The act of chewing seems to be a matter of individual preference among dogs: some have an innate desire to chew as a pleasurable activity in itself, and some seem to have no need to chew whatsoever unless they're driven to it out of sheer boredom.
The phrase "destructive chewing" may sound redundant, because - by its very nature! - all chewing is destructive. Your dog has strong jaws full of sharp, pointy teeth: just about anything she starts to chew on is probably going to show the effects of it inside of a minute. So just to clarify, when I use the phrase "destructive chewing", I'm referring to inappropriate chewing: the kind of chewing that's focused on your own possessions and household items, instead of on your dog's own designated toys and chews.
The three main reasons why dogs chew:
- Most dogs have a natural desire to chew. It's fun, it passes the time, and it's a self-rewarding, self-reinforcing activity (for example, if she's chewing on something that tastes good.)
- Chewing provides a nervous, bored, or lonely dog with an outlet for her emotions. To an anxious dog, the repetitive act of chewing is soothing - it's the doggie equivalent of comfort food.
- Underexercised dogs often use chewing as a way of burning up nervous energy and giving themselves something to do.
- How to prevent destructive chewing -
Dogs are perfectly capable of learning not to chew your stuff - you just have to put in a little effort first, that's all.
1. Take control of the situation: manage your own possessions. Your first step should be to dog-proof your home. Even if you have the best-behaved dog in the world, there's still no reason to test her self-control - after all, dogs explore the world with their mouths.
Dog-proofing your home means taking whatever you don't want to end up in her mouth, and making it unavailable. Consider her size and agility when deciding whether something's out of reach: can she jump? Can she climb, or leap onto something else to reach the desired object?
How tall is she when standing on her back legs?
Common targets in the home include books, eyewear, clothing, shoes, garbage, and small crunchy appliances like cameras, cell phones, and remote controls.
It should go without saying that all food needs to be put securely away: don't leave snacks on low tables (or even countertops - you'd be surprised how acrobatic she can be when there's food at stake!), put all food into containers or the pantry. Rinse your dirty plates clean of any food scraps before leaving them by the sink.
2. Prevent her from learning the joys of illegal chewing. The more times she manages to snatch a jawful of a forbidden substance - a chair-leg, a pillow, a running shoe - the more readily she'll target those items in future. If you can prevent her from chewing your stuff in the first place, it's a lot easier for her to understand what you expect of her. Practically speaking, this means confining her in a dog-proofed area until you're confident of her understanding of the house rules.
3. Don't set her up for failure by blurring the boundaries between her stuff (OK to chew) and your stuff (not OK to chew). Don't offer your dog cast-off clothes, shoes, or towels to chew and play with: realistically, you can't possibly expect her to be able to tell the difference between your current shoes and the one she's got in her mouth that you gave her five minutes ago.
4. Provide her with lots of tasty alternatives to your stuff. If her environment is relatively barren of attractive, appropriate chewing objects, you can hardly blame her for targeting your possessions. Remember, most dogs need to chew; if she's an adolescent (under three years) or a puppy (under one year), her needs will be even more pronounced. Go on a toy and chew shopping spree, then give her two or three to play with at a time. Rotating the available toys every few days will keep things novel and interesting for her.
5. Spend lots of time in active supervision. Yes, it might be easier for you to just keep her penned up in her crate, run, or the yard - but that's boring and horrible for her, and hardly much fun for you either (if you wanted a pet that you don't need to interact with, you'd have got a goldfish, right?) She can't learn what you expect of her if she's spending all her time boxed up in the dog-proof zone: she needs the opportunity to explore the boundaries of your expectations, so she can understand what's appropriate and what's not.
6. When you catch her chewing something inappropriate, interrupt her by making a loud noise: clap your hands or make an "Ah-ah-aaaah!" noise. Then, immediately hand her a tasty and dog-appropriate alternative (a rawhide bone or other chew toy); as soon as her jaws close around it, praise her lavishly. There is no better way to get your dog to understand that chewing "her" toys equals praise from you, but everything else equals trouble.
- Maintain a productive attitude -
Above all, remember to keep your expectations realistic. You're not perfect, and neither is your dog: there's likely to be at least one incident where a cherished item is damaged by her curiosity.
Particularly in the early stages of your relationship, she's still learning the ropes: it'll take awhile before she's completely reliable (and even then, if she's left by herself for too long or feels neglected, she may choose your stuff over hers to occupy her time and jaws with.) Remember to give her time to learn the rules, and plenty of 'you-time' to help her learn faster - and don't forget to take precautions and keep things out of reach until she's got the hang of the chewing rules!
For more information on dog training techniques and how to deal with problem dog behavior (like chewing), check out SitStayFetch. It's the complete manual for dog ownership and is designed to fast-track your dog's learning.
