One of the most difficult hurdles that any new puppy owner faces is housebreaking or as it is sometimes also referred to; potty training or doing business. Although there is no tactic that comes with a 100% guarantee, one of the most successful methods is crate training. Crate training can drastically reduce the amount of stress on the owner and the puppy that often comes with training the new four-legged member of your family.

So what is a crate? It is a cage that is usually made of plastic or wire. Wire ones are collapsible and the puppy has a great view of his surroundings. The plastic crates are lightweight and easy to clean and tend to be the most commonly used. Either can be purchased at a department or pet store. When purchasing a crate you must make sure there is enough room for the puppy to stretch right out and to stand erect. Make sure the crate is not too big though or all your potty training efforts in vain because the puppy will be able to do her business in one end and sleep in the other.

Crates can also be used for a variety of other things than just potty training. It provides the “den” security that can be traced back to their ancestors. It provides a place that is safe and cozy for the puppy. Putting the puppy in the crate when there is company or a lot of activity going on it saves her from all the reprimands from getting in the way. It is great for travelling. When you have to leave the puppy home putting her in her crate will save you from coming home to a disaster. It is also great for your puppy to sleep in through the night without the owner having to worry about her roaming around and possibly injuring herself. Puppies however, should NEVER be left alone in their crate for extended periods of time.

What makes the crate method of potty training so effective is because a puppy will not soil where it sleeps. However if you leave the puppy in the crate for too long it will have to do business and you will set your potty training efforts back to the beginning. The most important things you need to remember about crate training are consistency and routine and lots and lots of rewards. A crate is used differently to potty train then if you have to go out and you are leaving her home alone. When you are leaving your puppy home you have to put the crate in a small area, for example a bathroom and leave the crate door open with newspapers down for the puppy to do her business. Once the puppy is older and has good bladder and bowel control you can leave it in the crate but preferably not longer than 4 hours. However for potty training your puppy should stay in the crate then taken out frequently to the area that she is suppose to do her business. This can be either outside or on newspapers. For a very new puppy take her out to do her business every half-hour then after 8 weeks every hour. When the puppy goes potty where she is suppose to you can reward her with treats and lots of praise and maybe leave her out to play for awhile before putting her back in. If she does not go within around 10 minutes just put her back in her crate and try again later. If you keep a record of when your puppy goes, for instance how long after she eats or naps then you will know when to let her out and she can have more and more time left out to play. The crate will also help puppies learn bladder and bowel control.

A great idea is to either say something like “go potty” or “do your business” when you put her outside or on newspaper then when she hears those words she’ll know it is time to go out. Also if you have something for her to scratch or ring or push she will learn as she gets older that that is what she needs to do to let you know that she needs to go out. Puppies want very much to please you so training them, as puppies will make things much easier for you and her as she gets older.

Of course when the puppy is initially introduced into the crate there will be lots of whining. This is not the sort of behavior you want to encourage or reward with attention. When she quiets down then you can take her out for a little playtime but the whining should be ignored. The crate should be kept in an area where she will not be alone and can be part of the family then at night take her into the bedroom with you. Be sure to have a soft blanket and a snuggle toy in the crate with her. I often put a blanket over the crate to give the puppy a very secure feeling. In the beginning you will have to get up a few times during the night to let her out but take a deep breath (or a nap) because this really will not last forever. I have seen puppies sleep through the night at 8 weeks.

Successful crate training requires commitment on the part of you the owner and it definitely is work. However, the reward in the end will make it more than worth the effort.

Cass Hope has been a writer for over 5years. Cass regularly contributes to online and offline publications in a variety of areas. She also teaches classes in basic obedience for puppies. She is currently sponsoring this site: 1st4dog-training.info 1st4dog-training.info

(for web reprints please ensure this URL is hyperlinked)

Related posts

• Why it’s Important For New Dog Owners to Take Dog Training Seriously (0)
• Potty Training a Puppy (0)
• Paper Training A Dog - 10 Practical Tips (0)
• Dogs - Crate Training (0)
• Dog Training Crate - How To Get Started And Make It Work! (0)

Tags: potty training, whining

Whining is one of the earliest vocal behaviorisms of puppies. Its first significance appears to be related to the stress of social isolation, cold and hunger. When whining becomes a problem in a pet under 6 months of age, the cause is usually easily determined by defining when and where it occurs.

