Posted on 09/13/2008 4:13:38 PM PDT by garbageguy
Crate training is the way to go, IMHO. Make sure that the crate is his home and never used for punishment. If done right, the crate will be his safe place and he will be happy to go “in his house” whenever you leave. Don’t leave him in the crate unnecessarily, only when you are away or asleep.
Crate training makes leaving the house much more relaxing since you will know where the puppy is and that he hasn’t destroyed the kitchen.
Another suggestion for obedience training. Every day for an hour or two, tie him on a 4-5 foot leash attached to your waist when you are in the house. That will help him learn to stay by your side and pay attention to you. This is more in the 4-8 month-old timeframe, not with a tiny puppy.
We got a Beagle puppy for my son earlier this year. He reminds me why I like cats so much....OK, he’s starting to grow on me, but it’s a pain sometimes.
Most DEFINITELY!!!!!
When you get home, he will be glad to see you, and, most importantly, you will be glad to see him because he has not destroyed your house. He hasn't chewed on the furniture or ripped up your carpeting, or chewed a hole in your wall (sheltie). Both of you will like each other so much better. Also, after a while, they consider it their "den" and will go there to sleep all on their own.
Next --- plenty of chew toys, rawhide variety. Give him something to chew other than your furniture and shoes. And speaking of shoes, the puppy wants to chew them, keep them in the closet. You are the adult, he is the puppy, it is your job to put your shoes away (ditto kids).
If you see him circling; he is looking for a place to go, pick him up and get him outside. I had a sheltie once that I trained to go in one spot in my parents backyard (although, I have never had the same luck with any other dog).
Perhaps the biggest problem with puppies is getting the spices right for full flavor, assuming it isn’t overcooked.
I tried Bitter Yuck for my shih tzu. He’s a cord chewer. It didn’t have any effect on him but I learned to always wash my hands after plugging things in.
Socialize, socialize, socialize.
You have until your pup is about 16 weeks to build the foundation for a well balanced and socialized dog.
Know your breed characteristics and be prepared to take care of that breeds needs.
Crate training is the only way to go, IMHO. I have an 11 week old German bred GSD puppy (my 11 month old Chesapeake Bay retriever recently passed away). I do have an advantage of being retired, so my guy is with me 24/7....but it took me less than a week to get him potty trained.
Have fun.....
I am buying each of their books.
I have a LEO K-9 handler friend who strongly encouraged me to buy them for my new GSD.
You have to get into a pack mentality. Hand feed the puppy, and have everyone in the family do so too. Dog learns that you are superior to them. When they misbehave, turn them upside down and hold them down, gently, by the neck & cover their eyes with your hand. Amazing, but it taught Madam proper behavior with very few repeats necessary. And, they will develop a preferred surface for potty needs, get them used to dirt, leaves, grass, where ever you want him.her to go. You might want to try a string of sleigh bells on the door. My friend's dog rubs against the chain making the bells sound when he needs to go out.
Remember, hands are for petting - I've had much better luck w/ positive reinforcement & verbal scoldings. But Madam is luckily a dog the wants to please.
He has steered you well. Just get yourself spiritually prepared for all the compliments you will receive from strangers on your dog's behalf...it can seriously undermine your humility :-)
The fastest way to potty train his is to take him out every hour or so and say “Go peepee” and praise him when he does. He will be potty trained before you know it.
The next best piece of advice would be that puppies do not respond well to anger and don't understand screaming. Be calm and firm in your discipline and generous with your praise. Make what is acceptable and unacceptable known early and often. A common mistake is to laugh at a certain antic when the dog is little, only to decide that the action is not allowed when the dog grows. Remember that as a subordinate member of the pack that the puppy wants to please you and you must provide the clear guidance.
A puppy needs to go out often and always after 1) eating and/or drinking; 2) following a play session or activity; and 3) immediately upon waking up.
Wishing you and your boys many, many years of laughter and unconditional love.
As a puppy ages, his bathroom needs will change.
We tell our clients (work in a vet’s office) that for every month old they are, that’s how long you can expect them to go b/tw potty breaks. Example: a three month old pup can go approximately 3 hrs.
Scheduling is key: going outside 20 minutes after eating and staying there until something is “produced”. First thing in the morning, and right before bedtime is a MUST.
Confinement to a small area, such as a crate, will create a sense of “den”, and give it security and a sense of it’s own space.
Enjoy it. Realize that he/she won’t be a pup forever.
Look for books, CDs, or DVDs from Cesar Milan.
I have tried some of his techniques from his show, “The Dog Whisperer”, and they work.
We have raised 3 Labs using their training tips, and we have had 3 lovely dogs.
Our best Lab was one we got from a private owner/breeder. She let us do the tests that the book recommends, and our big guy (soon to turn 12) was everything the tests predicted. Professional breeders usually resist those tests, though our young guy (soon to turn 10) is as big a goofball as, I would think. the tests would have predicted.
Good luck!!
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