You can visit the SitStayFetch site by clicking on the link below: http://www.kingdomofpets.com/dogobediencetraining/index.php?aff=pdmarkets&type=nohop
About the Author
I am an internet marketer for 5 years and it is an excellent way to earn a living.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Pet Beds Mean Sweet Doggie Dreams
Without a doubt, Americans pamper their dogs and cats and the simple pet bed has been transformed into a warm, plush retreat. Now if your pets are anything like mine, they prefer your bed to anything else. Given the choices in pet beds available to owners, even the most finicky dog or cat may change their behavior. Using materials that are found in bedding products for humans, pet beds have benefited from advancements in materials and technology.
Our pets are susceptible to many of the same physical maladies that affect us. As our pets get older, it is very common for them to develop conditions such as arthritis. Spinal misalignments, and the plain old aches and pains of old age can be made worse by sleeping on the wrong surface. Though not much is known about the sleep habits of the average pet, we might assume that our furry companions need quality sleep. This must be especially true for working dogs.
Twenty or so years ago, a new material was made available for human sleep systems. Originally developed for use by manned space flight crews, visco elastic memory foam is now being used extensively in the bedding industry. Not only have mattresses been made using memory foam, there are aftermarket mattress pads made from this unique product. Though it was never used in the space program, visco elastic memory foam has found its way into pet beds of all shapes and sizes. Using body heat, the foam molds around the body, providing support without creating pressure points.
The principle is very similar to that of a waterbed. Now there are waterbeds designed for pets. Pet waterbeds are very similar in design and construction to waterbeds for people. With frames, safety liners and other components, pet waterbeds can get a little complicated. Like a hybrid waterbed for humans, pet waterbeds do not need a hard wood frame to support the water mattress. Accessory heaters are available for pet waterbeds that add to the comfort level. Still, memory foam pet beds offer the same comfort features as a waterbed without the assembly and maintenance.
Utilizing the tried and true innerspring, orthopedic pet mattresses offer an ailing pet, and their human companion, another sleep option. Built along the same lines as a full size mattress for humans, orthopedic pet mattresses can help ease the pain of achy joints. Removable covers allow for the bed to be kept properly cleaned and pest free.
Watch your pet dog or cat and you will notice something interesting. Like most people, animals like a warm cozy spot to rest in. Like memory foam and orthopedic pet beds, heated pet beds are gaining in popularity, and not just for the average pet. Older pets often develop the same maladies that effect humans, such as arthritis. The comfort of a heated bed or a bed topped with memory foam can be very therapeutic for pets suffering from muscular skeletal conditions.
Accessory pet bed heaters operate in much the same way as a waterbed heater. Most pet bed heaters feature a temperature control. Some pet beds designers integrate the heater into the bed. Resembling waterbed heaters, a pet bed heater can be added to an existing bed. Since your pet will not be able to tell you whether the bed is too hot or too cold, it is very important to test the temperature yourself. Dogs and cats do not sweat and it is important to never expose your pet to excess heat
So whether your pets share your bed or have one of their own, a quality pet bed can be a great investment.
About the Author
Mike O'Brien is a staff writer for the quality online store FineWebStores.com. Shop for Pet Products for your home. Please visit FineWebStores.com today.
Our pets are susceptible to many of the same physical maladies that affect us. As our pets get older, it is very common for them to develop conditions such as arthritis. Spinal misalignments, and the plain old aches and pains of old age can be made worse by sleeping on the wrong surface. Though not much is known about the sleep habits of the average pet, we might assume that our furry companions need quality sleep. This must be especially true for working dogs.
Twenty or so years ago, a new material was made available for human sleep systems. Originally developed for use by manned space flight crews, visco elastic memory foam is now being used extensively in the bedding industry. Not only have mattresses been made using memory foam, there are aftermarket mattress pads made from this unique product. Though it was never used in the space program, visco elastic memory foam has found its way into pet beds of all shapes and sizes. Using body heat, the foam molds around the body, providing support without creating pressure points.
The principle is very similar to that of a waterbed. Now there are waterbeds designed for pets. Pet waterbeds are very similar in design and construction to waterbeds for people. With frames, safety liners and other components, pet waterbeds can get a little complicated. Like a hybrid waterbed for humans, pet waterbeds do not need a hard wood frame to support the water mattress. Accessory heaters are available for pet waterbeds that add to the comfort level. Still, memory foam pet beds offer the same comfort features as a waterbed without the assembly and maintenance.
Utilizing the tried and true innerspring, orthopedic pet mattresses offer an ailing pet, and their human companion, another sleep option. Built along the same lines as a full size mattress for humans, orthopedic pet mattresses can help ease the pain of achy joints. Removable covers allow for the bed to be kept properly cleaned and pest free.
Watch your pet dog or cat and you will notice something interesting. Like most people, animals like a warm cozy spot to rest in. Like memory foam and orthopedic pet beds, heated pet beds are gaining in popularity, and not just for the average pet. Older pets often develop the same maladies that effect humans, such as arthritis. The comfort of a heated bed or a bed topped with memory foam can be very therapeutic for pets suffering from muscular skeletal conditions.
