A crate
or cage helps this process immensely. Crate training is simple, tested
and works. Feed the dog, play a little and then put the pet in its
cage for a rest period. When the dog stirs around or a couple
hours have passed, take the dog directly outside to do its doggy duties.
Carry the dog to the yard. If she is left to walk on her own,
the chances are good that she will potty before she gets there. Have water available, but be certain to cage your dog at night and go
straight outdoors upon waking up.
If you
can not make it outdoors, take a large cat litter box, put in 1/2 inch
of some soil (turf if you can) to have the appropriate scent and allow
your dog to use this during your training.
Some dogs do
not like to have eye contact when going to the bathroom. It's true.
Just look away, if your dog is hesitating to go. Dogs also like to mark
their territory, so take them around your property to accomplish this.
The following is an example of a routine when crate training.
Wake up. Take your puppy outside. Give them praise when they go potty.
Let them have limited free reign of the house. Give them breakfast.
Take them back outside to go potty. Give them praise. Let them have
limited free reign. Go outside to go potty. Give praise. Put them in
their crate to rest. Then repeat. Never leave your puppy
unattended during training. Your puppy should always be in his/her
crate when you can not be watching him/her or when you are not home.
You need to be there to scold with a firm “no” if they have an
accident. Then take them directly outside and say “Potty here.” You
need to be there to say, “NO Chew” and take away the shoe. In return
give them something they can chew on like a toy or a bone. If you do
not catch them in the act, you can not scold them. As your dog gets
older they can have access to larger areas of the house. Do not leave
food or water in the crate with your puppy unless you will be gone for
an extended period of time. It is not fair to him/her. That is
asking for an accident. They usually go potty after drinking and
eating. My favorite crate is a 36”L x 24W x27H wire crate with a
divider made by Life Stages. If your puppy does have an accident,
clean it up with Clorox water or Vinegar. These items will disguise
the odor so that the puppy can not smell the urine or feces. Soap and
water will not work. Puppies can smell much better than we can. DO
NOT use ammonia. This will enhance the smell.
Click on puppy
news and then letter. Here you will find a "Letter From Your
Puppy" for some more training reminders spoken directly from your new
family member.
Always feel free to call me with any questions. I am a life long
friend!!
