The information in this article is based on the successful crate training method. Crate training is not cruel. I repeat: Crate training is not cruel. If used correctly, it uses the dog's natural den instinct to your own advantage by encouraging the dog not to pee or poop where it sleeps. Dogs are naturally clean animals and will avoid going to the bathroom where they sleep. But you need to keep the following points in mind to be successful.
Establish A Regular Eating Routine
As I'm fond of saying, 'what goes in must come out'. To help you figure out the best times to get your dog to go to the bathroom it's important to feed your dog at the same times every day. This is the ideal time to practice your house training lessons. For your dog's comfort it's also a good idea to feed your dog in the same place every day, a place that they will identify as their eating spot. With your puppy, there's a very short time between eating and eliminating. Figure around 15 - 20 minutes. When feeding your dog, give her 15-20 minutes and then pick up the uneaten portion (if any). This will also teach your dog to eat when fed. Again, these rules can be relaxed once your dog is house trained but for now it's key to establish a routine.
Until your dog is house trained, also avoid treats and in-between meal snacks. The whole idea is to feed your dog, observe them constantly for the 15 -20 minutes after they eat and then bring them to the place where you want them to do their business. Do it like clockwork and you'll be putting your puppy in a position to succeed. This is all about setting expectations and teaching your eager learner to do what you want. And when they do, praise them wildly. Make it seem like that little pee or poop that they did is the greatest and most magnificent thing you've ever seen in your entire life. Your friends and neighbors may think you're crazy, but I can't stress enough the power of praise. It's what your puppy craves. Give it to her in generous amounts.
How Old Should Your Puppy Be?
How old should your puppy be before you begin house training? Start as early as you can but don't expect results until the pup is about 14 weeks old. Before 14 weeks your pup cannot physically hold it in. Then why start early you may ask? Well, even though your pup may not be physically able to hold it in, she'll at least begin learning what's expected of her. Consider any training before 14 weeks to be 'pre-school'. When her physical abilities catch up with what you taught her, it will make it that much easier to put the lessons into practice.
Size Matters
If you're considering crate training your dog as a means of house training, keep in mind that the size of crate you choose is very important. A good rule of thumb about size is: the crate should only be big enough for the dog to comfortably stand up and turn around in. You don't want the crate so big that the dog will mess at one end and sleep at the other. For large-sized breeds that will continue to grow substantially, you may need to buy a larger size later on if you intend for your dog to continue using the crate after it is house trained. And the most important rule of all: NEVER, under any circumstances, use the crate as a form of punishment. The crate should be a place where your dog wants to go, to sleep and get away from the bustle and activity in your home. You never want them to associate it with being punished.
Happy House Training!
About The Author
copyright ? Gene Sower
Gene Sower is the author of the Happy House Training ebook: 'Learn To House Train Your Dog Easily & Effectively'; http://www.lucythewonderdog.com/ebook.htm
spring cleaning service Des Plaines ...A breed of dog called a Boxer is very family-oriented... Read More
Lemon TetraGlassily transparent, the lemon tetra (hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis) could appear... Read More
The idea of picking up a horse's hooves can intimidate... Read More
"On Trust" & "Paid For" for are one of the... Read More
Why use a crate:When used properly and not abused, crates... Read More
Having a pet is an experiance that I think everyone... Read More
Cats are becoming increasingly popular as pets these days, and... Read More
Shock CollarsAre you at a loss as to whether or... Read More
When selecting the best dry food for your dog, why... Read More
Are there so many great dog breeds out there that... Read More
Dog's come in all shapes and sizes ? out of... Read More
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are not cheap. On average you... Read More
Let's say you've made up your mind on the breed... Read More
OriginDo you know that the adorable little puppy you bought... Read More
What does doing natural preventative care mean? I thought vaccinating,... Read More
Introducing your puppy to the crate should be an easy... Read More
'Help, my cat is pregnant and I don't know what... Read More
Meow! Meow! Meow! I bury my head underneath my pillow.... Read More
Which cat food should you feed your cat to be... Read More
What kind of materials should you use when constructing a... Read More
One of the best parts of the day for any... Read More
You may be hearing more talk these days about "Essential... Read More
There may be no warning before dog worms strike.It was... Read More
Sometimes puppies are born that can't suckle properly, and it's... Read More
Picture this. You're late for work one day. You look... Read More
best cleaning company Lincolnshire ...These days, it's hard to know what decisions are the... Read More
Before we talk about using the essential oils, we first... Read More
The city I live in just increased its fees for... Read More
Pet adoption is a fabulous option if you're seeking a... Read More
Are you irritated by your dog's drooping ears or your... Read More
When I first started my interest in reptiles I was... Read More
Is your dog one of those that pulls at his... Read More
Of all the aggressive behavior in dogs dog bites is... Read More
For the first 8,000 years of their relationship with humans,... Read More
Pregnant cats have to eat for two, three, four, five,... Read More
A Healthy Skin and Coat for Your Dog ...Does your... Read More
Peeing on the carpet, knocking you down, or stealing dinner... Read More
Puppy development and growth is very exciting. After a puppy... Read More
Lyme disease can be treated with antibiotics, because the disease... Read More
When pondering whether my neurosis is learned or genetic, I... Read More
To the uninitiated horse owner, there are timely facts about... Read More
The aim of a Westie rescue centre such as the... Read More
Dog obedience training starts even before you get your puppy... Read More
Goldfish HealthcareYou would think that it's unfair that such a... Read More
We all know how special interest groups can blow things... Read More
What happens when we die? In our society, death is... Read More
It happens all too often. A family or cat friend... Read More
Dog training can provide a tremendous amount of satisfaction. Every... Read More
Cryptorchidism is peculiar to male dogs and a condition present... Read More
Would you like to save money and have a healthier... Read More
Pet |