Dog Training

The following are general guidelines in crate training your puppy. Each pet is different and may require different techniques, but these guidelines should help to get you started with crate training your puppy.

INTRODUCE YOUR PUPPY TO THE CRATE

Introduce your puppy from the start to his new “home”. Almost without trying he will train himself to seek security and comfort inside his little “dog room”. Encourage your puppy to go into his home on his own. If necessary, toss a little treat in the home. DON’T FORCE HIM! He may quickly back out or be shy, but that is normal. Just take it slowly. At first don’t close the door on him, let him go in and out on his own. Once he is happy and unafraid of his new home, simply restrain him at the door with your hand. Make him stay in the home for a few minutes, then gradually increase the time and be sure to praise him! Once he is comfortable with this (probably a few hours or days of short training sessions), simply restrain him at the door with the door–again giving him a lot of praise. Soon he will be secure in his home with the door closed. Slowly you can get further and further away from him, always praising his accepting behavior. Eventually the puppy will sit quietly and sleep in his home with the door closed. Sometimes it is helpful to have his favorite toy or special pillow/blanket in with him.

NOTE: When selecting a crate, be sure to select a crate that will grow with your puppy. You can purchase divider panels if your puppy will grow to be a large adult. This way your puppy can feel safe and secure in one part of the crate and not eliminate in his area.

POTTY BREAKS

Understand that little puppies need to “go” about every 2-4 hours. On a schedule (such as after feeding, before bedtime, first thing in the morning) let your puppy out, teach him the way to the door, praise him at the door, and take him out to the part of the yard you want him to use. Very quickly, you are teaching him an elimination schedule that will stay with him for the rest of his life.

As your puppy gets older (4-6 months) you can gradually leave him in his home for longer periods of time because he can “hold it” longer. Sooner he can be home in his home all day, if necessary, until someone arrives to let him out.

David
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/how-to-crate-train-your-puppy-59158.html

Hello,
i’m just wondering if anyone can give me a site or advice about crate/ potty training my puppy 5/12 old
she’s 5/12 months old and half of the time goes outside and other times in the house right by the front door, i can take her out for 30 mins at times and nothing but then 5 mins in the house she’s pooping down by the door, isn’t she suppose to get it by now lol

One of the best house training articles I’ve read is this one:

http://leerburg.com/housebrk.htm

Good luck! If you don’t like crate training, you can try the clicker method:

http://clickertraining.com/housetraining

http://clickertraining.com/node/1171

You can also try the tethering method which is when you tie your dog’s leash to your waist (of course with the dog clipped to the leash). Whenever you see her showing signs of looking for a place to pee (eg. circling, sniffing) , say "outside" and rush her outside to go pee. Eventually she’ll get the concept and you can start saying "outside" and she might be hesitant to go outside since she doesn’t need to go.

If you ever catch her in the act, correct her with a firm, low-toned "NO" (you can also "bite" her in the neck softly with your fingers) and rush her outside to finish. That is ONLY when you know she is about to pee or poo or when she is in the middle.

IMO, I think the crate method is the most efficient and the dogs seem to get the concept better.

Selecting A Dog Bed by Kevin Gawricki

Some general guidelines for selecting a bed for your dog.

Crate Trained Dog

If you are crate training a pup use a soft blanket or towels until pup is ready for a bed.
A crate pad is the best way to go. It offers a plush bumper all around the bed which provides cushioning from the crate.
Always remember to measure your crate to assure proper fit.
Machine washable is also a good feature that makes keeping your pet’s bed fresh and clean easier.

Senior Dogs

Some senior dogs will prefer the orthopedic dog beds. They are made from high density foam that will help to cushion sore joints and muscles.

Easy to Clean

Beds that are machine washable offer a easy way to keep your pet’s bed fresh and clean.
Beds that are not machine washable should offer at least a removable cover that can be easily washed.

Consider How Your Pet Likes to Sleep

If your pet likes to stretch out , than consider a longer bed.
Does your pet like to rest his/her head on something. Than consider a bed with some type of bumper.
Does your pet like to curl up while he/she sleeps. Than consider an oval, round, or snuggle bed.
Does your pet need to be above the floor, consider a raised bed.

With these general guidelines and a little thought you are sure to get a bed that will be a perfect fit for your pet.

