Puppy House Training Secrets

Bringing a new puppy home is a wonderful, joyful time. But amidst all the fun and games, there's important work to be done. I'm talking about house training, and unless you want to share your home with an animal that can't control her toilet habits, it's something you'll have to do.

Fortunately, with the proper training techniques, and lots of persistence, house training a puppy is not that difficult to do.

In fact, your dog's natural behavior will help you succeed. For starters, despite what some may think, dogs are clean animals, and given the choice will "make their toilet", away from where they live.

Secondly, dogs love to please us and will do whatever it takes to make us happy.

These two principles are the secret to successful house training regardless of what training method you choose.

Here are the most common puppy house training methods;

Supervision Method

Crate Training

Paper Training

Litter Box Method

Now the method you choose is up to you, but as someone who has trained many dogs, using all of these techniques, I've found crate training to be most effective. Crate training just plain works, because it draws strongly on the aspects of canine behavior I mentioned earlier.

Crate training takes full advantage of your puppy's natural behavior, and that has to be a better way than trying to force the dog to make her toilet in a specific area.

Not that the other methods don't work, they do, so choose whichever method you are comfortable with. What's more important is that you remain calm, positive and patient. Shouting and punishing the puppy will only make her afraid of you.

Remember that you are dealing with a baby. If a baby messes her diaper you wouldn't scream at her, swat her with a newspaper, or rub her nose in it, would you? The same applies here.

The puppy doesn't yet know that she has done something wrong. But persist with your training and she'll soon get the picture. Dogs are a lot smarter than we give them credit for.

Want to see even faster results?

Then give credit where it's due.

Your puppy will do just about anything to gain your approval. Praise her when she does her "business" outside, or on the paper, and she'll be encouraged to do this again, and again.

And don't be stingy with the praise either. You need to make it very obvious that you are pleased with her behavior, so be enthusiastic, be effusive, be downright over the top!

Later, when you start obedience training, your puppy will already know that obedience equals praise, so in effect house training sets the scene for all your dog training efforts to come.

Visit dogsanddogtraining.com for more dog training tips including puppy house training and dog obedience training.

Basic House Training Tips For Dogs Every Owner Needs To Know

Owning a dog can be one of the most rewarding relationships anyone could have. But, with that comes responsibility and the best canine relationships are formed when owners commit to training their dog.  A well trained dog is one that you can bring with you anywhere without fear of him causing a disruption or hurting another animal or human and a pet that everyone wants to have around.  Not only that, but proper obedience training insures that you will be able to call your dog back should he be heading into a dangerous situation.  Taking the time to train your dog properly is critical for your pets safety as well as the safety of those around him.

Many owners bring a home a puppy and realize a few weeks into ownership that it is too much to deal with. Sadly, it is the puppy that suffers because of decisions made without first thinking them through. Before you decide to get a new puppy, make sure you are ready to commit the time and money needed for owning a dog. You will need to make time for training as well as time for bonding and playing. Being financially able to care for any pet is important when you consider the level of medical care every pet needs to remain healthy.

Potty training is an essential part of dog ownership. This is also an area that causes many new owners to give up ownership. Every new owner needs to realize there will be times a new pup or even adult dog will make mistakes. This is especially so for an adult dog that has never lived inside a house. Patience is certainly an attribute new owners will need to have a lot of when house training.  Potty training can be challenging because, unlike obedience training, you are trying to teach the dog NOT to do something  - it takes time and patience.

Puppies can be easily crate trained for learning to go outside for rest room duty. However, making sure you do not leave a pup in crate for too long at a time is important as well. Crating should only be a part of behavior exercises, not as a place to put a pup when owners get tired of dealing with him. Nap time and night time are great times for crating when you are potty training.  Since most dogs will not soil their crate, you should keep your dog in the crate until it is time for him to do his business then bring him right outside.  When he does his business outside, then praise and treat him so he knows this is the desired behavior.  Remember that a puppy has a very small bladder and can't be kept in the crate for more than a few hours at first.

Getting your dog used to being around strangers is important to avoid fear biting. This is an important part of behavioral exercises that should start as early as possible. The dog that is well socialized is easier to take places with you. Many dog parks are becoming available and taking your pet there means you taking the time to get him used to other people and other animals as well.

