How To Train Your Puppy

Stop Puppy from Nipping While Playing

2010-02-09T23:41:00Z

Remove the opportunities for your dog to nip and play rough by limiting the close up play. Play with your dog in such a way that nipping would be difficult, and keep yourself at a distance from your dog. So, no tug-of-war or wrestling or rough play. If you play rough, your dog will too. Instead, toss a toy or ball for your dog to retrieve, or do something so that he is not in such close proximity to you, so as to curtail the nipping. You can reward your dog with treats after play sessions when he responds the way you want him to. If puppy does nip, immediately stop the play session so he is not rewarded for this behavior. You can try playing with him again later. Be consistent, and eventually puppy will realize that when he nips he no longer gets to play.

Dogs typically really want to please their people, but you have to teach them what pleases you by giving positive reinforcement when they behave the way you want them to.

Puppy Potty Training Log

2010-02-09T20:59:00Z

It is helpful if you can bring your puppy home when you will have at least a few days to spend with him before you leave him for extended periods of time. Do not give your pup people food or leftover bones– only puppy food and treats made for dogs and puppies. There will be some accidents, so be prepared to clean up and move on.

Start a log with half hour increments when you first bring puppy home. This log should show time of day, and have blank space to note each time puppy eats, drinks, walks/exercises, pees and poops. This log will help you to determine the best potty regimen for your puppy. Go to this Puppy Potty Log for a suggested starting schedule for a 2 month old pup. Start with the suggested intervals and log whenever your puppy pees or poops. Review this after several days to adjust to your puppy's patterns – each pup is different.

As puppy grows his potty schedule will change. Example: 3 mos old may drink water at 10 am and need to walk and pee at 10:15. At 5 months old, may drink at 10 am and need to walk and pee at 10:30. At 8 months old, may drink at 10am and need to walk and pee at 11am. Most puppies should be able to hold their potty all night long once they reach 6 months old, some as early as 4 months and of course some may take up to a year. So, you should review your puppy's schedule every couple months and adjust according to his latest habits.

Puppy should be accident free for at least 2 months before you consider him potty trained. It is much easier to maintain the training regimen than to revert back to square one if you stop the strict housebreaking regimen too early.

Until your pup is completely potty trained, he should not be allowed full run of the house, nor should he be allowed on furniture. Mattresses and stuffed furniture are very difficult to remove urine accidents from, so it is best to wait until you know you can trust puppy not to potty on them.

My Dog Won't Pee Outside

2010-02-09T00:57:00Z

Whatshould I do?

You should first establish a specific potty spot outside. Then it may be helpful to place some of your dog's poop and a towel you have used to clean up pee in that designated spot for him to sniff and see where you want him to do his chores. Another option is to purchase a Potty Rock. Catalog Source PP-1 Potty Rock

Take him to the spot where you want him to go potty. Tell him “go potty” or whatever command you wish to use every time, and keep him there until he goes - even if it takes 30 minutes of standing there. If he does not potty outside within 30 minutes or so, do not turn him loose in the house. Put him in his crate or designated area and try taking your dog outside again in 30 minutes. When he does potty outside, give lots of praise and take him for a walk or let him run loose or play for a while as a reward. Do not punish for undesirable behavior, but do reward the desired behavior.

If your dog won't stay in the area where you want him to potty, keep him on a leash, so you can physically keep him in the designated area. Don't allow him to roam unless he goes potty first.

If you are in a cold climate, try putting a warm sweater or coat on your dog to help make him more comfortable outside. Also, take him where the terrain is dry if possible - they often don't like wet grass. If you can go for a brisk walk first, that may help him to go quicker. Just like with humans, exercise helps to 'get things moving' for dogs.

Be consistent. Establish a potty schedule and stick to it, at least until your dog is thoroughly potty trained. It may take a few days for your dog to begin to comply, it will be well worth your time spent once he learns to potty outside.

Getting Puppy Used to a Leash

2009-10-27T20:09:00Z

Assuming he is already used to a collar, it is time to teach puppy to walk with a leash. You can start this exercise with very young puppies. This is critical for your pup's safety so that he won't run out in the street or some other potentially dangerous place while you are walking him.