Accessory pet bed heaters operate in much the same way as a waterbed heater. Most pet bed heaters feature a temperature control. Some pet beds designers integrate the heater into the bed. Resembling waterbed heaters, a pet bed heater can be added to an existing bed. Since your pet will not be able to tell you whether the bed is too hot or too cold, it is very important to test the temperature yourself. Dogs and cats do not sweat and it is important to never expose your pet to excess heat
So whether your pets share your bed or have one of their own, a quality pet bed can be a great investment.
About the Author
Mike O'Brien is a staff writer for the quality online store FineWebStores.com. Shop for Pet Products for your home. Please visit FineWebStores.com today.
Dog Care 101
Caring for a dog is much more than just feeding it daily. One of the saddest things in the world is a neglected animal especially a doting dog. Dogs love and need bundles of attention and tender loving care. Their whole day revolves around when they can expect some love and attention from you, their owner. Basically, your dog gives you a lifetime of unconditional love, friendship, and loyalty. In return for all of his/her love and affection he/she counts on you to provide all his/her necessities such as food, water, a safe shelter, exercise, veterinary care and much more.
A good place to start when caring for your appreciative pooch is with identification tags. Outfit your pooch with a collar and ID tag that includes all your vital contact information such as your name, address, and an easily reachable telephone number. No matter how careful of an owner you are, there's always a chance your lovely companion may become lost at some point. A collar and ID tag will greatly increases the chance that you and your pet will be happily united again.
After you have collared and ID tagged your dog, you should think about vaccination. It's extremely important to follow local laws for licensing your dog and vaccinating him/her for rabies not only for your pooch but for your own well being too. A great place to look for information is your local animal shelter or humane society. These agencies can give you information regarding legal requirements, and where to have you passionate pooch vaccinated.
Not only does your doggie need vaccinating, it also needs regular check-ups with a veterinarian. A dog is just like you or I, it needs regular check-ups with his/her doctor to ensure the proper health of your pet. If you do not have a veterinarian, ask your local animal shelter or your loving pet-owning friend for a referral and check out the provided information on choosing a veterinarian.
Once you have found a veterinarian both you and your dog love, then it's important to think about spaying or neutering your dog. This always makes me think of Bob Barker and his passion for spreading the importance of spaying and neutering through word of mouth on the hit game show The Price is Right. Dogs that have this routine and minor surgery tend to live longer, be healthier, and have fewer behavioral problems such as biting, running away, and general aggression. By spaying or neutering your dog, you are also doing your part to reduce the disheartening problem of pet overpopulation.
Now that we have addressed your pet’s medical needs, you should think about proper nutrition. It is vitally important to give your pooch a balanced diet with constant and consistent access to fresh clean water. Your veterinarian can give you information about the proper type of food, and the amount that will keep your companion healthy and happy. He or she can also give you information on how often to feed your dog, because various breeds require different amounts of food.
When caring for your dog you have to think of proper shelter. A fenced yard with a doghouse is an ideal setting for your pooch. Remember that if your dog is large and active, it typically needs more space and room outside to run and play. However, dogs should never be left outside alone for extended periods of time. This all goes back to the deep down need dogs have for love and attention. Dogs truly need and crave companionship and should spend most of their time inside with the family since they are a vital family member.
Just like you or I, your dog needs plenty of exercise and movement to stay healthy. Make sure he/she gets enough exercise to keep him/her physically fit but not exhausted. Many dog owners agree that playing a game, or with use of throw toys with their canine companion, along with twice daily walks provide sufficient exercise for your pooch. If you should have any questions or concerns with this, once again it is wise to check with your loving veterinarian for their advice on the proper amount of physical activity suited to your dog. Many experts agree there is also a simple rule to remember when thinking of care for your dog off property, on leash! Even if you have a valid license for your dog, an official rabies tag, and a collar and ID tag, your companion should still be on a leash. Your dog should not be allowed to roam outside of your home or fenced yard ever. It may sound harsh but it the best bet for you, your community, and your dog to keep control of your pet at all times. The old saying better to be safe than sorry applies here.
Along with keeping your dog on a leash, many experts believe it is important to enroll your canine companion in a dog training class. Positive training will allow you to control your companion's behavior safely and humanely. Not only will this bring some control to your hands, it provides a terrific opportunity to enhance the bond you share with your pooch. The humane society, as well as your veterinarian, can provide information on reputable dog trainers.
Lastly and most importantly in thinking about proper dog care is love and lots of it! Be loyal to, loving, and patient with your faithful canine companion. Your pet needs you and loves you that is something you must remember. Make sure the expectations you have of your dog are reasonable and healthy. Also remember if you do encounter some behavioral problem, the vast majority of them can be solved with a little time, effort and supporting love. If at any time you are struggling to meet all the things that are required to love and care for your dog, you must contact your veterinarian or local animal shelter for advice and direction. If for some reason you can't handle the responsibility of loving and caring for your animal, someone else gladly can and will.
About the Author
Christine Beals is a professional writer who provides information for That Dog Blog where you'll find information on Greyhounds and other dog breeds. That Dog Blog is a part of the Go! Blog Network.
A good place to start when caring for your appreciative pooch is with identification tags. Outfit your pooch with a collar and ID tag that includes all your vital contact information such as your name, address, and an easily reachable telephone number. No matter how careful of an owner you are, there's always a chance your lovely companion may become lost at some point. A collar and ID tag will greatly increases the chance that you and your pet will be happily united again.
