Puppies like a routine - especially if it involves good food, lots of loving and plenty of exercise. You will like it, too. Getting your puppy into a routine helps speed up the housetraining process, and also makes it easier to set aside time in your day to give your incredible puppy proper care and attention.

Some schedules to set:

• Establish a spot outdoors where your puppy relieves himself. With a leash, take him to that spot every time. That eliminates the guesswork. He will know it a business trip, not a pleasure trip.
• Give food and water at the same time every day. About 15 minutes after eating, take him out.
• Schedule training and exercise. A 15-20 minute walk every day can prevent destructive behavior like chewing or digging. It also helps the two of you become closer.

Earning Your Puppy's Respect

Your puppy is a pack animal, and he still follows the call of the wild. Your family is your puppy's "pack." Who will be the leader and who will be the follower?

There are some ways to set yourself and your family up as "top dog." You want to earn your puppy's respect. That can mean being tough, but always fair.

Never hit your dog. Never scold for something your puppy did a while ago. Your puppy will have no idea what the problem is and will think that you are mad for no reason. Only correct your dog when caught in the act.

To make yourself look like a leader:

• Always walk through doors first.
• When you get home, you and your family should eat in your dog's presence before setting out the puppy food. In packs, the most important dogs always eat first.
• Also use tone of voice to communicate. A high pitch is exciting and playful. A normal tone is like a bark - direct and commanding. A low growl is a warning. With practice, you can make your puppy understand your mood

Good Behavior For A Good Life

To be considered mature, your puppy needs more than a grown-up body. Your puppy needs to know how to act.

If you have gone through the steps in the New Arrival and Growing and Learning sections of this site, your dog should be well on the way to proper behavior. All you have to do is remain aware. Keep correcting inappropriate behavior. Nip new problems in the bud with firm but fair discipline.

If your puppy is still acting up or is behaving badly, you may have to back up a few steps. The Behavior page in our Learning and Growing section has tips on promoting good behavior and correcting a variety of common problems. If the behavior issue is more than you can handle alone, ask your vet to recommend a reputable obedience specialist in your area.

Good Routines for Good Behavior
One common cause is a lack of structure or routine. Look at your puppy. Is he being fed at the same time every day? Getting enough exercise? How about enough bathroom breaks? For some pointers, look at our pages on behavior for new arrivals. You can learn some basics such as setting a routine and learning not to jump.

You may need to learn how to earn your puppy's respect to make the lessons stick. But the reward of a well-behaved puppy -- and later, a well-behaved dog -- is well worth the effort.

Once your puppy has learned to obey and act correctly, keep it up. It is a crucial part of becoming mature, and it is important in helping both you and your incredible puppy enjoy your lives together to the fullest.