Try getting your puppy used to the leash gradually. Don't hook him up and immediately try to walk him as he will probably need to get used to just having the leash there first. Instead, sit on the floor and pet your puppy. Then very casually attach the leash and just let it lay there with your pup as you keep petting him, as if the leash isn't even there. Puppy will probably notice the leash and perhaps even go ballistic over it at first – the idea is to gradually get him used to it. Allow him to run around with the leash attached fora few minutes (supervised so that he doesn't hurt himself). When he is calm, disconnect the leash and praise the dog. Do this for a few minutes, several times until he readily accepts the leash as his friend. You can do this in a day, or stretch it over several days if you like.

Once puppy consistently accepts the leash without a problem, you can teach him to walk with it.

More Dog Halloween Costumes - Vampire, Army Grunt, Batman and more - under $13.00!

2009-10-09T18:39:00Z

I love the Vampire and the Bloomin' Snout costumes below!

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Happy Halloween!

Great Deals on Dog Halloween Costumes From $2.99 to $9.99

2009-10-09T16:03:00Z

Are you looking to bling your dog for Halloween? Would your dog make a good Dracula or Firemutt? Check out these and more awesome dog Halloween costumes...

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The Best Puppy Crate Training Aid

2009-10-07T23:48:00Z

I would recommend the Kong Dog Toys to anyone who has a dog. These are very durable and will keep your dog entertained for quite a while. You can buy paste or treats made specifically for the Kong, or you can just smear some peanut butter or cheese from a can inside (make sure your dog is not allergic to whatever you use) and dogs just love the challenge of getting every last bit of goodies out of the toy. These are useful for puppy crate training, too. When you are putting puppy in the crate, put his Kong filled with goodies in the crate with him. That should be enough to keep his attention so that he won't even know you've left the room. My Gizmo is a really rough and tumble Boston Terrier, and it took him about 1 ½ years to wear out his first Classic Kong. So then I purchased the black, Extreme Kong and it is showing no sign of wearing out after 2 years. Most toys don't last for more than a couple of weeks with Gizmo.

Xtreme Kong 3' small

Stop Your Dog from Peeing Inside

2009-10-07T22:22:00Z

If your dog is peeing inside the house, let's first look at some of the possible reasons. This may help to determine the best course of action. If he is already house trained, it could be either an accident or territory marking. See Dog territory marking – How to Stop it.

It may be an accident if your dog was left too long without an opportunity to go outside, or he may have eaten something unusual that altered his usual potty regimen. Or, it is possible that your dog has a bladder infection or is even incontinent if he is up in age. Your dog may even be reacting to a recent change in his life -new home, new furniture, new people, new pets, etc. Just remember that these accidents are not your dog's fault and may be isolated incidents. If you suspect a medical problem, be sure to take your dog to the veterinarian. If your dog is incontinent, doggie diapers are one viable solution.

To stop your dog from going potty in the house, begin by allowing him into only one room of your home. You can use baby gates or somehow cordon off that chosen area. Whenever you catch him peeing inside, clap or whistle or make some sort of loud noise to distract him, and quickly take him outside to finish. You may allow him into additional rooms (add one at a time) when he does not soil the area for at least 2 weeks. Once you do allow your dog into additional rooms, if he reverts to the undesirable potty behavior you should go back to one room only for a longer period of time (maybe 3 weeks).

For peeing after coming in from a walk, try keeping your dog outside longer. He may not have had time to finish. You may need to stay out for20 minutes to be sure the job is done.

Always give lots of positive reinforcement (praise, belly rubs, treats) when your dog does go potty outside - let him know you approve! Discipline just doesn't work well with dogs - they just don't understand it. Intervention, distraction and positive reinforcement works best.

Whenever he pees in the house, be sure to properly clean the soiled area. See 5 Essential Steps To Cleaning Dog Pee .

If your dog is not already house trained, please read this blog post forone good option: House train Your Dog the Easy Way!.

Whatever you do, be consistent. Dogs by nature want to please their humans,so it is up to you to give your canine companion every opportunity todo so.

6 Dangerous People Foods For Your Dog

2009-05-24T16:57:00Z

Here is a list of foods you may not suspect, but may be very dangerous for your dog to ingest. If your dog has swallowed any of these, please contact your local Poison Control or a veterinarian to learn if you should take any action to ensure your dog's safety. Some of these foods can make your dog's stomach upset, cause vomiting or diarrhea and other symptoms – even death in rare cases.

