New Year, New Times

Ok, it is February already. What happen to January?
I have found that January is a very busy month for Dog Trainers. A lot of people get new puppies, Family pets are being merged together with couples that become engaged at Christmas or get married during the holidays so that is where January went. It is my favorite month, just to see all of the new excited puppies and teaching them to trust and respect their new family.

Potty training seems to be the biggest issue of course with a new puppy so let's talk about that for a moment.

Using a crate to assist with the potty training is the best thing you can do for your dog. They are pack animals; they love their dens if introduced to one correctly. Typically, puppies will not eliminate in their crate unless they are left in the crate for longer than they can physically "hold it". The crate must be the right size, if it is too large, the puppy will sleep in one section and eliminate in another section. The best way to judge the size is use their length and add another 1/2 of their length. This will give them room to turn around easily, lay with their feet out and sit up straight without bumping their heads. Use the crate at night, when you can not supervise and a few hours even when you are home. This will help them learn to use those muscles needed to control their bladder. NEVER use the crate as a punishment place. They will become fearful of it and not want to go in there. It should be a fun place to go and always rewarding. It is their place to get away, just like your favorite place in the house, you want to go there, and you enjoy going there. Well, the crate should be the same for them. If they begin to bark while in the crate, wait for a moment of silence before letting him out. Do not go to them at night and keep taking them out, ignore them and they will settle down if you know they do not have to go outside. If they do continue for more then 20 minutes, go in during a moment of silence, don't say anything but put your hand on the crate. Try turning a radio on for them or give them an old shirt with your smell on it. If you continue to go into the room and take them out they have won and know how to get your attention and it will never stop.

NEVER LEAVE A PUPPY IN THE CRATE FOR LONGER THEN THEY CAN PHYSICALLY "HOLD IT"
The rule of thumb for this is 1 hour per month. If they are 2 months they can hold for 2 hours, etc.