After you have collared and ID tagged your dog, you should think about vaccination. It's extremely important to follow local laws for licensing your dog and vaccinating him/her for rabies not only for your pooch but for your own well being too. A great place to look for information is your local animal shelter or humane society. These agencies can give you information regarding legal requirements, and where to have you passionate pooch vaccinated.
Not only does your doggie need vaccinating, it also needs regular check-ups with a veterinarian. A dog is just like you or I, it needs regular check-ups with his/her doctor to ensure the proper health of your pet. If you do not have a veterinarian, ask your local animal shelter or your loving pet-owning friend for a referral and check out the provided information on choosing a veterinarian.
Once you have found a veterinarian both you and your dog love, then it's important to think about spaying or neutering your dog. This always makes me think of Bob Barker and his passion for spreading the importance of spaying and neutering through word of mouth on the hit game show The Price is Right. Dogs that have this routine and minor surgery tend to live longer, be healthier, and have fewer behavioral problems such as biting, running away, and general aggression. By spaying or neutering your dog, you are also doing your part to reduce the disheartening problem of pet overpopulation.
Now that we have addressed your pet’s medical needs, you should think about proper nutrition. It is vitally important to give your pooch a balanced diet with constant and consistent access to fresh clean water. Your veterinarian can give you information about the proper type of food, and the amount that will keep your companion healthy and happy. He or she can also give you information on how often to feed your dog, because various breeds require different amounts of food.
When caring for your dog you have to think of proper shelter. A fenced yard with a doghouse is an ideal setting for your pooch. Remember that if your dog is large and active, it typically needs more space and room outside to run and play. However, dogs should never be left outside alone for extended periods of time. This all goes back to the deep down need dogs have for love and attention. Dogs truly need and crave companionship and should spend most of their time inside with the family since they are a vital family member.
Just like you or I, your dog needs plenty of exercise and movement to stay healthy. Make sure he/she gets enough exercise to keep him/her physically fit but not exhausted. Many dog owners agree that playing a game, or with use of throw toys with their canine companion, along with twice daily walks provide sufficient exercise for your pooch. If you should have any questions or concerns with this, once again it is wise to check with your loving veterinarian for their advice on the proper amount of physical activity suited to your dog. Many experts agree there is also a simple rule to remember when thinking of care for your dog off property, on leash! Even if you have a valid license for your dog, an official rabies tag, and a collar and ID tag, your companion should still be on a leash. Your dog should not be allowed to roam outside of your home or fenced yard ever. It may sound harsh but it the best bet for you, your community, and your dog to keep control of your pet at all times. The old saying better to be safe than sorry applies here.
Along with keeping your dog on a leash, many experts believe it is important to enroll your canine companion in a dog training class. Positive training will allow you to control your companion's behavior safely and humanely. Not only will this bring some control to your hands, it provides a terrific opportunity to enhance the bond you share with your pooch. The humane society, as well as your veterinarian, can provide information on reputable dog trainers.
Lastly and most importantly in thinking about proper dog care is love and lots of it! Be loyal to, loving, and patient with your faithful canine companion. Your pet needs you and loves you that is something you must remember. Make sure the expectations you have of your dog are reasonable and healthy. Also remember if you do encounter some behavioral problem, the vast majority of them can be solved with a little time, effort and supporting love. If at any time you are struggling to meet all the things that are required to love and care for your dog, you must contact your veterinarian or local animal shelter for advice and direction. If for some reason you can't handle the responsibility of loving and caring for your animal, someone else gladly can and will.
About the Author
Christine Beals is a professional writer who provides information for That Dog Blog where you'll find information on Greyhounds and other dog breeds. That Dog Blog is a part of the Go! Blog Network.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Keep Your Dog Happy and In Shape with Dog Toys
If you have a puppy, you'll know that they think everything is a toy, even shoes. Whether you make or buy your dog toys, the main thing is that they need dog toys to help them stay healthy. Toys can strengthen teeth through pulling and keep them in shape when they chase after a dog toy, whether it is a Frisbee, rope toy, or what have you.
Making Your Own Dog Toys
If you do decide to make your dog toys, make sure that they don't contain anything that could be harmful to your pet if ingested. Tie up an old sock, make sure they're clean first, and it can become a pull toy. If your dog repeatedly attacks something of yours, you can either try to train your dog to leave it or give it to your dog. Our puppy used to repeatedly attack a pair of slippers that had a bell on them, no matter what we did, she would find it. We finally gave up and gave her the slipper. She loved it and it actually had to be sewn together a couple of times. Even though she went after the slippers, she left everything else alone after that. If your pup goes after something that you do not want her to, a great way to train your dog is to simply take the item away and give a verbal correction and then immediately replace the item with an acceptable puppy toy. After your pup starts playing with the new dog toy give a significant amount of verbal praise. It might take a few tries but most puppies will get the idea pretty quickly, especially if you are consistent.
