Housebreaking a Puppy

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Life is Peachy for Peaches the Dog

Posted October 20th, 2009 by housebreaking a puppy | No Comments

21.365
Creative Commons License photo credit: twodolla

My dog is a small, Reindeer Chihuahua/terrier. She is about five years old, and is predominantly white with brown spots. Though she was originally named “saddles” for a large brown patch of fur located on her back, we have come to know her as ‘Peaches’, short for ‘Peaches the Dog’. Peaches is a rather energetic dog, which should not be surprising given her descent.

She enjoys running around the yard for exercise and playing hide-and-go-seek quite commonly. She has a curious nature about her and frequently tries to dig under the fence and escape into the great beyond. Luckily, she has always returned home, though she will almost surely make a bolt for an exit if she knows she will get away, if only for a few minutes.

Peaches enjoys eating any type of meat that we give her, and though we originally trained her to only eat dog food, we cannot help but offer her table scraps when she comes begging. All in all, Peaches is a kind, loving and affectionate dog who I see not only as a beloved pet, but also as an adored family friend.

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Posted in category: Your Dogs | Tags:

Dogs Will Cheer You Up

Posted October 19th, 2009 by housebreaking a puppy | No Comments

NELLIE AND ROSIE WENT TO THE PARK
Creative Commons License photo credit: the_moog

Reader Story:

My special 4 legged friend is a Bedlington Terrier named Kate. She is 3 years old and has been a wonderful addition to our family. One of the best parts of Kate’s day is when my daughter comes home from school. Some how she knows when it is time for the bus to come and starts getting very excited. I usually let her out of the house as the bus is coming to a stop and she literally flies through the front yard to get to Lindsey.

Kate also knows if you are having a bad day and will do whatever she can to improve that day, whether it is just sitting in your lap, or getting a toy to play with. She has a stuffed snail toy that is her favorite right now and she will throw it at you until you start playing with her. Kate also likes to compete in agility. People love watching her because her tail never stops wagging when she is running through the course. One person commented that they didn’t know how she stayed on the dog walk when her tail was wagging that hard. Kate is a joy to have as a member of the family, and I can’t imagine life without her.

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Posted in category: Your Dogs | Tags:

Puppy House Training

Posted October 19th, 2009 by housebreaking a puppy | Comments Off

Fractalized Lenny
Creative Commons License photo credit: AndyeMcee

New puppies are great! But sometimes puppy house training is not! What do you do when that cute little fur ball you fell in love with decides to pee on your carpet after he has just spent twenty minutes outside?

I would suggest you take a deep breath while you reach for the carpet cleaner and then try a couple of these ideas.

1. When you take your puppy out try to take him to the same place each time. Once he smells a spot where he has relieved himself in the past, usually he will go again.

2. Always take him out right when he wakes up, and immediately after he eats or drinks.

3. Start using a code word. When he goes potty outside tell him he is a good boy and that he is doing a good job. I like to say, “good potty, goodboy.” After a few times telling him he is doing a good job you can start asking him to go potty when you take him out.

4. Try making him wear a belly band while he is inside. That way if he does urinate inside the belly band will soak up the majority of it. With diligence on your part and continous training your puppy should learn that his bathroom is outside.

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Man’s Best Friend is Dudley the Dog

Posted October 18th, 2009 by housebreaking a puppy | No Comments

Dreyfuss
Creative Commons License photo credit: ishane

Reader Story:

When I was small, my dad told me that I could go to the shelter and pick out our new family dog. I was so excited to look through all the cute puppies! The day before our trip to the local pound, my neighbor brought over a tiny puppy that he found in the wooded area behind his house.

As children are, I was upset that a dog wandered into our yard, robbing me of my trip to the shelter. Well, I got over it. Dudley turned out to be the best dog our family has ever cared for. Even now that I no longer live at home, Dudley greets me with a big smile and a wagging tail when I return.

I also couldn’t have chosen a better dog for my father: they both love to fish, go for walks around the neighborhood and chill out at the family barbeques.

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Posted in category: Your Dogs | Tags: ,

Obedience Training a Puppy

Posted October 18th, 2009 by housebreaking a puppy | Comments Off

Vote for Lacey! (9 months old)
Creative Commons License photo credit: jelene

Patience and consistency are the keys to training a puppy. Puppies have the activity level of a human toddler with none of the language recognition. They do not know what “sit” means and they do not understand “get off the couch”. Puppies need constant and consistent training. I recommend a group training class as soon as your puppy is old enough for many reasons.

One, it allows the puppy to be socialized. Puppies that do not get socialized young often turn out to be aggressive and overprotective. Two, being coupled with a professional trainer will give you someone for life that understands you and your dog and can answer questions that may arise as the puppy grows. Three, a group setting gives you incentive to actually do the training. Training is not a one time event. It takes many repetitions over the course of many weeks. If you are in a class, you have the incentive to work with you dog so you do not get embarrassed when your dog performs badly the next class. Remember, dogs may learn at a different pace than you expect. It takes a patient and consistent owner to train a puppy well.

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