Kevin is owner of Dog Gone Good Stuff which he founded because of the need for a place that caters specifically to dogs and their owners specific needs. Please feel free to visit Dog Gone Good Stuff for all your dogs needs. Web address www.doggonegoodstuff.com

Kevin Gawricki
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/selecting-a-dog-bed-62284.html

Shih Tzu puppies get plenty of exercise with their littermates before leaving all behind for new homes. Once a Shih Tzu puppy is in his new home, has reached the age of four months and is fully vaccinated he should be taken for walks. Start out slow with your walks. This is the time you want to start lead training your new Shih Tzu puppy. A lot of his exercise should still come freely around his new home and in the backyard so he has the opportunity to rest at will. Allow him to wear a collar most of the time (never in a cage or crate). Add a leash as he exercises around his new home to get him use to the new gear. From time to time casually pick up the leash and allow your puppy to follow behind you. Eventually, you will be able to walk with the Shih Tzu puppy by your side on official walks through the woods or any favorite place you have to walk. A bond of love will develop from these little walks with your new Shih Tzu puppy as he and you exercise together.

A young Shih Tzu puppy can make a good start toward socialization when he has learned to play with his new owner. He should also be handled by all the members of his new family as well as visitors. He should now begin to relax and learn to tolerate grooming. Before he has received all vaccinations you really need to limit his contact with other animals and humans. By the time the Shih Tzu puppy is four months old, however, he should be fully vaccinated and ready to acquire socialization skills. It is in the best interest of the Shih Tzu puppy for the breeder to follow these same rules – to limit exposure to other animals and other people until the Shih Tzu puppy is fully vaccinated. Therefore, many Shih Tzu puppies sold at the young age of eight and nine weeks should have only had contact with their littermates, their mother and the breeder.

If you are lucky enough to live in an area where puppy classes are held, please take advantage. These classes can do a world of good for a young Shih Tzu puppy.

In the final phase of puppy hood at six months to a year of age a Shih Tzu puppy will complete most of his physical growth. By now his second teeth should be through. Be aware that Shih Tzu puppies are a bit slow at acquiring their teeth.

The assessment for the show ring is actually best done at about one year of age. I am not sure how some show dog breeders claim they know a show quality Shih Tzu puppy and thus mark the price up because of these so called show qualities. However, many show dog breeders claim they have this insight to be able to tell a show prospect at the young age of eight weeks. From all I have read, this is quite impossible. The true age to tell whether or not a Shih Tzu is show dog material is at about one year. When show dog breeders are anxious to sell their stock at eight to twelve weeks of age based upon the claims of “show dog prospect,” with a higher price tag, be leery of this type of sale. You are probably not actually getting the show dog prospect that is being advertised to you. It is best to wait and shop around with other show dog breeders who have kept their Shih Tzu to one year and over in order to truly find a true “show dog prospect.”

Beginning at the age of six months a Shih Tzu puppy can be taken to shows if this is your interest. Please allow your Shih Tzu puppy to enjoy puppy hood before rushing him into the show ring. Don’t make Shirley Temples out of your six month old Shih Tzu if he is still quite babyish.

This article is FREE to publish with the resource box.

Connie Limon
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/when-should-you-socialize-and-start-training-your-shih-tzu-puppy-138125.html

Here are five easy to use training tips for your new puppy.

1.) Chewing Problems – The most effective solution to a
puppy chewing on something he shouldn’t is to not discipline
him, but to simply replace the object that he is chewing with a
chew toy and then to raise him greatly for chewing on his chew
toy. Positive encouragement is what a puppy will respond to the
most.

2.) House Training – The easiest way to house train your
puppy is to always take him out immediately after his meal. Wait
for him to go. Once he goes, praise him greatly. He’ll soon get
the idea that going outside is the correct thing to do.

3.) Playtime – When you are thinking about getting a
puppy, make sure you have the appropriate time to give to your
dog. Estimated necessary time is about 10-30 minutes for eating
(3 times a day), 10-30 minutes for a walk (3 times a day) and
about an hour of playtime with your dog. Most people don’t
realize the amount of time that a healthy puppy will require.

4.) Dog Crates – Dog Crates can have a positive impact on
both the dog and the owner. It’ll give the dog a safe and secure
area that is very close the “den” like atmosphere that dogs had
in the wild. Once a dog is comfortable with a crate, it’ll allow
the owner to safely transport the dog and help to house train a
puppy (they won’t want to do business in their den).

5.) Hide The Chocolate – When getting ready for
halloween, make sure you keep the candy out of reach of the dog,
especially chocolate. Chocolate is very dangerous to a dog. It
can make the dog very very sick. If you suspect that your dog
has eaten chocolate, you should your veterinarian IMMEDIATELY.

For more dog
training tips like these, head over to our web site: http://Weekly-Tips.co
m/Dog-Training and sign-up for our weekly email

Todd
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/five-puppy-training-tips-3384.html

Here are five easy to use training tips for your new puppy.

1.) Chewing Problems – The most effective solution to a
puppy chewing on something he shouldn’t is to not discipline
him, but to simply replace the object that he is chewing with a
chew toy and then to raise him greatly for chewing on his chew
toy. Positive encouragement is what a puppy will respond to the
most.