Purchasing Dog Toys
If you decide to buy your dog toys, you’ll find that there are simple toys, such as pull toys and chew toys, and more complex ones, such as interactive dog dogs. Dog chew toys are simple, usually made of rubber and they sometimes squeak. They can come in the shape of a bone, cat or even rubber chicken. Plush dog toys are softer than rubber chew toys and also squeak when squeezed. You’ll find that your dog will usually have a few favorite toys, so buy a few in different shapes, sizes, and colors so that they have more to choose from. In general it is worth the extra few dollars to buy a better dog toy than to spend next to nothing on an inferior toy. Cheaply made toys will come apart easily and at the very least are a pain to clean up and in a worst case, potentially harmful to you dog.
Interactive Dog Toys
While simple toys help a dog physically, interactive dog toys can help a dog mentally. There are toys that allow you to hide a treat beneath it. Your dog has to move the coverings in order to find the treat. Dogs will quickly learn to move cups, blocks, dicks, and other coverings in order to get their reward. Both simple and complex dog toys will keep your dog healthy and fit both mentally and physically.
Dog Treats
Dog treats come in handy when training your dog and are also useful in keep their teeth healthy. When your dog obeys you, you’ll find that using a treat will help them remember this behavior and will be more likely to repeat it in the future. While you might use treats more often when you are first training your dog, you can slowly wean them off and instead pet them and play with them as a reward. Even if you use dog treats less during training, they are still valuable for your dog's health. More and more dog treats are made with your dog’s health in mind. Dog treats can help keep your dog’s teeth and gums healthy. Zukes are great example. They’re natural and made with healthy ingredients and have different flavors, such as chicken or beef. Zukes also come in forms that are specially made to keep your dog’s hips strong or others that are made to keep your dog’s teeth strong and clean. If you decide to buy dog treats, make sure they’re as natural as possible and if possible, don’t contain artificial ingredients.
Although dog toys and treats may seem like luxury items, they are key to keeping your dog active and healthy. There are simple and complex versions of both available, so try a variety until your find what your dog likes best.
About the Author
Hans is the owner of http://www.lucysdoghouse.net and is a life long dog owner. Lucy's Dog House offers a wide selection of dog chew toys, dog beds and much more to make your dog's life happier and healthier. A percentage of all sales goes to support Great Dane Rescues.
Making Your Own Dog Toys
If you do decide to make your dog toys, make sure that they don't contain anything that could be harmful to your pet if ingested. Tie up an old sock, make sure they're clean first, and it can become a pull toy. If your dog repeatedly attacks something of yours, you can either try to train your dog to leave it or give it to your dog. Our puppy used to repeatedly attack a pair of slippers that had a bell on them, no matter what we did, she would find it. We finally gave up and gave her the slipper. She loved it and it actually had to be sewn together a couple of times. Even though she went after the slippers, she left everything else alone after that. If your pup goes after something that you do not want her to, a great way to train your dog is to simply take the item away and give a verbal correction and then immediately replace the item with an acceptable puppy toy. After your pup starts playing with the new dog toy give a significant amount of verbal praise. It might take a few tries but most puppies will get the idea pretty quickly, especially if you are consistent.
Purchasing Dog Toys
If you decide to buy your dog toys, you’ll find that there are simple toys, such as pull toys and chew toys, and more complex ones, such as interactive dog dogs. Dog chew toys are simple, usually made of rubber and they sometimes squeak. They can come in the shape of a bone, cat or even rubber chicken. Plush dog toys are softer than rubber chew toys and also squeak when squeezed. You’ll find that your dog will usually have a few favorite toys, so buy a few in different shapes, sizes, and colors so that they have more to choose from. In general it is worth the extra few dollars to buy a better dog toy than to spend next to nothing on an inferior toy. Cheaply made toys will come apart easily and at the very least are a pain to clean up and in a worst case, potentially harmful to you dog.
Interactive Dog Toys
While simple toys help a dog physically, interactive dog toys can help a dog mentally. There are toys that allow you to hide a treat beneath it. Your dog has to move the coverings in order to find the treat. Dogs will quickly learn to move cups, blocks, dicks, and other coverings in order to get their reward. Both simple and complex dog toys will keep your dog healthy and fit both mentally and physically.
Dog Treats
Dog treats come in handy when training your dog and are also useful in keep their teeth healthy. When your dog obeys you, you’ll find that using a treat will help them remember this behavior and will be more likely to repeat it in the future. While you might use treats more often when you are first training your dog, you can slowly wean them off and instead pet them and play with them as a reward. Even if you use dog treats less during training, they are still valuable for your dog's health. More and more dog treats are made with your dog’s health in mind. Dog treats can help keep your dog’s teeth and gums healthy. Zukes are great example. They’re natural and made with healthy ingredients and have different flavors, such as chicken or beef. Zukes also come in forms that are specially made to keep your dog’s hips strong or others that are made to keep your dog’s teeth strong and clean. If you decide to buy dog treats, make sure they’re as natural as possible and if possible, don’t contain artificial ingredients.
