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Dog Training Tip
If you've just become the proud owner of
a new pup, the first item on your agenda should be, no doubt,
house training. We recommend that you do not use pee pads to
house train your puppy. Pups need to eliminate as many as six
times a day, outside preferably. Prepare to invest some time
and effort into house training your pup.
The best training tool to begin the house training process is
a crate. Get your dog a wire crate that is big enough to accommodate
increases in size over the next few months, and small enough
that he doesn't find a corner of the crate in which to relieve
himself. Initially, keep your dog in the crate for short periods
of time, taking him out to the yard at regular intervals to get
him to eliminate. If he does, lavish him with praise and give
him a reward. If he doesn't go, take him back to the crate. Continue
this process until he eliminates outside. Over a period of days,
your dog's needs will become clear. Being confined to the crate
will help your puppy learn to hold it for longer periods of time
and wait for the next opportunity to get outside.
Don't keep him confined for too long, one to two hours at first.
If he relieves himself in the crate, then you will want to take
him out more often. Make sure you clean up the mess with an enzyme
based cleaning product.. You can find them in a pet store.
Don't punish after accidents. All pups have accidents along the
way. As an owner, it's your responsibility to train your dog
to behave the way you want him to behave. He'll be more than
happy to oblige, if you teach him correctly from the beginning.
When your pup is out of the crate, always supervise. Watch out
for tell tale signs such as walking around in circles, sniffing,
or losing interest during play. When he exhibits this type of
behavior, stop whatever you're doing and take him outside. Always
go outside with him to make sure he goes.
Make sure to take him outside not too long after he gets a drink
of water or eats and when he first wakes up from a nap. Don't
leave water in the crate overnight. Try not to get up with him
in the middle of the night if possible. Housebreaking takes time,
so don't get discouraged! It is a slow process, but the fewer
mistakes your puppy has along the way, the better and quicker
the route to housebreaking success.
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