Archives for puppy potty category
Bhabani wrote to me with her question about her dog and
submissive urination:
She wrote: “I have a mixed-breed puppy (German shepherd/border
collie mix) which is 4 months old. It’s very friendly with
people but when it approaches people, it urinates all-over. The
same happens when I come home in the evening. It becomes very
excited and urinates on the carpet. Is that a submissive
behavior? How can I solve this problem?
-Bhabani
Dear Bhabani,
Just for peace of mind, have him checked by your veterinarian to
make sure the problem is strictly behavioral and isn’t medically
related. Once you have the results from the tests, you can start
from there.
If your dog is otherwise house-trained, it is more likely a
submissive behavior. You can help reduce this behavior by
increasing your dog’s confidence level.
Take the dog out more and socialize, socialize, socialize with
other humans.
Agility training is also a great start.
Don’t create as much excitement around the dog when he’s known
to exhibit the behavior. When you come home, ignore him until
he’s calm enough to greet. Is he kept in a crate while you’re
gone? This can help you by allowing you to come home and
immediately take the dog outside to potty. By staying in the
crate, he will be more at loathe to potty in it because dogs
have an inhibition to using the same area as a toilet and a den.
The same goes with guests. If a guest comes over, they should
ignore the dog and not fuss until he calms down. Do not correct
him for urinating. Correcting submissive urination will only
make the behavior worse
Adam Katz
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/heres-what-to-do-if-your-dog-displays-submissive-urination-2185.html
Jul 17, 2010 | | puppy potty
About six years ago we brought home an adorable, sleepy, five-week old puppy. We knew it was too early for her to leave her mother, but the dam had stopped feeding the pups and walked away. She was done with them, so the humans took over.
At that tender age, Kaylee was sleepy, darling and sweet. Shes still darling and sweet, but rarely do her batteries run down. We describe her as having two speeds full and off. And off isnt often.
If your dog is like Kaylee, whether because its an active, fun-loving puppy, or because its not quite wired right like ours, you need strategies for coping. You need a peaceful household where everyone knows the rules and plays fair.
We get dogs for many reasons; primary among those reasons are companionship and fun. If your dog is constantly harassing you to play, the probability is that neither of you are having much fun. It may even have gotten to the point that you dont look forward to going home and spending time with your dog.
You can change the situation, if youll commit just a few minutes a day and your patience. Things wont change overnight, but over the course of just a few days your life will improve. In a few weeks, you may have the canine companion you hoped for.
The first step is to realize that you are the boss in your household. Not your dog. You decide when to play. And you decide how long playtime will be. Its important to schedule a daily play time. It doesnt have to be long ten minutes will do. As long as during that time, all you do is play with your dog. Thats it. Just play.
As a first step: remove your dogs favorite toy. The one he constantly obsesses about and brings everywhere he goes. Put it up on a shelf. Kaylees obsession is her little latex soccer ball. Other toys are fine, shell carry them around, but her special toy is that particular ball. (To avoid complete meltdown, we do have a couple spares on hand. No toy lasts forever.)
Next: get a brand new kitchen timer, with a ring or a beep that doesnt sound like any other timer in the house. This is your dogs timer hell recognize it very quickly.
To start playtime, ask your dog if she wants to play, get her timer, set it for however many minutes you choose, then get her special toy and start playtime. Let her recognize the ritual. Dogs love routine and quickly adjust to new ones.
For as long as the timers running have fun with your dog. Tug, toss, wrestle play intensely and focus on your dog. When the timers bell goes off stop immediately. Tell your dog thats it! show him the timer and turn it off. Then say lets go get a drink and walk over to his water bowl. When he drops his toy, replace it on the shelf. It doesnt come down until the next session.
If you need to trade a treat for the toy do so. Youre not rigorously training your dog to perform a task youre teaching him the house rules so that everyone can relax and enjoy your time together.
We always take Kaylee out for a quick potty break after a play session its another part of our routine. She knows what to expect. When she comes back in the house, she finds a place to lie down. Sometimes she finds a chewie toy, sometimes she just lies down. She doesnt ever really relax, but shes now a dog we can live with.
