Housetraining doesn’t have to be a hassle! Just apply these principles:
Supervision: When your puppy is in the house, keep her on a leash, in a crate or a pen, or somewhere where you can keep a close eye on her. Watch for circling or sniffing, then pick the puppy up and whisk her outside to her . . .
Regular potty place: Go out with your puppy to a place where it’s ok to go. Stay with her until she eliminates, then give her a special treat, praise her, and let her play for a while. (Don’t take her right back inside; if you do, she may start to “hold it” so she can stay out longer!) Then take her back in to her . . .
Crate: Your puppy needs a special place she can call her own, and she will want it to stay clean and dry. It’s not cruel to crate her; she is a “den animal” and actually feels safe being confined for moderate periods of time. So make it a happy place with treats and appropriate chew toys and keep her there until its time for the next event on the . . .
Schedule: Puppies need a regular schedule to help them develop good elimination habits. They need to go out every 1-2 hours at first ( a little longer at night), especially after waking from sleep or a nap, about half an hour after eating or drinking, and after a play session. Try to schedule feeding at regular times and be sure she has an opportunity to eliminate. This will reduce the number of times that . . .
Accidents happen: If there’s an accident, don’t yell at or punish the puppy. Try to interrupt the elimination with a startling (not angry!) noise, then scoop up the puppy and take her out to finish. Clean up the accident thoroughly with a high quality enzyme cleaner, available at good pet stores. Don’t use ammonia based cleaners—they smell like urine to your puppy and will cause her to go on that spot again!
A special note on confinement: Dogs love crates, and they are really helpful in housetraining, but they are not appropriate for long term confinement. If you must be away from your puppy for several hours, use an exercise pen or block off a puppy-proof area with a baby gate. If you can, get someone to come in to walk and play with your dog every few hours; it will speed housetraining and make her (and you) much happier!
For further assistance with housetraining or other aspects of dog training and behavior, click here to register for a class or schedule an in-home or telephone consultation with R. I. Dog Guy!
No More Nipping?
If your puppy nips, you are not alone. Almost all pups nip at our hands, feet or clothing. It’s a normal puppy behavior, even though we don’t like it! It will go away with time; here are some tips to help your dog along:
The first step is to teach your dog a “soft mouth” or bite inhibition.” It’s important that pups learn to bite softly. When they are adults, they might bite if they are very anxious or feel threatened, and if so we want them not to bite hard. This must be learned before your dog has his or her permanent teeth, at about 6 months of age. After that the pressure of the bite can’t be changed.
The best way for pups to learn bite inhibition is to play with other puppies. Come to a puppy kindergarten class or puppy play group and let your dog “play bite” the other pups. They will “correct” hard biting by making a “yelp” and walking away. Puppies quickly learn to hold back on their bite if they want to keep playing.
We can do the same thing when our pups bite us. To train a soft mouth, pet your puppy and let the puppy mouth your hand. When the puppy bites say “OUCH!!!” If the puppy shows signs of remorse (like backing away or licking you) then stay and continue petting. If the puppy continues to bite, walk away, giving the puppy a short time out. Repeat until the dog restrains its bite.
Once the puppy can bite softly, you can say “OUCH” whenever its teeth contact your skin. Puppy will learn not to nip you at all. Warning: Be patient; this can take many weeks.
In the meantime, use a scent repellent like Bitter Apple ™on your hands, pant legs or cuffs to keep your dog from nipping you.
For further assistance with niping or other aspects of dog training and behavior, click here to register for a class or schedule an in-home or telephone consultation with R. I. Dog Guy!
The Chewing Challenge!
Dogs chew! They have to, to keep their teeth healthy and to exercise their canine instincts. But you can help them to chew responsibly if you:
Dog proof your home: Be sure your dog can’t get to inappropriate chewing objects such as shoes, clothing, books, children’s toys, pillows, and trash baskets. Spray furniture or other large objects with anon-toxic, bitter tasting repellent.
Supervise your dog: Keep a close watch on your dog while at home and restrict your dog when you are gone to limit access to items he may damage.
Keep your dog secure and mentally stimulated: Many dogs chew out of insecurity or boredom. Dogs are social animals and need companionship (including people, not just other dogs). They also need to be mentally active. Train your dog regularly, and consider doing some doggie sports!
Encourage and reward chewing on dog toys. Invest in toys, not replacing furniture! Whenever you see your dog chewing on his own toys, lavish him with praise, pet him and offer a special tidbit. Keep his toys in a separate area, so they are easy to distinguish from items he shouldn’t chew.
Provide stimulating and appropriate chew objects: Try interactive toys like Kongs or Buster Cubes. These hard rubber toys are hollow and can be filled with treats, peanut butter, bananas, cheese and other tasty items to keep your dog occupied. Sterilize stuffed bones are also good!
Exercise your dog: Dogs, especially younger ones, require a lot of time for play and physical activity. Try to provide at least half an hour of vigorous exercise each day. Your dog doesn’t chew while he’s sleeping!
Get a vet check: Be sure that chewing is not a sign of tooth or mouth problems.
Do not punish your dog after the fact; he won’t connect the punishment with chewing. If you catch him in the act, interrupt the behavior, redirect your dog to his toy, then praise and treat. This will reinforce appropriate chewing.
For further assistance with chewing or other aspects of dog training and behavior click here to register for a class or schedule an in-home or telephone consultation with R.I. Dog Guy.
Positive Training for Lifelong Companionship info@ridogguy.com (401) 339-2398