When training your dog, whether it be obedience training or housebreaking, using positive reinforcement is that best way. Yelling at him or hitting him can cause fear issues that will completely disrupt a dogs attitude towards not only you, but other people and animals also. Training should only include firm but gentle commands. Never hit your dog or slap him with rolled up newspaper during training.

Chewing and biting are a part of every dogs personality, especially puppies because it is a natural behavior for dogs. In most cases, puppies chew due to teething pain. However, the adult dog with chewing issues can be due to boredom or anxiety. The best way to solve chewing problems is by providing safe, long lasting toys. This is especially so for the dog staying at home alone while owners are gone.

Simple obedience commands are essential for the well behaved canine. Make sure your dog knows you are the leader while also applying loving gentleness. This is the greatest way to get the behavior you want while also forming a close bond. Never allow the dog to be in control or your training efforts will be for nothing.  Make sure that you are always the Alpha dog and your dog will instinctively want to obey you.

To train your dog to perform a trick or do a certain behavior, try to get the dog to do the behavior first, then reward and praise him.  For example, if you are training your dog to sit, then try to get him to sit by taking a treat and holding it above his head, then move it slowly back and saying the command "Sit" - this should cause him to sit as his focus is following the treat.  Once he sits then praise him and give him the treat.  Repeat this as often as you can and eventually he will associate the command "Sit" with the act of sitting.

Every dog has the potential for being well behaved when the right basic training tips are followed. Taking your time and having patience can help to grow a strong bond between you and your pet. Always keep in mind your dog loves you unconditionally and making sure you never violate that love goes a long way in the bond you form with your pet.

Adopted Adult Dogs Might Need House Training From a Dog Trainer

So you've taken the plunge and gone to your local animal shelter and picked out an adult dog. You take your new friend home and, much to your dismay, shock and horror, he/she promptly finds your new rug and relieves itself! It's time to get your old dog house-trained or re-house-trained as the case may be.

As a new dog owner, you should assume adopted dogs of any age are not house-broken and take precautions before bringing it home. Shelters sometimes don't provide regular access to the outdoors for them to eliminate. A shelter environment can quickly alter the behavior of dogs who were well-trained and house-broken. If you know your new dog was previously house trained, re-training them will be easier.

Trainers Make House-breaking your dog Easier

Trainers work with you and your family as they house train dogs. Here are a few tips to help re-house-train your new pet:

* Keep a schedule. Feed and walk your canine at the same times every day. In addition to day-time walks, allow your pet outside access first thing in the morning and at the very end of the day. Reward him or her every time they eliminate outside.

* Make a routine. Use consistent voice commands for all activities. Dogs learn and follow cues. Dog owners who create a routine are usually amazed at how quickly their new dog grows to expect their routine. Dog training programs help limit anxiety since dogs learn what to expect every day. Take your dog out the same door every day. Don't allow play time until after it has eliminated outside.

* Offer quality dog food. Dry dog food limits stress on digestion and reduces the amount of stool. Choose a brand and stick with it to prevent your dog from having digestive issues and discomfort.

* Crate train. Don't allow your dog to freely roam your home - especially when you're not at home - until they have proven to you they know to eliminate outdoors. Be patient and start over after an accident. Dog owners will need to re-establish a routine after a dog has an accident. It's essential to thoroughly clean the area, for health concerns and so that your dog doesn't try to re-mark their territory. Don't punish accidents and only reward good behavior.

* Visit a vet if house-breaking your dog is not working. Your dog may have a medical issue that is preventing him or her from controlling their bladders or bowel movements. Also, dogs have fear and anxiety issues just like humans. Their bladder control may be associated with fear or a submissive temperament. If your vet believes medical or emotional factors are affecting your new family pet, Raleigh dog trainers at DarwinK9 can create a custom house-training program for your dog.

House training an adult dog takes time, effort, patience and consistency. Remember, your dog is learning this new routine too and they're learning good behavior from your consistent, repetitive training.

If you need help training your dog, don't hesitate to call house-training for adult dog specialists at DarwinK9 for a consultation. Our dog trainers throughout North Carolina are all qualified and experienced in house training your adult dog.

1101 Dawson Rd., Chapel Hill 27516
(919)355-8359 or info@darwink9.com.