Dogs love ritual and routine. When you got your dog, chances are you pictured yourself at home, dog by your feet, relaxing and enjoying life. You can still make that happen, every evening, if you establish that routine for your dog.
Hope Saidel
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/dealing-with-your-hyperactive-dog-129289.html
May 17, 2010 | | puppy potty
I am going to get a cover for outside for my 9 week old puppy to potty under but she HATES the cold and wont wear a sweater…She gets SO MAD when it is raining!!! And since she cant go outside and play in the afternoon anymore for a few hours her sleep behavior at night has got worse. She went from sleeping 5-6 hours to waking up every 30 min to a hour. Any advice? I don’t use potty pads..every dog I have had or someone else i know has had has just has bad experiences with potty pads…Just need some ideas…cause we run her like crazy in the house but she still does not sleep well…And is it a fear of the rain or what?
My mention of the potty pads was that I DO NOT want to use them they are a bad idea. And no she is not potting in the house…it just is hard to get her to stay outside to potty she will go out and see that it is raining and fight me to get back into the house. I can only imagine what she will do when it snows 
I just wanted some advice to how to get her not so darn scared of the rain..so that when it snows she isnt going to have a panic attack and never want to go outside again. She is a lil wuss LOL It’s funny she growls like crazy at the rain like it’s going to hurt it…haha
I don’t know how to get your pup to not be scared of the rain, BUT I have another idea for you if you are interested. I breed Pomeranians. I also LITTER train all of them. It SO easy epecially if the pup is young. I buy a litter box of some sort. You can buy actually doggy litter boxes at Petland (but they are like $50!) or you can go to Wlamart and buy one of those Under-the-Bed storage containers and fill it will PINE pellets (I buy mine at the fireplace store–they are cheaper and are all natural) Pine is best for animals any other kind can give them respiratory problems. I bring the pup to this area first thing in the morning as SOON as I let i out of the kennel (this works best in conjunction with crate training) It keep the area where this litter box is SMALL. An area too big, and you’ll find your pup having accidents. The smaller the area the closer she be to the box when she needs to use it. LOTS of praise when the business is done–treats, "good boy/girl" etc. I even give the pup a treat when it is even smelling the litter box. You want to make the litter box a positive thing. Also if your DO have a accident, wipe it up with a tissue and place it in the litter box, or pick up the poop and put it in the box. Your puppy will notice the it’s own scent and you may encourage it to go there again. They thrive on routine and familiarity. Having an established routine (like taking the pup their about 15 minutes after it eats) is going to make it ALOT easier. I know this sounds difficult but it is so easy and WORTH it. You can go out and be all day and not have to worry about your dog having an accident. Also it great for little dogs who hate COLD weather!! Good luck if you end up trying it!
Apr 26, 2010 | | puppy potty
There is an enormous variety of dogs to choose from. Important factors to consider are your lifestyle, your interests, and your present and future circumstances. You have to consider the difference between raising a dog from puppy hood and getting it as an adult.
Think about the benefits of male or female and whether you want a pet or a show dog. Consider the size small dogs do not necessary require a big space but needs more exercise that big ones. You also need to decide whether to get a purebred, a crossbreed, or a random breed. Lastly, you should make sure that you are getting your new dog from a very good source.
Should I get a puppy or an adult?
The biggest advantage of getting an adult dog is that it is usually potty trained. You also will not have to guess its final size and personality. Although it may act very friendly around you, it is possible that it has hidden behavioral problems such as dislike of children. If you are planning on getting an adult dog, execute a small test in order to learn more about its temperament and personality. Observe the dog’s behavior as you approach it. You may want to walk it past another dog or a child that it has not met
before to see it’s reaction.
Puppies on the other hand are still at an impressionable and primary learning stage of life. You may even notice a difference in behavior of a 10 week old puppy from the rest of its litter. Each one will have its own distinct personality. The timid one usually clings
to their mother or may cringe in corners, while the outgoing one would march toward you in confidence. These two examples are the extremes of temperament within the litter.