Why does your dog whine?

A pup whines to gain some objective. For example, the pup that is isolated in the kitchen on its first nights in a new home finds that sufficient whining gains the sympathy of the owners, who may then carry the pet into bed with them. This puppy often generalizes its whining to many other of life’s frustrating stresses, and whines for relief. Another cause may be a genuine internal physical discomfort, such as gastritis or internal parasitism. If a problem whiner has not been thoroughly checked by its veterinarian for health problems, this should be done before any remedial behavioral steps are undertaken.

Certain Arctic breeds (Malamutes and Huskies) and some strains of German Shepherds are apt to emit an excruciatingly piercing whine whenever they are anxious. This type of anxiety whining is more complex and requires careful attention to the relationship between the owners and the pet involved than the simpler forms usually shown by young puppies.

How can you stop your dog from whining?

In the simplest type of whining, that which is goal oriented, correction is straightforward: satisfy the need. However, if isolation is the cause, the problem must be solved with the same steps applied in barking.

The owner should stop isolating the pup, or, if this is impossible, gain a strong leadership position with the pup and use some distracting stimulus to interrupt the first signs of anxiety when the pet is isolated. This type of correction requires some play acting. The owner must pretend to be going off to work even on the weekends, and start the workday an hour earlier than usual to allow enough time for the correction procedure.

When whining results from generalized anxiety, the pup involved is typically a “bossy” type. These pups whine when the owner’s attentions are withdrawn. They seem generally discontent in any situation they cannot control, such as car rides, when the owners have company and try to ignore the pup, or when the owner tries to make a telephone call. In other words, these pets become the canine counterparts of human children best described as spoiled brats.

Correction in these pups involves the owner’s gaining response to simple commands, such as “Come,” “Sit” and “Stay.” The puppy must be ignored at all other times insofar as praise, petting or other unearned social (or food) rewards are concerned. If the pup pesters for attention, it is immediately given one of the commands taught and then petted briefly. This teaches the puppy that the owners are in control of the relationship and avoids physical punishment, a step that is usually unsuccessful.

For information and tips on dogcaretraining.com/index.php/112/how-to-give-your-dog-home-made-enema/ enema for dogs, visit dogcaretraining.com dogcaretraining.com, a website that specializes in providing tips, advice and resources on dog care, training and health.

Related posts

• Why it’s Important For New Dog Owners to Take Dog Training Seriously (0)
• Who Really Is The Boss In Your House? (0)
• What You Should Know When You Get a Shelter Dog (0)
• What You Need To Know About Therapy Dogs (0)
• What Types Of Barking Problems Do Dogs Have? (0)

Tags: whining

Are there so many great dog breeds out there that you just can’t decide where to begin? If so, let’s break it down and sort through all the options. Over a series of 3 unscientific articles, we’ll begin by looking at the seven Groups of dogs that are acknowledged by the American Kennel Club. We’ll learn what commonalities bring various breeds together to form a Group. Learning about each Group will narrow down our search for the best Breed(s) for us.

How to Use this Guide: Highlight each piece of information that is most important to you and compare the number of highlighted traits when you have finished reading about each Group.

Group: Sporting

Group Traits: Point; Set; Retrieve; Enjoy Water; Mouthy

Likes: People; Other dogs

Dislikes: Being left alone; Not having a job

Behavior Indoors: Normal to Active

Behavior Outdoors: Active

Physicality: Moderate to High

Territoriality: Low to Moderate

Relations with Children: Very good

Relations with Strangers: Very good

Relations with Dogs: Good

Relations with Other Animals: Good to low (prey drive)

Guard dog inclinations: Low

Vocalization: Low to Medium (vocal whining when lonely)

Group: Hound

Group Traits: Visually or Scent oriented; Speed; Digger

Likes: Working

Dislikes: Boredom

Behavior Indoors: Low to moderate

Behavior Outdoors: Active

Physicality: Moderate

Territoriality: Low to moderate

Relations with Children: Good

Relations with Strangers: Good

Relations with Dogs: Good

Relations with Other Animals: May chase (prey drive)

Guard dog inclinations: Low

Vocalization: Moderate to High (high when working or excited)

Part 2 in this series will discuss the following Groups: Working Dogs, Terriers, and Toy Dogs.