Although dog toys and treats may seem like luxury items, they are key to keeping your dog active and healthy. There are simple and complex versions of both available, so try a variety until your find what your dog likes best.
About the Author
Hans is the owner of http://www.lucysdoghouse.net and is a life long dog owner. Lucy's Dog House offers a wide selection of dog chew toys, dog beds and much more to make your dog's life happier and healthier. A percentage of all sales goes to support Great Dane Rescues.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Step-by-Step Guide to Potty Train Your New Puppy
One of the most frustrating elements of acquiring a new puppy is preparing for potty training. To assist with this nagging issue, we've outlined a few of our favorite potty training techniques. The three key components to successful potty training with a new puppy are: Be Prepared, Be Consistent and Be Patient.
Be Prepared
Establish a "Potty command"
This is the phrase you'll use whenever you'd like your puppy to do his business. When taking your puppy to the designated spot where you want him to eliminate, you should stand with him and tell him "Go potty" or whatever phrase you've established as your "potty command". Having one phrase you use repeatedly will help your puppy understand what it is you are asking him to do. Important tip: make sure everyone in the family is using the same phrase (this is very important so the puppy does not become confused).
Establish an "Elimination spot"
Choose a location not too far from your door to be the designated "elimination spot". You can create a spot by outlining an 8x10 area with a clothesline. This will help to give your puppy a visual clue where you'd like him to go. Always take your puppy to the same area and give him his "potty command".
Choose a "Praise" phrase
The easiest way to teach your puppy good manners is to wait until he does something you like and reward him with kind words and a treat. Choose a "praise" phrase to use whenever your puppy is behaving in a way you like; such as, playing with a toy, greeting visitors nicely, lying quietly or eliminating outside. The phrase can be something as simple as "Good Boy" or "Nice job, Duke." Your puppy will very quickly associate the "praise" phrase with a positive experience and want to please you. Again, make sure everyone caring for the puppy is using the same phrase.
Select a "Confinement" Area
If your puppy is not reliable in the house, don't leave him unattended. Whenever you cannot supervise your puppy, he should be confined to an area small enough he won't want to eliminate there. It should be just big enough for him to comfortably stand, lie down and turn around in. This area could be a portion of a laundry room or bathroom blocked off by baby gates or a dog crate or kennel. Remember to immediately take your puppy outside to potty after spending extended time in his "confinement" area.
Be consistent
Be aware that young puppies physically need to eliminate every 2-4 hours. Establishing a consistent routine for your puppy is critical. Initially, you should take the puppy outside at least every 2 hours, immediately after he wakes from his nap or is released from his confinement area and about ½ hour after eating. As you get to know your puppy better you'll recognize the signs your pup needs to relieve himself and can reduce the number of trips necessary. When your pup is playing in the house, keep a close eye on him. If he starts to sniff around or turn in circles - pick him up and carry him to the spot where you'd like him to eliminate, give him the "potty command" and stay with him until he relieves himself. Once he does, immediately congratulate him with his "praise" phrase and a tasty teat. Don't wait until you've returned to the house. Immediate gratification reassures the puppy this is the behavior you want from him. If you aren't able to attend to your puppy every 2-4 hours, enlist in the help of a local pet sitter. He/she can help visit your pup whenever you are not available and decrease the time it may take to get your new pup potty trained.
Be Patient
If your puppy does have an accident, don't punish him or rub his nose in the waste, doing so will only make the pup afraid to eliminate in your presence. Your puppy didn't make a mistake -you did! Remember, when your puppy is not confined, you should be supervising him. If you catch him in the act, carry him outside immediately and give the "potty command". If he finishes outside, praise and treat him as you normally would. If you discover an accident after the fact, do nothing except clean the spot with a good enzymatic cleaner so it isn't labeled as a "potty place" and supervise your puppy more closely.
If you make all the necessary preparations, remain consistent with your training techniques and stay patient with your pup -he should be potty trained in no time!
Lee Anne Emig is the founder of The Pet Sitting Institute. She owned a successful pet sitting business and is the author of several pet care articles. The Pet Sitting Institute offers proven, easy to use products to help people start the business of their dreams and succeed in pet sitting. Visit http://www.PetSittingInstitute.com for more information.
Be Prepared
Establish a "Potty command"
This is the phrase you'll use whenever you'd like your puppy to do his business. When taking your puppy to the designated spot where you want him to eliminate, you should stand with him and tell him "Go potty" or whatever phrase you've established as your "potty command". Having one phrase you use repeatedly will help your puppy understand what it is you are asking him to do. Important tip: make sure everyone in the family is using the same phrase (this is very important so the puppy does not become confused).
Establish an "Elimination spot"
Choose a location not too far from your door to be the designated "elimination spot". You can create a spot by outlining an 8x10 area with a clothesline. This will help to give your puppy a visual clue where you'd like him to go. Always take your puppy to the same area and give him his "potty command".