Should a pick a male or a female?
Even before dogs reach puberty, there are six differences between the male and female behavior. Male puppies have masculine brains due to a surge of testosterone hormone right before birth. Female dogs are usually neutral in behavior until puberty.
There are some obvious differences in behavior between the sexes. Males are usually more likely to be dominant over their owners and act in an aggressive manner over other dogs. They are generally more active and more likely to protect their territories. Male dogs are known to urine mark their territories and to wander. They tend to be more
destructive, more playful, and are more likely snappy with kids.
Females on the other hand are easier to house train and obedience train. They also usually demand more affection from their owners. They have two heat cycles twice a year that comes with bloodtinged discharges that last about one week.
There is no difference between the sexes when it comes to defensive barking, nervous barking, or excitability. Neutering or spaying your dog will reduce and even eliminate many of these behavioral differences.
There are obviously more factors to consider when choosing a suitable dog but we have covered the major ones today. It is important to carefully look into every aspect of making the best choice before you get your pet the new member of your
family.
forgreat (dogcare)clickhere
Linda Kajda
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/tips-on-choosing-the-right-dog-for-your-family-115859.html
Apr 18, 2010 | | puppy potty
When we talk about a dog being part of the family, it’s usually because the family took the time to socialize the animal when he was a puppy. The term socialization isn’t necessarily training, it just involves teaching the dog what others expect of them. There are many things that a new puppy should be taught if you want to end up with a great member of the family. These include:
Not peeing in the house. The idea that certain parts of your home make an acceptable place to relieve themselves should be strongly discouraged. It’s only through learning this behavior will your new found friend ever be considered trustworthy enough to be left alone in your home.
Don’t bite. While puppies are naturally curious and playful, biting should not be allowed. It’s during those first few formidable months that the pecking order of your family becomes established. A pet should never be considered alpha dog in the family but be subservient to all humans. This means that although roughhousing and playing around is fine, biting is definitely not acceptable.
Sit. While this is a learned behavior, having control of your dog is critical to them being part of your family. You don’t need a full-grown dog to charge the door each time the doorbell rings. You may however consider it a positive thing when someone comes to the door that your dog announces the visitor by barking then sits obediently at the door. This can add a measure of safety and put the visitor on notice that a dog is also home.
While there are many other behaviors, you can train your dog to do, socialization should start almost immediately. Showing your new puppy what you expect is easy to do, provided that you are a consistent teacher. The key to teaching your dog anything new is to realize that they have a very short attention span and they want to please you. This means that even during socialization or formal training, any effort to teach a new behavior should be fun.
When you first get a new puppy, it’s important that you keep them confined and under control. There’s no point in allowing bad habits to develop that will only need to be broken in the future. This is a good reason why allowing your puppy to potty or relieve themselves in the house on newspapers or piddle pads is not the best way to house train your dog.
Crate training works because it uses your dogs natural instinct of keeping the sleeping area clean. This, along with consistent visits outside and lots of praise will result in your puppy not only getting the idea of what makes you happy, but also helps with the socialization aspect of his young life. Visit the link below for more information on how to quickly house train your dog using the very effective crate training method.
While socialization and formal training may be similar, training looks for certain reliable actions from the animal. With socialization, we give your new best friend a lot of slack in doing the behavior.
Abigail Franks
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/puppy-training-and-socialization-108474.html
Apr 04, 2010 | | puppy potty
I’ve been crate training my puppy for about a week now, he had and accident 3 days ago and when I have him out of the kennel I either have him right next to me or on furniture so he won’t go. The other day he was out awhile and didn’t go until I took him outside, is it safe to say he’s potty trained or should I keep crate training him for a couple more days?
I believe he is trained. I would leave him out of the crate during the day and watch him closely for a few more days. At night I would keep him in the crate for 2 or 3 more days.
Mar 29, 2010 | | puppy potty
I just got him 5 days ago and I’ve been taking him out in the backyard to potty. But the back yard door is too far from the living room which the puppy moves around, so he can’t find the door. So I decided to put newspaper ar certain area inside and to train him to potty on them. Is that a good idea? Thanks!
