Dog Training Zone

Giving your dog some basic training is a necessity for any pet owner. In order for them to be trusted around other people and animals they need to follow some basic commands from you. For instance, if you take them into public where there will be alot of strangers you don’t want your dog to bite or nip at anyone. And if there is alot of cars and your dog is off the leash, they should be able to sit and stay until you tell them it is safe.

Training your dog also helps develop a stronger bond between you two. Your canine friend will start to see you as the alpha or leader of the pack and follow your lead. You want to be consistent with them but not forceful during your training sessions. Dogs are smart creatures and will learn through repetitive training. And once they pick up on something it will stick with them for their entire lives with you.

Consider A Dog Obedience Class As A Start

There are a couple reasons why finding a local obedience school is a good idea, especially when your dog is just a puppy. They will become accustomed to being around other dogs and learn how to safely interact with them. This will reduce the chances of your dog getting into a fight with others when he is out around town. Proper socialization between your dog and other dogs is an important part of the training program. Additionally, your pup will get used to seeing you around other people. This helps with the human portion of the socialization process.

In addition to the proper social skills they will acquire, they will also learn the basic commands like sit and stay. You as the owner will learn how to teach your dog effectively, further strengthening your bond. And it is much more enjoyable to have a canine that behaves when they are told to.

Most trainers will have you use praising instead of punishment as it has been proven to be much more effective. Scolding a dog makes them associate learning with negative feelings and will over time make them behave worse or even skittish around you. If you praise and reward them when they do what is the correct behavior, they will quickly associate the ‘right’ things with positive feelings. Plus you will be much closer to them since you are not constantly punishing them. Obviously training your dog does have many rewards, and the rewards are even greater if you use the correct methods.

James McDonald writes maintains Discount Dog Products. You can find alot of dog care accessories, as well as information that can help any pet owner. We are always updating our helpful articles so make sure you visit often.

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Widely recognized as the most popular and effective way to housetrain puppies the crate method utilizes your dog’s natural instincts. Dogs are naturally clean animals and will not by nature relieve themselves in the area where they sleep.

Knowing how to communicate properly with your dog lies at the heart of the housetraining process. Lecturing, yelling or other forms of punishment will not achieve the desired result. The key is to reward good behavior. Puppies are like babies, much too young to be held responsible for their bowel movements. Punishments are not the way to get through to your puppy. If you are going to use the crate method it’s vital that you learn about the proper, humane method to housetrain your dog.

Choosing the right crate

This is very important when it comes to the humane treatment of your puppy. A crate that is too small is very cruel. The puppy should have enough room to maneuver around and be comfortable inside. If the crate is much too large - the puppy might even relieve himself inside the crate.

The plastic varieties of crates are much easier to clean, durable and easier to carry around than the metal varieties.
It is also cruel to leave your puppy inside the crate for too long. Night time is crate time and often even very young puppies can go the entire night without soiling their crates.

You will want to slowly get the puppy used to the crate. The idea here is to create a positive feeling about the crate. Put a nice soft blanket inside and your puppy’s favorite toys too. You can also put some yummy treats inside to entice your dog.
Never, ever force your dog inside the crate. It is his sanctuary within your home.

Tips for housetraining

- Prepare the area that your puppy will spend most of its time in with a layer of newspaper.

- Designate an official toilet area for your puppy.

- Supervise (or have the children do it) until the puppy has relieved himself.

- If your puppy starts sniffing or circling pick him up and get him outside fast!

Golden rules for housetraining your dog using the crate method:

- Take your puppy out first thing in the morning.

- Take your puppy out directly after meals.

- If your puppy has had an accident be sure to clean the area thoroughly. Use a product that will remove the odor.

- Never punish your puppy for accidents. You would never yell at your baby and put her nose in her mess. Rather use positive reinforcement when your puppy does her business outside.

- Take your puppy out just before bedtime and make sure he does his business.

- Give praise freely where it is due. Treats, walks and positive reinforcement will go a long way toward getting your puppy to understand that eliminating outside is the goal.

Housetraining your puppy will take time and patience. The kind of dog and your methods will greatly influence how long it takes for your puppy to be fully housetrained.

There is a reason that the crate method is the most widely used housetraining method. It works well. Of course housetraining your puppy isn’t your only concern when it comes to raising a well behaved dog. You will also want to set some distinct boundaries. Puppies should not be allowed free reign of the house; at least not until they are fully housetrained. Your puppy is a sponge and above all - keen to please you. You are the pack leader and the puppy will look to you to figure out what is and isn’t acceptable in your home.

By deciding early what your puppy may chew on and what furniture he is allowed on you can eliminate confusion and behavioral problems later in life.

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 All My Puppies Online Steve is also the co-author of two consumer guides, Carpet Secrets and Moving Secrets Guide

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