Canine Corner - Dog Blog

Welcome to the Dog Blog!  Today we’re going to talk about food as it relates to potty training.

 

Potty training also applies to feeding times.  Puppies generally have pretty quick digestive systems.  So if you feed them, there is only a 5-15 minute window of opportunity to get them out before they will leave you a "present".

 

Another part of being a pack leader is directly related to feeding times and time allowed to feed. Puppies should be fed 3 times a day according to the label on their dog food.  Amount should be based on their body weight and most pet food companies are very good about putting this on the label.

 

We feed in the morning, during lunch hour, and in the evening before we eat.  With puppies we allow about a 20 minute window to eat because everything in their world is new to them and they are easily distracted.  Then we take the food and water away.  Being a pack leader you are already teaching them that they will be fed when you say they will be fed.  

 

Don't worry, they won't starve.  But we can guarantee you if they do go hungry a few times, they will be ready, willing, and eager to eat right away the next time.  ;o)

 

If your puppy or dog jumps up before you get the food bowl down (or even if they don't), make sure they are in a calm state before you put the bowl down.  This can save you a lot of frustration in spilled food and water in the future.  With our boys, we make them sit first; the analogy being, you can't jump when you are sitting.

 

Remember, if you play hard with them, take them for a walk, or anything that requires more water, let them drink it but then remember to take them out again immediately after and before putting them in their crate for the night.  

 

That’s all for today!  Join us tomorrow for another Dog Blog with a hot tip!

 

Canine Corner - Dog Blog

Welcome to the Dog Blog!

 

Puppies like adult dogs will almost always give you visual clues that they need to go outside such as whining, excessive jumping, sniffing, spinning, etc.  We have a friend whose dog leans against the door and that is the only clue.  You will learn your dogs "warning sign or signs" as you get acquainted with each other.  

 

One thing we've learned is that most puppies are somewhat like cows.  Get them up and moving and they will "go".  

 

So the first thing to do when you feed them, get them up from a nap or wake up in the morning is to show them to the door and then to the area that you want them to relieve themselves in.  Use a verbal command such as "Outside" to move them to the door.  It is important to note that when teaching commands, use one or two word commands and don't say anything else or it can cause confusion.  

 

Once outside in their designated area use a command such as "Go" each and every time.  This helps your puppy to know what they are supposed to do and prevents the sniffing and roaming ritual frustrations so many dog owners experience.  Once they are done, praise them like crazy and if you want to, let them play.  But only do this after they "Go".

 

One tip on the taking them to the area you want them to relieve themselves in... (and yes, we know it's a pain) but just do it until they learn where you want them to go.  Otherwise they will think the world is their poop deck and you will have more than one encounter with their special brand of "chocolates".  :o)  

 

Also, if you have two puppies (and yes, we should have our heads examined), take them each out individually.  We tried letting them out together but then they just played off from each other's energy and forgot all about what they were out there for.

 

With regard to all punishment and including “accidents”, always remember that you need to catch them in the act.  If it happens (and it will), Scold them with a loud NO!  In the case of accidents, take them to the pre-designated area to relieve themselves in.  

 

If you are using outdoors or a litter box for training, always follow up with lots of praise or in our case, we have always used healthy treats.  Our dogs come back to the door immediately after relieving themselves because they know that if they do, they will usually get a treat.  Down the road, you can play it like the lottery; sometimes your dog gets a treat and sometimes they don’t. 

 

With other bad behaviors always follow up with the proper correction (a loud “NO” will usually suffice) and follow it with the positive action you want them to do instead (instead of jumping, you make them sit).  You will win the battle of wills much faster if you are always consistent!  

 

We hope you’ve enjoyed today’s Dog Blog.  Now go out there and make it a great day!  :o)