Have you known—or lived with—a dog who was uncomfortable having their nails trimmed, being brushed, or going to the vet? What about a dog that growls when someone tries to take something from them?

These situations are incredibly common and can have serious consequences for both dogs and the people who care for them. The list below is far from complete, but it still paints a grim picture.

• The nails don’t get done because it is too stressful to struggle with the dog.

• Nails that are too long can cause pain and discomfort, which creates more stress for the dog. Just like us, when they hurt, they can be grumpy. 

• The dog isn’t offered chews because they can’t be safely taken away if needed. Yet chewing and gnawing are healthy, natural behaviors that dogs need. When those opportunities are removed, a dog’s quality of life can suffer.

• If the dog grabs an off-limit item or finds trash outside, there is a fear of ingesting or choking. Or, of a bite to the person who tries to take it away.

• The groomer won’t take the dog because of their (the dog’s) stress and potential for them to bite. More health struggles for the dog, especially if they require frequent grooming.

• The dog’s person is embarrassed, frustrated, and ashamed of the dog’s behavior. 

• Regular check-ups or vet visits are avoided because the experience is too stressful for both the dog and the person. As a result, important routine care is missed, and health issues can go undetected.

• The person questions whether they can keep the dog.

Behavior problems remain one of the top reasons dogs are surrendered to shelters. A 2024 study of shelter records found that behavioral issues accounted for 28% of relinquishment cases (Kisley et al., 2024). That’s why prevention training during puppyhood is so important.

There’s Very Good News!

Simple efforts on our part help prevent predictable problems. That’s why these prevention games are worth it. We have plenty of great resources to help you get started.

“Behavior problems are the most common reason pets are surrendered to shelters.”
— ASPCA

How To Use Ultimate Puppy Resources For Your Puppy’s Prevention Plan

To make it easy for you, Ultimate Puppy resources are organized into categories. The category of Prevention (of predictable ‘problems’) is a great place to start.

Download the Prevention Checklist Worksheet here.

Download the Happy Handling worksheet.

Search Prevention using the search feature on the website, you’ll find blog posts that cover specific prevention topics.

Subscribe to the free 9-week puppy training tip subscription. It includes weekly prevention tips.

Get a Puppy Planner. Each daily Game Plan checklist includes a prevention game.

Get a copy of Puppy Socialization 2.0, which includes step-by-step instructions for rocking many predictable daily routines.

There are a handful of foundational preventative moves I want my new students to be aware of right away. You can use this formula too. It will go a long way to prevent unwanted behavior from developing early with your new puppy.

• Students learn ‘trade you!’

• How to pair food with gear (harness, etc)

• A lift information cue

• The concept of alone time

• And how to pull over on the sidewalk, because this will help avoid unwanted interactions with dogs or people

Little by little

I recently read this quote from James Clear: “You are not your grand plans. You are your daily patterns.” It is so true. Make preventative exercises part of your daily efforts with your pup. They are fun, bonding, and maybe even life-saving. Focus on one exercise per day. Practice. Keep them top of mind throughout adolescence. As always, these recommendations are not meant to take the place of working with a certified professional trainer. Happy puppy raising!