In this episode of The Dog Gone Positive Way, with Chrissy from @pittiehoarder, we go deeper into the fascinating world and the skills puppies should and need to learn before they ever meet their human families. We discuss how early, positive exposure to touch prevents future behavioral issues and why reading body language is the foundation of a trust-based relationship. The simple exercises to help prepare your puppy for a lifetime of nail trims, ear cleanings, grooming, veterinary visits, and everyday handling exercises are paramount to having a better-behaved dog. Socialization with all people, in all situations, can save your pets and you a lifetime of stress and anxiety. Crate training is vital, and being around and socializing with other pets is vital, too. This is how a puppy gets FUTURE PROOFED. This is how a puppy stays in their forever home and NOT turned into the shelter or euthanized because of bad behavior.

#Dog #puppy Podcast #PuppyDevelopment #CanineBehavior #DogTrainingTips #LessonsFromMom #DogLovers

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What Humans Can’t Teach: Lessons from Mom

We often think of ourselves as the primary teachers for our puppies. We teach them "sit," "stay," and "fetch." But there is a hidden curriculum that only another dog can deliver—lessons in social etiquette, emotional regulation, and the "rules of being a dog" that no human can replicate.

In this episode of The Dog Gone Positive Way, with Chrissy from @pittiehoarder, we’re diving into the fascinating world of maternal canine instinct and the vital skills puppies learn before they ever meet their human families.

The Mom-Only Curriculum:

* The "Bite Inhibition" Masterclass: When a puppy plays too roughly, Mom doesn't give a lecture. She uses a specific correction—a growl or a physical nudge—that teaches the puppy exactly where the line is.

* The Art of "Doggy Zen": Mother dogs are masters of ignoring attention-seeking behavior. By not reacting to every whine, she teaches her pups the vital skill of self-soothing and patience. This is something humans need to do for unwanted behaviors, like demand barking or whining in a crate.

* Body Language Fluency: From the subtle flick of an ear to the tension in a tail, puppies learn the nuances of canine communication by watching and reacting to their mother’s non-verbal cues.

* The Boundaries of Respect: She shows them when it’s time to play and, more importantly, when it’s time to be still and respectful of others' space.

Why This Matters for You

Understanding what your dog learned in those first eight weeks can change how you train and bond with them today. It helps us realize that sometimes, we aren't "fixing" a behavior—we're just trying to translate a lesson they've already started learning.

🎧 Listen now wherever you listen to podcasts.

Let’s Discuss: What’s one "quirk" your dog has that you’re convinced they learned from their mama? Let us know in the comments! 👇

#Dog #puppy Podcast #PuppyDevelopment #CanineBehavior #DogTrainingTips #LessonsFromMom #DogLovers

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In this episode of The Dog Gone Positive Way, I have a great discussion with Chrissy from @pittiehoarder for a second time to discuss body language. She talks about how her dog Hunk's behavior started to change slowly, and he wasn't enjoying going for a ride anymore. He also gained weight and had patches of missing hair. After changing veterinarians and getting a tip from one of her followers, she asked about hypothyroidism. After some bloodwork, she found that he indeed had low thyroid production. Follow Chrissy @pittiehoarder on all social media platforms. Here is the link to the video that did not play.

https://www.tiktok.com/@pittiehoarder/video/7579487004493106446?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

#bodylangauge #thyroidtests #veterinarian #dogallergies

Dr. McConnell

Piloerection

https://www.patriciamcconnell.com/theotherendoftheleash/piloerection-in-dogs-scared-or-just-glad-to-see-me/

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