How to Potty Train Your Dog?

Potty training is a mandatory part of training your dog; after all, no one loves the messy situations created when your dog is not trained. While this is certainly not one of those fun things to do, the earlier you get to learn how to potty train your dog, the better it is for you. There is no way to avoid this form of training, but there are things that you could do to make sessions easy, both for you and your canine. Matter of fact, this is not complicated. You need only do it well and be patient enough.

There are many techniques which can be used, but those with the highest success rates will usually have four major pillars to support them/ the four pillars are seclusion of the dogs, training, proper timing as well as recognition of efforts made by the dog through praise. While those four pillars would normally be related to the dog, you would also do with two key elements. You will need tons of patience and perseverance, after all, you are seeking to create a new routine and that will take time as is expected.

At the beginning of the dog potty training sessions, one could use old newspapers to collect the poop. Alternatively, training pads for pups may be used. While these methods give excellent results in the short term, they can lead to confusion when the pup is a little grown and needs outside potty training. To avoid these shortcomings, you could opt to go directly for outside potty training. This technique is not only fast, it is less complicated for the dog as well.

This technique makes use of a dog crate for the purposes of confinement. The principle here is that there is certainly no dog which wants to relieve itself where it sleeps. The crate ought to be big enough to allow the dog to stand comfortably as well as turn around. Avoid using large crates as they could lead the dog to sleep at one end of the crate, and ‘do its business’ on the other end. After sometime, allow the dog to go outside, say after an hour or so. This will provide time to relieve themselves as well as play around. After this, make sure you commend the dog. Allow a few minutes of play before the dog resumes the crate. With time, the dog will learn that relieving is done outside of the crate, hence successful potty training.

How To Stop A Dog From Destructive Chewing

Is your dog driving you nuts with his destructive chewing?

Has your dog reduced your best sunglasses to an unrecognisable pile of plastic bits that you found on the carpet, or your best shoes to sodden misshaped bits of leather that will never again be fit for the purpose you bought them for?

If so, read on because help is at hand.

A bit about chewing first of all.

First of all there is chewing and there is destructive chewing.

Most dogs like to chew, while others don’t find it necessary to chew things at all, unless they are bored.

Destructive chewing describes your dog chewing on your belongings, furniture and other items that really you would rather they did not chew on.

Dogs chew things for three main reasons.

First of all, as I mentioned before, most dogs like to chew. For them, it is good fun and a way to pass the time. If the item that they are chewing on tastes good, then it is also a rewarding past-time.

Secondly, for a lonely bored or nervous dog, repeatedly chewing on an item is synonymous with comfort food. It is also an outlet for your dog’s emotions.

Thirdly, dogs that are not exercised enough will chew things as another way of using up energy and having something to do.

OK – So how do I prevent my dog from destructive chewing?

Step One.

Dogs are quite intelligent and can easily learn not to chew your possessions. It is up to you to help them learn what they can and cannot chew in your home, so you will need to put some effort into this. Are you ready….

Remember that your dog explores the world with his mouth so you need to make sure your home is dog proof. No matter how well behaved your dog is, you are not going to help them if you leave your possessions lying around. This will only tempt fate and is unfair on your dog.

So you need to make sure that everything you cherish or that you don’t want chewed by your dog is out of his reach. Bear in mind that your dog can climb on furniture, jump up or stand on his back legs to reach items placed on tables and shelves, so do put things well out of reach or in a cupboard where your dog is not going to have access to them.

Dogs like items such as glasses and sunglasses, books, shoes, crunchy things like a television control, camera’s and maybe even your mobile phone.

As well as the above, any food that is left out is a sure target as well. So do ensure that no food is left within reach of your dog. It is surprising how agile dogs can be if there is a snack available. Also, clean remaining scraps of food off plates and rinse the plates so that your dog is not tempted to lick your china.

Step Two.

Remember that prevention is better than cure and if you can stop your dog from chewing your things from the outset, he will find it a lot easier to know what you expect of him.

The more often that your dog gets hold of a forbidden object, then the more often those same items will be targeted in the future so you will probably need to confine your dog in an area that is dog proofed until you are sure that the house rules are well and truly understood.

Step Three.

Help your dog out here by not confusing him.

If you don’t want your dog to chew your brand new shoes, then don’t give him your old pair.

If you don’t want your clothes torn to shreds, don’t give him your old gardening jumper to lie on or play with.

Your dog is not going to be able to distinguish the difference between last year’s cast offs and this year’s brand new items.

Step Four.

If your dog doesn’t have some tasty, attractive and appropriate objects to chew on, then it’s not really his fault if he decides to start munching his way through your new trainers. Buy your dog a variety of items that he can chew on and allow him two or three items at a time.