Chocolate
Grapes or raisins
Chewing gum
Onions (raw or cooked)
Raw bread dough
Old or moldy foods

5 Essential Steps To Cleaning Dog Pee

2009-05-12T22:04:00Z

While cleaning up is one of the less pleasant aspects of puppy housetraining, it is certainly a critical one if you hope to succeed. Many people assume they can simply wipe the puddles up with a towel and be done with it. Unfortunately that just isn't enough in most cases.

Dog pee clean up is not rocket science, but there are a few things you should know. You should not use ammonia based cleaners, as dogs are actually attracted to those as if you never cleaned the area at all. Be sure you clean the area larger than main spot, to be sure you get any tracked pee or poop from when your dog left the area. Those little wet paw prints are often overlooked. And, of course, all dogs are different. Some are much easier to housebreak than others.

To clean a carpeted area:

Pick up poop and blot pee with paper towels or rags
Sprinkle w/baking soda and let sit just a few minutes
Vacuum
Neutralize
Repel if needed

To clean solid flooring:

Pick up poop and blot pee with paper towels or rags
Wipe clean using a clean mop, sponge or rags with a non-ammonia based cleaner
Wipe clean AGAIN with a fresh mop, sponge or rags and fresh cleaning solution (not the bucket you rinsed the first round in.
Neutralize
Repel if needed

To neutralize the area, you may use a 50/50 solution of vinegar and water (spray and blot) or you may purchase a neutralizer from a pet store. You may need to repeat this step if your dog keeps going back to spots you have already neutralized. You may use a black-fluorescent light to see urine spots that you can't see with the naked eye if you think there are old spots you have missed. Be sure to clean and neutralize all previously soiled areas you may have missed, if your dog just seems to be going pee all over the house.

X-O Plus Odor Neutralizer and Cleaner

If your dog still goes back to pee in that spot, you may need to add step 5 (repel) to your arsenol. You may use a pungent perfume or air freshener as a repellent. Dogs have a very keen sense of smell, and often dislike those fragrances. My Boston Terrier won't even sit in my lap if I put my favorite fragrant lotion on my hands. You may otherwise wish to purchase a dog repellent from a pet store.

If you diligently follow these instructions, your dog should have no reason to keep going back to those same spots to pee or poop.

Stop a Crying Puppy

2009-04-10T19:40:00Z

Initially, most new puppies will cry or whine, particularly at night. When handled well, this behavior will cease after a few nights. Here is what to do:

Place an article of your clothing that you have worn (like a t-shirt) in bed with puppy and have a ticking clock or soft music nearby. Be sure he has a comfortable, cozy bed to sleep in, but not with you (at least not until he is past the puppy and house training phase).
No food, water or napping for puppy 2 hours before his bedtime.
Just before bedtime, play and wear puppy out then take puppy out to potty.

Puppy should sleep in a crate or in a safe, barricaded area so he cannot wander or get into trouble while you sleep. Your puppy will probably cry the first few nights, but as long as you know nothing is wrong, do not acknowledge puppy nor tell him to be quiet. He is looking for attention, and if you give it to him he will continue to cry thinking you do it every time. Just ignore him.

You may wish to get up and let puppy out once or twice during the night in the beginning. This may help to avoid any potty messes during the night, since most pups cannot hold it for more than a few hours. Do not go to puppy when he is crying, only when he is quiet (positive reinforcement). Then go to take him outside to potty.

Be consistent and patient! The crying is temporary if your puppy doesn't get the desired attention when he does it.

Keep Bugs Away from your Dog's Food and Water Bowls

2009-04-03T19:48:00Z

Are those pesky insects invading your dog's feeding area? Place her food and water bowls each inside a larger bowl with some water in the larger bowl, creating a moat around the smaller bowl. This will prevent most crawling bugs from getting into the smaller bowls, containing your dog's food and water.

Free Advantage or Frontline Flea and Tick Control for Your Dog

2009-03-18T19:49:00Z

Coupon for one month Free of Advantage, K9 Advantix or Advantage Multi for Dogs

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Coupon for one Free Frontline Plus or Top Spot for Dogs or Cats with purchase of 6 doses

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How To Stop Your Chewing Dog

2009-03-17T05:36:00Z

A chewing dog is often simply a bored dog, and chewing is entertainment. If you have a puppy, it may be that he is teething and needs something to relieve his discomfort. So, there are a few things you can do to help remedy the unacceptable chewing behavior.