2.) House Training – The easiest way to house train your
puppy is to always take him out immediately after his meal. Wait
for him to go. Once he goes, praise him greatly. He’ll soon get
the idea that going outside is the correct thing to do.

3.) Playtime – When you are thinking about getting a
puppy, make sure you have the appropriate time to give to your
dog. Estimated necessary time is about 10-30 minutes for eating
(3 times a day), 10-30 minutes for a walk (3 times a day) and
about an hour of playtime with your dog. Most people don’t
realize the amount of time that a healthy puppy will require.

4.) Dog Crates – Dog Crates can have a positive impact on
both the dog and the owner. It’ll give the dog a safe and secure
area that is very close the “den” like atmosphere that dogs had
in the wild. Once a dog is comfortable with a crate, it’ll allow
the owner to safely transport the dog and help to house train a
puppy (they won’t want to do business in their den).

5.) Hide The Chocolate – When getting ready for
halloween, make sure you keep the candy out of reach of the dog,
especially chocolate. Chocolate is very dangerous to a dog. It
can make the dog very very sick. If you suspect that your dog
has eaten chocolate, you should your veterinarian IMMEDIATELY.

For more dog
training tips like these, head over to our web site: http://Weekly-Tips.co
m/Dog-Training and sign-up for our weekly email

Todd
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/five-puppy-training-tips-3384.html

I’m getting an 8 week old puppy and how long should i wait before crait training him or like start right away. HELP ME!

Right from the start – in fact you should ask the breeder to crate your puppy with a littermate for a couple days before they leave.

Most good breeders do this, so as to introduce the crate to the puppies before they are separated from the liltter – that way, they won;t panic and connect it with being taken away. If they are crated for a couple days this way, then your puppy should be more secure and calm about being in his crate –

Ask also if you can bring a piece of fleece (or some breeders cut up one of the ones they have used) to go in with the litter for a few days,m so it smells like ‘home’.

Your puppy will feel much more secure in a crate that is covered, if it isn;t a plastic enclosed one, and that is either small enough for him, or has a divider to make it the right size. They crave a cozy, dark space that is just big enough for them…

Early morning walks, cold noses waking you up. Are you really ready for all that a dog needs? Do you know where you local veterinarian is? What kind of dog do you want? Are you ready to play pick up maid? Do you really like those shoes? How about that new white carpet you just put in? Are you very attached to it staying white? These are all things you must think of when you go to purchase or adopt a new member of your family.

A dog can be a great addition to your family as long as you are all in it together. A dog needs lots of attention and training in order to be a joy instead of a pain. Also think of the type of dog you wish to get. Do you live in an apartment? House? Condo? Do they even allow dogs? If they do then what type of dog do you want? If you live in an apartment I would not suggest getting something like a German shepard or a Newfoundland, both breeds are large and demand more room out of your small space. Think extra warm bed hog!

Does everyone in your home wish to get a dog? Who will be souly responsible for this new pet? I am guessing you since you are the one reading this. If this is the case make sure you are prepared. Giving a pet as a gift whether it is a new puppy, kitten, ferret, or bunny rabbit is never a good idea.

If you are a loving grandparent, aunt, or uncle who wishes to do so make sure you speak to the parents first, as they are most likely to end up taking care of this new addition to their family. Just remember just like children puppies grow up to be adults also. So when you buy your nine year old that new puppy finally, remember that the puppy will grow up with your child and when your child moves away to start their own family you very well may still have a dog living with you.

Dogs should not be left alone for long periods of time during a day. Going to work should be fine as long as you have a crate, but remember your dog had physical needs also. So make sure any extra curricular activities either include your dog or work around your dog. Dog walking and exercising is a serious need that most of us tend to forget about as a dog gets older. Do you have a good place to walk your dog? How about to play Frisbee or tug of war? Your dog like you and your children need exercise.

Can you afford a dog? Veterinarian bills, food, new shoes for you because you bought a puppy who likes to chew? These are all things that you need to take into account. Also do you have the time to spend on a new dog? Personal time with your new dog is always good. Get him used to you and vice versa. So you have decide that YES! You want a dog. This is great news. Did you think to check your local animal shelters? There are a lot of dogs that need to be saved and they usually come already vaccinated and either neutered or spayed.

This is always a bonus because then you do not have to pay for these services. The shelter can also steer you in the right direction, unlike a lot of pet stores, they will help you in choosing a dog best suited for you and your living situation. Maybe you have chosen to have a purebred dog. Make sure you use a reliable breeder and get all the paperwork necessary for showing your new dog at shows. You can always use your purebred dog for breeding also.