Choose a "Praise" phrase
The easiest way to teach your puppy good manners is to wait until he does something you like and reward him with kind words and a treat. Choose a "praise" phrase to use whenever your puppy is behaving in a way you like; such as, playing with a toy, greeting visitors nicely, lying quietly or eliminating outside. The phrase can be something as simple as "Good Boy" or "Nice job, Duke." Your puppy will very quickly associate the "praise" phrase with a positive experience and want to please you. Again, make sure everyone caring for the puppy is using the same phrase.
Select a "Confinement" Area
If your puppy is not reliable in the house, don't leave him unattended. Whenever you cannot supervise your puppy, he should be confined to an area small enough he won't want to eliminate there. It should be just big enough for him to comfortably stand, lie down and turn around in. This area could be a portion of a laundry room or bathroom blocked off by baby gates or a dog crate or kennel. Remember to immediately take your puppy outside to potty after spending extended time in his "confinement" area.
Be consistent
Be aware that young puppies physically need to eliminate every 2-4 hours. Establishing a consistent routine for your puppy is critical. Initially, you should take the puppy outside at least every 2 hours, immediately after he wakes from his nap or is released from his confinement area and about ½ hour after eating. As you get to know your puppy better you'll recognize the signs your pup needs to relieve himself and can reduce the number of trips necessary. When your pup is playing in the house, keep a close eye on him. If he starts to sniff around or turn in circles - pick him up and carry him to the spot where you'd like him to eliminate, give him the "potty command" and stay with him until he relieves himself. Once he does, immediately congratulate him with his "praise" phrase and a tasty teat. Don't wait until you've returned to the house. Immediate gratification reassures the puppy this is the behavior you want from him. If you aren't able to attend to your puppy every 2-4 hours, enlist in the help of a local pet sitter. He/she can help visit your pup whenever you are not available and decrease the time it may take to get your new pup potty trained.
Be Patient
If your puppy does have an accident, don't punish him or rub his nose in the waste, doing so will only make the pup afraid to eliminate in your presence. Your puppy didn't make a mistake -you did! Remember, when your puppy is not confined, you should be supervising him. If you catch him in the act, carry him outside immediately and give the "potty command". If he finishes outside, praise and treat him as you normally would. If you discover an accident after the fact, do nothing except clean the spot with a good enzymatic cleaner so it isn't labeled as a "potty place" and supervise your puppy more closely.
If you make all the necessary preparations, remain consistent with your training techniques and stay patient with your pup -he should be potty trained in no time!
Lee Anne Emig is the founder of The Pet Sitting Institute. She owned a successful pet sitting business and is the author of several pet care articles. The Pet Sitting Institute offers proven, easy to use products to help people start the business of their dreams and succeed in pet sitting. Visit http://www.PetSittingInstitute.com for more information.
Puppy Home Training - Important Essentials
You'll find that when teaching the command "stay", it will require considerable practice for success. Teaching him to stay in a seated position or lying down will be best. With repetition, say the command "stay" and then slowly moving backwards from your puppy with incremental baby steps. Only move away far enough to where you think your puppy can be successful. As time goes on, you should eventually be able to move about anywhere while your puppy stays in place on command. When learning this command, remember to go back to the dog while he continually succeeds in his stay position. Reward him with praise if he continues this position.
If there is any way to become pack leader of your puppy, it will probably be walking. It is likely that your puppy will not know how to walk at first. Having a collar and leash on might seem foreign to him. As you continually go through the process, he will learn to accept both the leash and collar. When walking your puppy, whether or not to use the command "heel" is beside the point. For the dog to walk beside you and not roam around or pull on the leash, you don't have to use the word heel. Walking at a brisk pace while also not letting your dog check out every tree or smell coming his way, will help you on your way to having your puppy walk beside you. Use a relaxed leash hold while also being quick to give a slight jerk to the side of the neck whenever he strays his focus from going directly forward. When you walk your dog you almost have to think like you're on a mission. Dogs are used to walking in packs. In this case you are part of your dog's pack.
Actually, as part of the pack you have to be the pack leader. To encourage this position over your dog, walk proudly with chest out and slightly in front of your puppy with slack in your leash. Your puppy should be positioned to your side and never in front. Again, move forward as on a mission to get from one place to another in a working kind of mode. Your dog will soon understand that this is part of his work for him to carry out. There's a time for walking and a time for smelling, pottying, and any other tangent activity your dog wants to do. If your dog needs to potty, wait till the end of the walk.
One of these essential puppy home training commands that dogs can pick up really quickly is the "sit" command. Simply say the command "sit" while gently pushing your dog's butt to the ground. Praise him afterwards either with a small treat, high-pitched voice praise, and/or a nice massage on his favorite spot. Repeating this many times will soon help your dog to know what to do when he hears "sit".
These three training scenarios will make great inroads to keeping your dog problem free. Various problems might come up along the way, but having your dog respect you will help a lot in avoiding various bad behaviors.
Checkout further information on dog training for the home and puppy crate training by going to this dog obedience training website.