No, always take your pup out. To train a dog to potty or poop on paper in the house gives them the meaning that they can do this at any given time.
The learn not to go in the house when taken out. There will be times when you’re away that an accident can happen and that’s not a big deal as they do happen.
Take the pup out, watch it’s moves so you know it needs to go out.
Mar 22, 2010 | | puppy potty
I’m having trouble potty training my puppy and on top of that I’m always at school and work and its been a little difficult. And she can be so bratty at times! haha. Can you take classes to potty train them? And what are some good methods on potty training my puppy? Shes an 8 week old pomeranian. She doesn’t listen to anything I say though and pees everywhere!!
You have an eight week old puppy that’s not housebroken… she’s bratty and doesn’t listen? You are always at work or at school?
What were you thinking when you got this puppy??? There’s a Magic Pill? They raise themselves? They’re born already trained? Are you sure having a puppy right now is the right thing for you and for the puppy?
Mar 08, 2010 | | puppy potty
Starting your new Golden Retriever puppy out on the right foot by feeding him properly will help him grow to be a happy, healthy adult. Puppies receive their nutrients from their mother until they’re about 7 weeks old. But at about three weeks, it’s time to start giving them puppy food that has been soaked and mixed to a thin paste that resembles the food they get from mom. The breeder should have started this process before you pick up your new Golden Retriever puppy.
Before you bring your Golden Retriever puppy home, be sure to find out exactly what food he’s been given and the times he’s been fed. Because puppy stomachs are very sensitive, it’s important to continue the same regimen. When you begin to change to a more mature diet, gradually transition from 25% new mix with 75% of the old diet to the opposite (75% new and 25% old) over a ten-day period. This will give your Golden Retriever puppy time to adjust to the new diet without undue discomfort or digestive problems.
When your Golden Retriever puppy is at least 8 weeks old, it is acceptable to separate him from his mother and bring him home to meet his new family. At first, your new puppy may not show much interest in eating. Changes this big can be very stressful. Don’t force him to eat. Once he figures out he doesn’t have to fit his brothers and sisters to get his fair share, he’ll become more curious and hungry. So don’t worry if he only sniffs and nibbles at first.
Puppies need twice the nutrients that adult Golden Retrievers need to stay healthy. Don’t be tempted to use too many treats with your Golden Retriever puppy, as they do not contain enough nutrients for his healthy growth. For the fist few weeks, stick to the type of food and the same feeding schedule as he was getting from the breeder. It’s hard for a new Golden Retriever puppy to adjust to changes, and maintaining a stable schedule with familiar food will be a nice balance to the shock of new surroundings and people. During the transition to the new food, watch closely for vomiting, loose stool or constipation. If these occur, slow down the transition until your Golden Retriever puppy adjusts and can eat without becoming upset or ill.
Professionals recommend that puppies should eat three times a day until they are about six months old. But it’s a good idea to take the puppy to your vet as soon as you can. Get him checked out, and discuss diet and nutrition with your vet. Your vet will be able to give you tips on appropriate weights so that you can avoid over- or under-feeding your new Golden Retriever puppy.
The feeding schedule will, of course, be largely determined by your own schedule. But set regular times, and stick to them. Your new Golden Retriever puppy need stability, and sticking to a set schedule will help you with house-training, as his bathroom habits will be regular and predictable. Be sure to provide ample water during and after his meals. Set aside some quiet time for your Golden Retriever puppy after meals to avoid stomach problems. Expect your puppy to need to go to the bathroom within a hour or so. Ask the kids not to play with the puppy for the first hour to hour-and-a-half after he eats.
When your Golden Retriever puppy has learned to sleep through the night, make it a habit to take him outside for a potty break each morning. Then feed him, allowing for about an hour of quiet time afterward. Stick to your feeding schedule as much as you possibly can. You should schedule the last feeling at last an hour or so before you plan to go to bed so that you can give him a potty break before everyone settles in for a good night’s rest. Until your Golden Retriever puppy is house-broken, provide puppy pads or newspapers near (not in) his sleeping area in case he can’t wake you up for a trip outside.
