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Introduction To House Training |
| By Gene Sower |
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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!
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About The Author:
copyright © 2004 Gene Sower
Lucy The Wonder Dog, LLC
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 |
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RE: Introduction To House Training
We got a little Jack Russel Terrier for Christmas last year and started right away on crate training.It is the best thing they ever invented! We had him trained in no time at all.As soon as he woke up,we put him outside.He used the bathroom and then we took him back inside.Dogs are very smart and catch on quickly.We still let him sleep in the crate as he still thinks it is his den.He is safe in there and when we take him out in the morning,he has never had any accidents in his crate.
RE: Introduction To House Training
I just wanted to say that I agree wholeheartedly with you! We crate trained our terrier, Natty Jane, and have never had problems.
As an adult dog (she is 5), she can be left alone all day long with no problems, outside her crate. And at night she still prefers to sleep in her crate, which is in our bedroom (she wouldn't put up with being in another room, but that is because we trained her that way).
She sleeps in her crate until her morning walk. Ususally about 8 hours. She has her own blanket and pillows in the crate to adjust as she pleases (like a dog would do in their den in the wild).
Another great advantage of her sleeping in her crate, is that she sleeps better. We have 4 cats, and they sometimes get a bit playful at night (understatement!) When Natty Jane isn't in her crate, this really bothes her and she feels she has to " police" them, and she doesn't rest well. In the crate, disruptions like this don't bother her anymore.
I would say that if you want your dog to be a guard dog (as well as a family pet), and need them to continue sleeping in the crate as an adult (some dogs have to all their life to avoid accidents, especially smaller dogs); your best bet is to place their crate near where they can hear an intruder the best. Your bedroom may not be the best option. The kitchen or family room may be better. Near the back door.
But remember, when a dog is in a crate, even though you may have given him blankets, they do not have control over their environment. They cannot get up and more to someplace warmer or cooler. So always keep in mind the comfort of your dog.
We bought a small fan that sits on the floor for really hot, humid summer days for Natty Jane. We don't have central air and she would get hot in the crate. But we only blow it so it hits half of the crate so she can move to the other side out of the way if it gets to be too much.
Good luck to anyone training a puppy. It is hard work. My advice, go to the humane society and get a beautiful abandonded dog that is already trained for you! LOL! But be careful, they have puppies there, too (that's how we got Natty Jane!)
Heather Hall
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