Do you choose a male or female dog? If you find your male dog is trying to dominate your household and he is unneutered, take him to your veterinarian and have him neutered. This should stop the aggressive behavior also. If your neighbors or friends have dogs this may help decide a sex for you new pup. Dog arguments have a way of spreading to the owners.

Paul P. Duxbury
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/how-to-decide-if-a-dog-is-right-for-you-93620.html

Destructive chewing is a very common problem that all dog owners face at some point. IT is important to understand that in dogs, chewing is completely natural, especially in puppies or dogs still teething.

Though this is completly normal, it becomes a problem when your dog chews on dangerous or expensive items. Also chewing can be hazardous to your dog, if a piece of chewed material gets suck in your dogs throat, it could suffocate and die.
Dog Chewing

Stop Your Dog From Chewing

Dogs Chew for many different reasons, and if you want to stop dog chewing, it is important to identify what is triggering this behavior.

What causes a dog to chew

* While teething

* Boredom

* Separation Anxiety

* Improper nutrition

* Loneliness

* Seeking attention

* High levels of energy ( lack of activity causes dogs to chew )

Chewing shoe
Solving Dog Chewing problems

* First of all “prevention is better than the cure” having a dog requires responsibility, don’t leave valuable items laying around so that your dog can get to them, unless your dog has proper obedience training.
* Chewing is natural for dogs, so provide your dogs with tasty chew toys, condition your dog to understand that if he needs to chew, that is what he chews on. Fill his chew toy with his favorite treats and reward him for chewing on it.

* Take your dog out to play, go on a walk, jog, dog park or a dog beach, give him lots of exercise, play games with him fetch, catch obedience training so that he doesn’t have so much energy bottled up inside.

* Until your dog is properly obedience trained, keep him in a confined area, a kennel, dog crate, or you can just section off a corner of your house or yard.

2009 copyright all rights reserved Doggie-Tips

Shawn Almgren
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/how-to-stop-your-dog-from-chewing-1018063.html

When it comes to training your puppy, there are a few tips to keep in mind to help guide you through the process. By following a few key points, you can maintain consistent training and avoid letting things get ruff.

If you are using the crate method for housebreaking your puppy, never leave him/her inside of the crate for more than two hours at a time. Puppies cannot control their bathroom habits yet, so make sure to let them out frequently. Your pet will soon grow to understand that he/she should go outside of the home to relieve itself and your housebreaking approach will be a success.

Never use physical punishment as a form of puppy training. This will only result in your pet being afraid or nervous when you are near. Instead, reward good behavior and ignore them if they fail to respond on command. For instance, if you instruct your puppy to “sit”, gently push down on his/her backside and repeat the command. When your puppy is seated, reward him/her with a treat and praise. If your pet refuses to sit, walk away and try again in a few minutes. Training takes time and patience, but should never involve your pet being afraid of you.

You can begin training your puppy as early as 8 weeks old. He/she may not respond immediately, but you will be building a foundation for your pet’s learning at an early age. Continue working with him/her for short intervals every day and instill positive reinforcement as you train.

Whenever you plan to attempt obedience training with your puppy, make sure that you have his/her favorite treats on hand to serve as a reward. In addition, puppy training should be approached at a time that is calm for both you and your pet. If he/she is anxious about something, it is not likely that the training attempt will be successful. Instead, your puppy should be relaxed and able to focus on the training task at hand.

If you are housebreaking your puppy, be sure to watch him/her closely during the earliest days of training. If you allow your pet to roam freely throughout the house, it is especially important to be mindful of their whereabouts. If your puppy has an “accident” on the carpet, which is possible if he/she is unattended, catching them in the act is the only way to deter future behavior of the same. If you later find the problem spot and you verbally scold your pet, he/she will not understand or associate the “accident” with bad behavior. If you catch them in the act, however, a firm “no” will let them know that you are displeased with their actions.

When training your puppy, always be consistent in your commands. For instance, if you are attempting to teach your pet to sit, always use “sit” as your command. Avoid using alternate terms that may confuse your pet and never yell or shout your instructions as this will make your puppy feel as though he/she is being scolded. A normal, instructive tone will be much more effective in your approach to puppy training.

It’s important to realize that the amount of obedience training, housebreaking and instruction needed will largely depend on your pet. Some breeds are highly intelligent and may learn quickly according to your puppy training techniques. If your pet does not respond as quickly as you think it should, simply spend additional time working with him/her and you will have a perfectly-trained pup in no time.

Following these steps will help get you started on the right track in training your new puppy. There are many great resources for dog training available on the internet. One of the best ways to find these resources is by reading independent reviews and comparison rankings. In this way you can be confident your pet is getting best training possible.

Brian Dolezal
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/puppy-training-basics-97828.html