House Training Dogs Successfully
You could House train your dog easily if you had the time to watch your puppy 24 hours a day. But as you can’t watch them around the clock, don’t expect to train them all at once. Training can take up to about 6 months. Puppies are growing and developing quickly at this stage. They eat more food and burn up lots of energy and consequently need to ‘go’ more often.
The most important issue in house training dogs should be teaching him to control his bowel. When he is still a puppy, he has not yet developed bladder control.
House training dogs is hard when you are not home. Your puppy needs a lot of attention. You should first confine your puppy in a puppy-proof room with paper spread all over the floor. Put his water bowls and food right next to it. The papers you have set on the floor may be dragged and chewed around his little den, but its important and helpful in teaching your puppy where to eliminate his waste properly. There will be no reason for him to defecate elsewhere. Your puppy will ‘go’ on the paper, and you need to clean it up when you arrive home. This may be an additional job for you, but patience is all it takes. Don’t worry because later on, he will move past this stage.
Paper training is very useful and a proven technique in training dogs. In this way, no matter where the dog relieves himself, he will still eliminate on the paper because he has no choice. Little by little, you will see some changes. Gradually reduce the amount paper you have set on the ground. Start to move the paper outside the house. Of course, as your puppy has become used to using the paper he will look for it. Once the paper has been moved to outside the house, your training is near its end. Move the paper about an inch per day.
Occasionally, you may discover that he has had ‘accidents’ inside the house again. Don’t be discouraged. This happens. What you need to do is repeat the training. But understand that it will not be as hard as the first time. House training your dog is key for both your dog and your sanity and sanitation.
Give Your Dog the Best Education & Training
Your dog deserves the best training possible and finding the right dog trainer is important. But, where do you find the best candidates for the job?
Your dog is not just a pet, he or she is a member of your family and, just as you do with other members of your family, you want to make sure your dog receives the best education.
Of course, a dog training facility is important, but the key to good training is the trainer.
Choosing the right trainer is not only better for your dog, but it is also better for you. Good trainers don’t just get your dog to do a few “tricks”, they teach your dog how to learn, which results in a happier, more confident dog. You benefit from the sense of pride that comes with having a well trained pet by your side.
It all sounds easy enough, but how do you find the best dog trainer? There are no hard and fast rules, and often there’s a bit of luck involved, but you can take a few steps to make your search a little easier.
Fortunately, there are professional dog trainer associations and they are a good place to start. Many trainers have taken the time to become certified and an association can put you in contact with certified professionals in your area.
Your veterinarian or groomer can be a good source of information. They know your dog and are in a good position to recommend a trainer with the right fit for your particular needs.
Of course, it never hurts to talk to family, friends and neighbours about their experiences with dog trainers.
No matter how you go about finding a trainer, you need to talk to the potential candidates and find out for yourself which ones you feel will be best able to train your dog. Ask about the trainer’s certifications and membership in professional associations. Find out if they are involved in any continuing education for dog trainers. Perhaps most importantly, you need to have a comfort level with the trainer so you can work together for the benefit of your dog.
The certified dog trainers at Alpha Paws have the experience and knowledge to answer your questions, make recommendations and keep you informed about your dog’s needs and progress.