By the time your Golden Retriever puppy is 8 to 10 weeks old, he should be on a diet of dry dog food. You can add a little warm water to make it more appetizing, but don’t use canned or moist dog food. These are mostly water and not nearly as nutritious as the dry foods. The warm water will encourage your Golden Retriever puppy to eat all his food, though you may need to sit with him and add more warm water a little at a time. From three to six months, your Golden Retriever puppy will be teething. He may appear to be sick, but unless it lasts over two days, don’t worry. It’s growing pains.
Never feed your Golden Retriever puppy table scraps. They are likely to upset his stomach, and they are not the nutrition he needs at this stage of his growth. As your puppy grows, his stomach will grow, and he’ll eat more. At about six months, you should begin to feed him twice a day, in the morning and at night, but continue to use a diet of puppy food. Being larger dogs, you may want to keep your Golden Retriever on puppy food well into his second year. But you should reduce feeding to once per day, always offering plenty of water during and after his meal. When you do switch to adult dog foods, be sure to select a quality brand with adequate nutrition for your Golden Retriever.
If you follow these guidelines and show your new Golden Retriever plenty of love and affection, you’ll give him a great start to a long, happy, healthy lifetime with your family. He’ll be a valuable and beloved member of your family for years.
Abhishek Agarwal
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/got-a-golden-retriever-give-your-golden-retriever-puppy-a-healthy-start-753317.html
Mar 07, 2010 | | puppy potty
Housebreaking a puppy should be based on prevention rather than punishment. A key to housebreaking a puppy or dog for that matter is close supervision. In just a matter of seconds your puppy can have an accident, so to help prevent that from occurring you should watch for signs that your puppy needs to potty. If your puppy starts to run in circles, sniffing at the door or suddenly runs out of site, that he/she is trying to let you know it’s potty time.
Another way that helps in housebreaking a puppy is keeping his diet consistent. High quality premium brand dry puppy food is a better choice that canned food or table scrapes. If you need to change his food for any reason try and do it gradually over a period of 5-8 days, gradually increasing the amount of new food each day. Remember, the more changes you make the more difficult housebreaking your puppy will be.
During the day when your puppy can not be supervise I highly recommend your puppy or young dog be kept in a crate or a small confined area. If done properly crate training is a safe and very effective way of housebreaking a puppy. In order for the crate to be used in housebreaking a puppy it should not be used for long periods of time or for punishment.
This my sound like common sense but puppies need to urinate soon after they eat, drink water or sleep, those having troubles housebreaking a puppy tend not to think about that. Another thing that is over looked is the fact that most puppies over 13 weeks of age will need to go 8 or 10 times a day.
So, keep a record of your puppies potty times for a few days. The secret to housebreaking a puppy is figuring out the amount of time between potty times and subtracting about 15 – 20 minutes. For housebreaking a puppy we call the “Safety Zone”. By doing this we can figure out how long our little puppy can be trusted to hold out after his last potty break.
Another trick to housebreaking a puppy is not setting him up to fail, what I mean by this not allowing him access to areas carpeting, rugs, ect. Puppies like certain areas to do their business, when you find one (or he does), make a note of it and try and keep him away from it.
When your little angel does have an accident despite his best intentions use a neutralizer with an enzyme based deodorizer to clean the area…there are a number of pet safe products available and should be added to your housebreaking kit.
One area that is overlooked is submissive peeing, it is completely involuntary and scolding your puppy for it will do more harm than good and should be avoided at all cost.
The last thing you need to do when housebreaking a puppy is to use lots of praise. Find a trigger word both you and your puppy can live with and use that in combination with praise and rewards as soon as your puppy potties ( I use “go potty”). This positive reinforcement lets your puppy know that you’re pleased with him and he’ll try even harder to please you.
Those are just a few of the tips for housebreaking a puppy. I hope this helps both you and your puppy.
Jim Banks
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/housebreaking-a-puppy-89234.html
Feb 21, 2010 | | puppy potty