Tips for raising a puppy

Tait the dog is now a teenager, and so far, I am pleased with how he is turning out.

Friendly and outgoing, confident and curious, he is eager to experience and learn new things, and is compliant and well-mannered.

Although I have been consistently focused on Tait's education, he has taught me a lot as well. Here are a few discoveries made along the way:

• There is no substitute for ethical, knowledgeable breeders. It pays to do your research before making your puppy purchase.

• By constantly rotating toys, you can prevent destructive chewing.

• Puppies need exercise, every day, regardless of the weather or your state of mind.

• Do not allow your other dogs to raise your puppy, and don't expect him to properly raise himself.

• When problems arise, don't bury your head in the sand; meet them head on, and resolve them quickly.

• Training in public will be necessary, and probably a bit embarrassing.

• The quieter you remain, the better your dog will listen.

• When you go out of your way to acknowledge and reward behavior you like, your dog will offer those behaviors more often.

• Successful puppy-raising requires you to be smarter than your dog, and dogs are pretty bright.

• Raising a puppy shouldn't mean your other dogs get less of your time.

• Use consequences sparingly: Rarely scold, so it means something when you do.

• Teaching your dog to respect you should never be confused with fearing you.

• Your spouse or others will unwittingly encourage behaviors in your puppy that you are trying to extinguish, but it often "takes a village" to raise a puppy, and you should be grateful for any and all help you get.

• Finally, remember that you chose him, and how your puppy ends up is directly related to your influence and interaction, and how you raise him.

Lisa Moore, a dog-training professional, writes about pet behavior in The Modesto Bee.