*Note: Use this information as a general guide at best. The most we can hope to offer is a stereotypical overview of what you might be able to expect, or what you may want to look for, in dogs in each Group. Breeds and individual dogs in each Group can vary greatly in traits and personalities.

The author has worked with dogs and dog people for two decades, advocating for smart selections before a new dog is brought into a home and always stressing responsible selection and ownership for the good of the dog, the family and the community. She also makes dog and cat art available to the companion animal industry and to animal lovers at GreatandSmallGallery.com GreatandSmallGallery.com

Related posts

• Things You Must Know When Adopting A Shelter Dog (0)
• Yorkshire Terrier Care (0)
• Worried About Which Breed of Dog is Best for Your Family? Find Some Answers Here (0)
• Working With & Training Sporting Dog Breeds (0)
• Working Dog Breeds: The Top Ten Dogs Of This Group (0)

Tags: dog breed, dog breeds, whining

If you are reading this article you might be thinking about buying a puppy; or already bought on. Congratulations on the new addition to your home! You now have a friend who is always ready to play, never too tired to go for a walk and one of the most loyal companions you will ever have. There are some things you are going to need to know about training your puppy. A puppy is only as well-behaved as his training allows.

During the first few weeks your puppy needs constant supervision to prevent accidents in the house. But it’s easier to teach good habits now than it is to correct bad behavior later in life. Your puppy needs to start understanding what is and isn’t acceptable in your home right away. You are the leader of the pack in the home and your puppy looks to you to work out what is allowed and what isn’t.

It’s important that your puppy starts to understand their boundaries. You will need to decide soon what the limits are - what furniture they may or may not climb on - what areas of the house they are allowed. Decide where your puppy will sleep and what they may or may not chew on.

Getting your puppy housetrained is not difficult and can be quick if you follow some of these tips. Make housetraining a painless and quick procedure by using the crate method.

The Crate method

The crate method is well known because it is one of the most humane ways to train a puppy. Your puppy will need to relieve himself after eating, drinking, running, playing. The frequency will depend on the size of your dog and also on the breed. Be careful - it can happen as soon as 15 minutes after any of these activities. One of the easiest ways to keep your home pee free is to keep a record of when he needs to go. Try to learn the natural schedule and take your puppy outside at the times when you know they are going to need to go. Plan your walks around this schedule. Take the puppy out when you expect they will need to urinate.

When your puppy is 10 weeks old until they are six months they will need to be walked between 5 and 10 times a day. Quite a task if you are not used to including a puppy in your daily schedule. Take turns walking the puppy. One of the most important things about housetraining you pup is that you do not return from your walks until he/she has urinated and done all his business.
If for some reason you need to go inside before he has gone you will need to take your puppy out every 15 minutes. Give lots of praise and affection when your puppy has done what you wanted. You might feel silly praising your puppy for going “wee wee” (or other!) but it is very important to the housetraining process.

Some tips for using the crate:

The crate method works and is one of the most humane ways to train your puppy. It works because dogs are naturally neat and don’t like to eliminate in their sleeping area. If your puppy sleeps in the crate they will not want to mess in it. It’s an instinctive desire to keep their sleeping area clean.

The crate should become a sanctuary for your puppy. A crate is your dogs’ den in the house; their very own ’safe space’. Your puppy needs to associate the crate with positive feelings. Put your puppy’s favorite blanket, toys and treats inside.

Help your puppy get used to the crate by leaving the door open until the dog seems comfortable. It’s important that your puppy is comfortable in the crate - the more comfortable they are - the less likely they are to soil inside.

Never use the crate as punishment. The crate must be associated with positive feelings. If your puppy does start whining, barking or scratching don’t let them out. Establish a regular schedule. After feeding take you puppy outside until they have done their business.

Put your puppy in the crate at night - but make sure to take him outside before bedtime and first thing in the morning. Let your puppy play for a while after they have done their business. Don’t give your puppy free reign of the house until they are housetrained.

Make a chart of when your puppy needs to go. Take the puppy outside within 15 minutes of eating, or any other time you know they will need to go.

After they have done their business; play with them for a while and then put your puppy in the crate for a nap. Repeat this throughout the day. After your puppy is fully housetrained you can leave the crate open during the day.
Some do’s and don’ts when housetraining:

DO

- If you are going to be away for long periods of time put your puppy in an area of the house where you are prepared for accidents. Put newspaper in this area.

