppy needs to learn to problem solve and work through difficult situations on his own, in order to learn to cope with stress and frustration. This key development is called Frustration Tolerance. It is important that your puppy learns to resolve frustration and work through problems by looking for an alternative behaviour.
A great example of this is situation is navigating stairs. Often we watch our puppy struggle to navigate steps and simply pick them up to “help” them avoid the obstacle and get to the top. The problem with this is that your puppy never learns to deal with this stressful situation and won’t know or learn to look for an alternative way to relieve the frustration. Your puppy then learns to rely on you for a solution and will ultimately lack any problem solving skills.
This can lead to behaviour problems such as over-attachment, Canine Separation Related Distress and lack of any type of tolerance for frustration.
What would be a more productive solution to helping your puppy navigate the really high steps would be to add something to one side of the staircase which would make it easier for him. A solution could be bricks placed at one end of the stairs, your puppy will then be encouraged to scout out an easier way to get up the stairs and when he comes across the bricks he will discover it is easier for him to get up on that side. This will help build confidence, encourage problem solving and create a well-rounded individual.
NOTE: Please make sure that the bricks are secured to the step so that your puppy cannot fall down the steps. Please cover the bricks in a softer material if they are sharp and uneven. Make sure your puppy is under supervision whilst he navigates the stairs.
The key to teaching your puppy problem solving and frustration tolerance is to encourage him to investigate and navigate as many obstacles and challenges as you can expose him to (this is all part of the socialising process). Obviously their safety is your primary concern but don’t interrupt their learning process by being too quick to jump in and save them! Have fun with your puppy and encourage him to explore the world.
Good luck! I wish you and your puppy much success!
Never fear! In the following articles “Setting your puppy up for success”, we will highlight some key points and discuss topics which are essential to the development of a successful puppy.
One of the fundamental mistakes we make as puppy owners is to “baby” our new arrival. As vulnerable and tiny as they may seem, it is critical to understand that their development and growth is a key part in creating the well mannered, well rounded individual we want and often expect them to become.
There is a big wide world out there, which, like it or not, our puppies will have to be a part of. There is a common mentality which many new puppy owners have and this is to “save” our puppies from the difficulties and obstacles they may face in their day to day activities. The problem with this is that your puppy never learns to problem solve.
Problem Solving is a vital skill to the development of your puppy and will influence their behaviour throughout their lives. Most new puppy owners set out to help their puppy through every difficult and challenging situation their puppy faces, and whilst they do this with the kindest of intentions and their puppy’s best interests at heart, what they don’t understand is that they are inhibiting the growth of their puppy mentally and emotionally.
Your puppy needs to learn to problem solve and work through difficult situations on his own, in order to learn to cope with stress and frustration. This key development is called Frustration Tolerance. It is important that your puppy learns to resolve frustration and work through problems by looking for an alternative behaviour.
A great example of this is situation is navigating stairs. Often we watch our puppy struggle to navigate steps and simply pick them up to “help” them avoid the obstacle and get to the top. The problem with this is that your puppy never learns to deal with this stressful situation and won’t know or learn to look for an alternative way to relieve the frustration. Your puppy then learns to rely on you for a solution and will ultimately lack any problem solving skills.
This can lead to behaviour problems such as over-attachment, Canine Separation Related Distress and lack of any type of tolerance for frustration.
What would be a more productive solution to helping your puppy navigate the really high steps would be to add something to one side of the staircase which would make it easier for him. A solution could be bricks placed at one end of the stairs, your puppy will then be encouraged to scout out an easier way to get up the stairs and when he comes across the bricks he will discover it is easier for him to get up on that side. This will help build confidence, encourage problem solving and create a well-rounded individual.
NOTE: Please make sure that the bricks are secured to the step so that your puppy cannot fall down the steps. Please cover the bricks in a softer material if they are sharp and uneven. Make sure your puppy is under supervision whilst he navigates the stairs.
The key to teaching your puppy problem solving and frustration tolerance is to encourage him to investigate and navigate as many obstacles and challenges as you can expose him to (this is all part of the socialising process). Obviously their safety is your primary concern but don’t interrupt their learning process by being too quick to jump in and save them! Have fun with your puppy and encourage him to explore the world.
Good luck! I wish you and your puppy much success!