Wear your dog out with play time before you leave him alone, or before any scenario when he typically chews.
Give your dog safe, interactive toys he can chew on, such as the type you can put treats inside of, like the Kong dog toys. These work well to keep most dogs busy for quite a while.
Crating your dog (with nothing he may chew inside the crate) while he is unsupervised may also help.

Whenever you find your dog chewing on something he shouldn't, make a loud clap to distract him and give him a chew toy that you approve of. Praise him whenever you find him chewing on the correct toy. Positive reinforcement works well with most dogs.

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Spoil Your Dog With Homemade Dog Treats!

2009-02-26T20:59:00Z

Last night I baked a batch of my Easy Chicken Liver Delights. Gizmo, Blueberry and Skeeter all gave the recipe 4 paws up! So, here is the recipe and I hope you will comment on this blog to let me know how many paws up your dog gives.

EASY CHICKEN LIVER DELIGHTS

¾ lb. Chicken livers

1 tbsp. Chicken bouillon

5 eggs

3 cups quick cooking oatmeal

1/3 cup vegetable oil

2 carrots, grated

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Boil chicken livers in water with the bouillon until done. Drain, let cool and dice. Beat the eggs and vege oil. Add oats and make sure they are well covered with the liquid mixture. Then add grated carrots and diced livers and mix together.

Spray cookie sheets with non-stick spray or you can use grease. Drop mixture by the teaspoonful (press it into the teaspoon so it is packed well) onto the cookie sheets and bake for 10 – 15 minutes or until brown. Let cool, then spoil your dog!

Easy Chicken Liver Delights should be refrigerated and will be good for about 2 weeks. Cool completely before placing in a container to refrigerate.

Has your dog been skunked?

2009-02-14T19:53:00Z

Have you ever tried to get rid of that awful skunky odor? It can be very frustrating when you try and try, and nothing works! Here are 3 options getting good reviews:

Mix up your own skunk dog remedy using these household ingredients: Use 4 cups hydrogen peroxide, 4 tablespoons baking soda and 1 teaspoon dish soap (Dawn is good). Work this into your dog's fur thoroughly, carefully using a sponge or washcloth to clean around her eyes and ears. Let sit a couple minutes, then rinse with clear water. If skunk smell persists on your dog, repeat.
You can purchase Odorxit concentrate to remove the skunk odor from your dog, your car, house, clothes or just about anything.
There is also a product called BON-CC-41 which removes skunk odor from pets, cars, homes, etc.

When you use any of these skunk removal remedies, you probably want to wear rubber gloves and old clothes. And don't forget to clean your furry companion's collar, too! If possible, clean the skunk off your dog outdoors so you don't have to worry about the skunk odor in your house.

Puppy Shots - Which Vaccinations does My Puppy Need?

2009-02-10T19:24:00Z

The puppy shot series should typically start somewhere between 6 and 18 weeks of age. You should always consult your local veterinarian to be sure your pup is receiving all the necessary vaccinations on the appropriate timeline to be protected where you live. The following link goes to an easy to follow puppy shot schedule along with vaccination recommendations from the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Puppy Shot Schedule

Dog territory marking – How to Stop it

2009-02-07T00:38:00Z

Spaying or neutering your dog is key to putting an end to the marking behavior. However, there are several other considerations. Check out this great article from the Dumb Friends League – it is the most complete resource I have found on the topic.

Territorial Marking Article

5 Tips to Remedy Separation Anxiety in Dogs

2009-02-03T22:04:00Z

Consistently exercise your dog to the point that he is calm.
Keep your departures and arrivals low key.
Maintain a regular, predictable daily routine 7 days a week for your dog.
Give lots of praise to your dog when he is calm.
Ignore your dog when he is anxious.

For everything from why dogs have separation anxiety to what to do about it, this is a great resource: www.sspca.org/SeparationAnxiety.html

These two articles also makes some good points:

www.paw-rescue.org/DogTip_SepAnxiety.php

http://abcnews.go.com

Protect Your Dog From Tainted Peanut Butter Treats and Food

2009-01-27T02:22:00Z

This ASPCA press release advises that pet parents discontinue feeding any peanut butter products until this latest salmonella outbreak is controlled. Let's keep our dogs and other pets healthy!

http://www2.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=press_012109