- Limit the food and water supply if you are going to be gone for long periods of time. If it’s hot make sure your puppy has enough to drink (but remember what goes in must come out!).

- Praise your puppy when they are good.

- Be consistent. You don’t want to confuse your puppy.

- Involve the whole family in the training process. Even small children can participate in the housetraining.

- Be realistic, you can’t get mad with a puppy for not being completely housetrained. Accidents happen despite your most careful schedule.

Don’ts

- Don’t ever use the crate as punishment.

- Don’t let your puppy outside of your designated area until they are housetrained.

- Don’t reprimand your puppy for accidents.

If this all sounds like a lot of work - don’t worry. Your puppy should be completely housetrained after about 6 months. Even sooner if you use the crate method. As your puppy gets older it will get easier. A well trained puppy will bring much more happiness into the home then an untrained puppy. Owner and puppy will be more happy and in tune with each other for years to come.

Steve Allison is a third generation of professional dog breeders along with his brother Gary. It all started with his grandparents in 1970 with the Boston Terriers and has expanded to Maltese, Yorkshire Terriers, Pugs, Shih Tzu’s and Pomeranians. He is also actively involved with dog rescue and has a website that showcases the puppies they occasionally has for sale at allmypuppiesonline.com All My Puppies Online Steve is also the co-author of two consumer guides, carpetsecrets.com Carpet Secrets and movingsecretsguide.com Moving Secrets Guide.

Related posts

• Stages of Whelphing a Litter of Puppies (0)
• What Is A Shih Tzu Standard? (0)
• Training Your New Friend the Crate Method Way (0)
• Toy Dog Breeds: The Top Ten Dogs Of This Group (0)
• The Ten Most Popular Toy Dog Breeds (0)

Tags: dog breed, shih tzu, whining, yorkshire terrier

Crates are mostly associated with the use of putting dogs on a leash or limiting their movement so they don’t start messing around the house. Pet owners do this to make sure that their house remains in order and they can teach their dogs ‘manners.’

Naturally, the dogs feel trapped in situations like this. They become restless and, in the long run, they start feeling like prisoners inside the crate. This does not have to be the case, however. By putting in extra effort to train the dog, the crate need not be a place your dog least likes.

Crate Training is for House Training

Although puppies are usually the easiest to deal with because they do not yet have set habits, old dogs can be trained as well through the use of a crate. The trick is to have them to accept the crate as part of their habit. Thus, when telling your dog to go to his crate, be sure to use the same command so that the dog or puppy starts associating it with a specific action.

Starting the dog or puppy on potty training could be done through the use of a crate. First, however, crates should be a place where the pet feels comfortable instead of contained. The crate should be big enough to hold the pet. It should also be kept spic and span at all times so that the pet will get used to the same conditions eventually.

Keeping Your Dog Crate-Happy

Pets should not be held up for far too long in their crates. They can become uneasy and discontented due to prolonged inactivity. The dogs will start whining and barking when that happens.

Dogs love being praised, so give your dog lavish praise when he follows your command that he get inside the crate. Your dog will look forward to another opportunity to please you by promptly complying when you give him the same command to enter his crate again.

Providing your dog his meals while he is inside the crate would be an additional incentive for him to love the crate. The meals should be given at regular intervals, or course. Also, the meals have to be something he likes. Day and in day out, routines have to be followed when your dog is in the crate so the dog will start getting the drift, too.

You can also try giving him his special doggie treats inside the crate. You should do it so that he only gets a favorite treat when he’s inside the crate. If you do this, your dog will stop dreading going into the crate. He will actually begin to have a positive attitude to your crate training because he associates it with his favorite treat.

Crate training is not a waste of time because it sets rules in the house the dog will learn to follow. It means disciplining the dog to follow specific activities at certain times of the day including potty training. If the dog learns the house rules through his crate training, then you and your dog can be assured of having a happy and smooth-sailing relationship afterwards.

You can find out more about 1800bestbuy.com/dog.php dog care here or you can share your opinions at theworldsbesthomepage.com the world’s best homepage.

Related posts

• Why it’s Important For New Dog Owners to Take Dog Training Seriously (0)
• Potty Training a Puppy (0)
• Paper Training A Dog - 10 Practical Tips (0)
• How to Crate Train Your Puppy (0)
• Dog Training Crate - How To Get Started And Make It Work! (0)

Tags: potty training, whining