There are always ways and means to help a puppy mature, just as there are ways to raise a child. But most of us agree that children, unlike dogs, are governed by universal and immutable rules. But here are three things that still get people excited when it comes to caring for their, say, Portuguese Water Dogs or Weimaraners. Indeed, how many times are we going to continue hearing those “My dog ​​doesn’t pay any attention to me”, or “He has changed irreversibly!”?

1. Dogs can’t understand our English, until we show them how.

Did you notice how a dog or puppy seems to look at us the same way a child would look at a wizard? Dogs act this way because our lives truly become theirs; They study our body language and facial expressions. Until we make our English easier to learn, that’s all they have! If we say, “wee wee?” in one day, “Do you want to pee?” on the next, “OK, are we going out?” in the third, notice that they make movements towards the door because they are already used to seeing us grab the leash and go out the door.

But if you want your dog to speed up his training, why not choose a single command for each trainable behavior without ever changing it? Also tell everyone in the family to stick to the words.

2. Puppies’ metabolisms sometimes run faster than our own estimates.

All of this means that you don’t need to be surprised when your pup eats and drinks so much and therefore pees and relieves himself even more. Punishing your pup for a home invasion mistake is simply his fault. Even a large 6-week-old puppy won’t get enough rest to urinate once an hour! So training a dog over 7 or 8 weeks old already smacks of neglect.

Examples of behaviors that indicate that the dog is about to relieve himself: when he wakes up from a nap, after eating or when he starts to sniff and roll around on the floor. You may want to pick it up and hurry outside. When successful, make a big show of praising the dog for a job well done.

3. Dogs are quick when it comes to learning about our facial expressions and body language.

This simply means that the worst punishment you can give your dog (which you have to befriend) is to frown and turn your back on him. If he punishes him this way (instead of spanking, ranting, or throwing things) for an infraction, he will surely get the message from him. But since he has a short attention span, give him your happy face one more time.

In closing, dog owners everywhere should employ consistent commands and loving praise. This way, it will be easier for your dogs (and your Portuguese Water Dogs) to know what you want from them. They will become a master of your body language and facial expressions in no time.