Every few days, rotate the items that you have bought for your dog to chew on and this will ensure that they remain interesting for him.

Don’t forget that the chewing needs of a dog are more, if the dog is either a puppy or an adolescent.

Step Five.

Take plenty of time out to be with your dog and supervise them. Being in a crate for long periods of time is not good for your dog and no fun for you either. The more time you can spend in actively supervising your dog, then the quicker he will learn what he is or isn’t allowed to do.

Step Six.

If you catch your dog chewing something that you don’t want them to chew, clap your hands together and interrupt him. Immediately give your dog a tasty rawhide bone or a chewable toy and as soon as his teeth close together on this, then give him lots of praise.

The best way of helping your dog to learn that chewing his own toys is good and chewing everything else is bad, is by giving him lots of praise when he starts chewing his own toys.

Stay with it.

Try not to be unrealistic about your expectations with your dog. There are going to be times when he gets hold of something he shouldn’t, but remember he is just curious about his environment and every single one of us makes mistakes.

Remember also that it will take time for your dog to learn what you expect of him. Spend plenty of time with him and this will help him learn the ropes faster.

Even when your dog is reliable, he may well still choose something of yours to chew over one of his own chewable toys if he is left for a long period of time and he gets bored.

Article Source: http://www.streetarticles.com/dogs/how-to-stop-a-dog-from-destructive-chewing

 

 

Dog Training – Early Training Is Essential

Dogs are a fantastic edition to any family but like all youngsters they need training. If you do not train your puppy now it will take a serious amount of help from a training school to get him to be obedient later on. Puppies just like babies learn mostly in their early years and unfortunately will also pick up the bad habits also. Early attention will save you heartache later on and give you more quality time.

House Training:

Dogs has to go to the toilet, everybody has experienced a new puppy making a mess on the tiles or carpet, not a pleasant experience but one that allows you begin training. You should allow your dog out on regular intervals; he will learn that this is the time to go to the toilet. If he happens to go in the house let him know that this is wrong by using a familiar word such as "No" and put him in the yard for a few minutes. Do not hit your dog, by doing so you will only break his spirit and make him nervous of you and others. It can by very frustrating at times but words work better long term and hitting. Never ever put the dogs nose into his urine, so many people do this thinking it is a good way for the dog to learn his lesson but in actual fact all you are doing is burning the animals nose, this is equally as bad as hitting.

Furniture and your puppy:

Teething can be a bit of a nightmare but you can eliminate the damage caused by puppies to furniture in a number of different ways. Boredom is a common cause for dogs to get up to mischief. Make yourself available for about 20 minutes playtime per day (excluding walking). Playing ball in the yard is a great exercise for the dog and apart from exercise it bonds you and him together. Toys are ideal in the house and will occupy the dog, if there are no toys such as a chewy bone the dog will find other ways especially if you pop down for some shopping and leave him alone – the furniture will get it. Different types of sprays are available to spray on the furniture and can be very effective. Remember to change the toys around from time to time as the dog will become bored with the same toys month in month out.

Walking:

Starting your puppy on a lead can be comical. It will take some time for them to get used to being on the leash but once they do it will be no problem. A dog will try to pull you along as this is in their nature. Do not run with the dog as this is giving in and they will expect this all the time. Put the dog on a short leash (not to short) and it will discourage them from trying to dictate the pace. After a week or so both you and the dog will be at ease with one another on the walk. Remember to bring the doggy bag with you. Starting off expect the dog to be curious of other dogs and new surroundings. Do not drag him along on the lead as this is his time for enjoyment.

Feeding:

Your dog has a different intestinal setup to you. So many people feed their dogs the same type of food as they eat themselves along with the dog food. Obesity in animals is common place along with humans. Do not feed your dog chocolate or other sweet foods as this will only lead to bowl problems. Dog food is designed to give the dog all the nutrients he will need to live healthily. Dog treats are available; they do not need our junk food. Check with your local vet or seek advice online for the amount of food your dog should consume on a daily basis.

Dog Treats:

Dog treats should be used as an incentive for obedience. Training a dog can be hard work and patients are needed. Basic training such as the command to sit should be rewarded with a dog treat. The dog will begin to understand that this is a good behaviour move and will do it less reluctantly with time.

Remember dogs will obey you more lovingly if treated properly without hitting; simple words will work much better than smacking. Make time for your dog, leaving a dog out the back yard day and night is no life, do not get a dog into the house under pressure from children, it has to be a well thought out decision.

About the Author
Declan Tobin is a successful freelance writer providing advice on purchasing a variety of Pet Supplies which includes Dog Training, Pet Food, and more! His numerous articles provide a wonderfully researched resource of interesting and relevant information for all of your Pet interests.

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