If there is any way to become pack leader of your puppy, it will probably be walking. It is likely that your puppy will not know how to walk at first. Having a collar and leash on might seem foreign to him. As you continually go through the process, he will learn to accept both the leash and collar. When walking your puppy, whether or not to use the command "heel" is beside the point. For the dog to walk beside you and not roam around or pull on the leash, you don't have to use the word heel. Walking at a brisk pace while also not letting your dog check out every tree or smell coming his way, will help you on your way to having your puppy walk beside you. Use a relaxed leash hold while also being quick to give a slight jerk to the side of the neck whenever he strays his focus from going directly forward. When you walk your dog you almost have to think like you're on a mission. Dogs are used to walking in packs. In this case you are part of your dog's pack.
Actually, as part of the pack you have to be the pack leader. To encourage this position over your dog, walk proudly with chest out and slightly in front of your puppy with slack in your leash. Your puppy should be positioned to your side and never in front. Again, move forward as on a mission to get from one place to another in a working kind of mode. Your dog will soon understand that this is part of his work for him to carry out. There's a time for walking and a time for smelling, pottying, and any other tangent activity your dog wants to do. If your dog needs to potty, wait till the end of the walk.
One of these essential puppy home training commands that dogs can pick up really quickly is the "sit" command. Simply say the command "sit" while gently pushing your dog's butt to the ground. Praise him afterwards either with a small treat, high-pitched voice praise, and/or a nice massage on his favorite spot. Repeating this many times will soon help your dog to know what to do when he hears "sit".
These three training scenarios will make great inroads to keeping your dog problem free. Various problems might come up along the way, but having your dog respect you will help a lot in avoiding various bad behaviors.
Checkout further information on dog training for the home and puppy crate training by going to this dog obedience training website.
Should You Start With A Puppy?
Oh the feel of soft puppy fur, sloppy wet licks and warm cuddling! A puppy melts the hearts and softens the wallets as adults who swear they don't need a dog end up with a puppy before they can say, "What just happened here?"
There's something magical about bringing home a little fur ball that needs you as much as an infant does. It's an opportunity to train the dog from an early age to fit your environment and lifestyle.
If you have children, you can show them how to be gentle in caring for the puppy. They will have wonderful memories of growing up with the puppy. Beyond these lovely images are the other realities of bringing home a puppy - such as paper training, walking on a leash, chewing toys instead of designer shoes and other typical puppy behaviors that drive owners to the brink of insanity.
Yes, a puppy is precious, but also very needy. You'll spend far more time with that puppy in the early months that you would with an older dog. The shelters are crowded with dogs - many just a few months out of puppy phase.
Due to the breed or the dog's history, the seller or adoption facility will advise you which dogs are best for families with children and which dogs need to be around adults. You'll know immediately what the dog's full size is and whether that fits your living space.
You can visit the dog and take him for a walk before making up your mind. When you're evaluating a litter of puppies from a breeder, make sure you get to "meet" mom and dad. You want to know what your puppy will grow up to be like when it's older.
A puppy is going to adjust to your home better than an older dog, but that doesn't mean the older dog won't love your home, too. Puppies and older dogs each have their own specific requirements.
A puppy has to be trained from square one. An older dog might already be trained, but could have more vet bills if it's not a completely healthy older dog. Or, it might be an old dog who doesn't enjoy being around children anymore.
Depending on your reasons for getting a new dog, you might be able to provide a loving home to a shelter dog who's a bit older than paying a lot of money for a purebred puppy. But if showing or breeding is your goal, a puppy with papers might suit your needs more.
If you have or are getting a new puppy, make sure you check out these puppy training tips at DogObedienceTraining123.com.
There's something magical about bringing home a little fur ball that needs you as much as an infant does. It's an opportunity to train the dog from an early age to fit your environment and lifestyle.
If you have children, you can show them how to be gentle in caring for the puppy. They will have wonderful memories of growing up with the puppy. Beyond these lovely images are the other realities of bringing home a puppy - such as paper training, walking on a leash, chewing toys instead of designer shoes and other typical puppy behaviors that drive owners to the brink of insanity.
Yes, a puppy is precious, but also very needy. You'll spend far more time with that puppy in the early months that you would with an older dog. The shelters are crowded with dogs - many just a few months out of puppy phase.
Due to the breed or the dog's history, the seller or adoption facility will advise you which dogs are best for families with children and which dogs need to be around adults. You'll know immediately what the dog's full size is and whether that fits your living space.
You can visit the dog and take him for a walk before making up your mind. When you're evaluating a litter of puppies from a breeder, make sure you get to "meet" mom and dad. You want to know what your puppy will grow up to be like when it's older.
A puppy is going to adjust to your home better than an older dog, but that doesn't mean the older dog won't love your home, too. Puppies and older dogs each have their own specific requirements.
A puppy has to be trained from square one. An older dog might already be trained, but could have more vet bills if it's not a completely healthy older dog. Or, it might be an old dog who doesn't enjoy being around children anymore.
Depending on your reasons for getting a new dog, you might be able to provide a loving home to a shelter dog who's a bit older than paying a lot of money for a purebred puppy. But if showing or breeding is your goal, a puppy with papers might suit your needs more.
If you have or are getting a new puppy, make sure you check out these puppy training tips at DogObedienceTraining123.com.
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