Puppy everything

30/04/2025

17/04/2025

Another excerpt from my book about House Breaking and Crate Training: HOUSEBREAKING:
The first big lesson for your puppy? Learning to go potty outside! Housebreaking can feel overwhelming at first, but with consistency, a solid routine, and proper crate use, it becomes second nature for both of you. The key is setting a schedule and using containment (like crates or pens) to reinforce good habits.
Housebreaking Basics:
• Consistency is everything. Seriously—this is the golden rule of all training.
• Stick to a schedule. Food and water in = potty time soon after. A set routine minimizes accidents and makes training easier.
• Supervision and containment is critical- if you do not watch them like a hawk and or contain them to a crate or small area housebreaking will take forever and it will be much harder on both of you.
• Pick a potty command. Choose something simple and repeatable like “go potty” or “hurry up.” This helps your pup understand the difference between a bathroom break and a fun walk.
• Choose a designated potty spot. If you always take your pup to the same area, it reinforces what’s expected and keeps your yard tidier.
• Use rewards. A small treat right after they go makes housebreaking quicker and more effective.
WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU TAKE YOUR PUPPY OUT:
AFTER MEALS, NAPS, OR EXTENDED CRATE TIME, FOLLOW THIS ROUTINE:
1. Take your puppy outside immediately. If they’re small, carry them to prevent accidents.
2. Bring a treat. Get ready to reward good behavior.
3. Give the potty command. Say it repeatedly while they sniff around.
4. Praise and treat immediately after they go. Reinforce that they did the right thing.

CONTAINMENT/CRATE TRAINING
To Housebreak a puppy, you must supervise and/or contain them 24/7. There are many ways to contain the puppy and you may use several of them in any given day or week, however the primary containment method that works best for housebreaking is the crate. It taps into a dog’s instinct not to soil their sleeping area. The crate isn’t about forcing your puppy to “hold it” for long periods—it’s about teaching them self-control and giving them a safe space.
• Crate the puppy overnight and for short, controlled times during the day. Use it after meals, naps, and when you can’t supervise. If your pup hasn’t gone potty after eating, crate them for 10-15 minutes, then try again.
• When out of the crate, they should be in a contained area such as an exercise pen or gated small room or tethered to you, so you can catch accidents before they happen.
Note puppies can be surprisingly sneaky and quick- if you do not contain them adequately in a space you can closely monitor- they will have accidents and or get into other trouble even if you turn away for just a moment.
INTRODUCING YOUR PUPPY TO THE CRATE
Crate training should start from the first night.
Step 1: Set Up the Crate
• Choose a crate just big enough for your puppy to stand, turn, and lie down. Too much space and they may use one corner as a bathroom.
• Add a soft blanket and something with your scent for comfort.
• Keep the crate near you at night so they feel safe and you can hear if they need to go out.
Step 2: Make the Crate a Positive Space
• Toss in treats or toys to encourage them to explore it.
• Never force them inside—let it be their choice at first.
• Use a happy, reassuring tone when talking about the crate.
Step 3: Short Periods with the Door Closed
• Start with a few seconds, gradually increasing the time.
• Always reward calm behavior with treats or praise.
Step 4: Crate Training at Night
• Take them out for a potty break before bed.
• Calmly place them in the crate. A soft voice and a chew toy can help them settle.
• Expect some whining. Comfort them without letting them out unless they truly need to potty.
• Stick to the routine. If they wake up and whine, take them out calmly (no playtime), then put them back to sleep.
PRO TIPS:
• Never leave a collar on in the crate—it’s a safety hazard.
• Always: use a consistent phrase when putting them in the crate (e.g., “go to bed” or “crate up” ) and toss in a treat.
Note: The First night or several might be rough, your puppy has been taken from everything he knows and this may be the first time he has ever slept by himself. They are very likely to cry for a while when locked in but with any luck they will be tired enough to sleep. They are very likely to wake up and cry- you should take them out to relieve themselves then come right back and settle them into the crate again… Some puppies are like colicky infants and you will be pretty sleep deprived, others settle right in although you will still be sleep deprived as young puppies will most likely not make it past about 6 hours without needing to go out. I have had good luck giving my puppies plush animals that have a heartbeat sound generator to “keep them company” at bedtime.

THE HOUSEBREAKING SCHEDULE
Puppies thrive on structure. A set routine helps them learn when and where to go potty.
KEY TIMES TO TAKE YOUR PUPPY OUT:
• First thing in the morning (straight from the crate).
• After meals (usually 15 minutes after eating).
• After naps or playtime (activity stimulates their bladder).
• Before bed (one last potty break to avoid overnight accidents).
SAMPLE DAILY SCHEDULE
MORNING:
• 6:30 AM – Take them outside immediately. Use your potty command and reward success.
• 7:00 AM – Feed breakfast, then take them out 15 minutes later. If they don’t go, crate for 10 minutes, then try again.
• 9:00 AM – Another potty break, followed by supervised playtime.
MIDDAY:
• 12:00 PM – Lunch, followed by a potty break.
• 2:30 PM – Potty time and play/training session.
AFTERNOON/EVENING:
• 4:30 PM – Potty break, then more playtime or a walk.
• 6:00 PM – Dinner, followed by another potty break.
• 8:00 PM – Limit water to prevent nighttime accidents.
• 8:30 PM – One more trip outside.
BEDTIME:
• 10:30 PM – Last potty break.
• 11:00 PM – Crate for the night (adjust based on your pup’s age).
BY FOLLOWING THIS PLAN, YOU’LL SET YOUR PUPPY UP FOR HOUSEBREAKING SUCCESS IN NO TIME!

17/04/2025

I am getting ready to publish a book Customized Puppy Care and Training in the meantime I am going to post a couple excerpts which deal with questions I have been answering in several groups.

This on Puppy Biting:

PUPPY BEHAVIORS THAT WILL DRIVE YOU NUTS (AND HOW TO FIX THEM)
1. BITING WITH THEIR LITTLE NEEDLE TEETH
Why They Do It
PUPPIES ARE VERY MOUTHY. THEY PUT EVERYTHING IN THEIR MOUTHS—INCLUDING YOU. THEY’RE NOT BEING AGGRESSIVE; THEY JUST EXPLORE THE WORLD THIS WAY. IT TAKES TIME (AND TEETHING) FOR THEM TO STOP.
How to Fix It
• Always have something they can chew on nearby. If they start chewing on your shoelaces, calmly offer a chew toy instead. Move your foot out of reach. Repeat a lot.
• If they bite you, make a sound. A loud “OW!” or “No!” in a firm voice lets them know it hurt. Then immediately give them something else to chew on and praise them.
• Avoid rough play. If you play with your hands, you’re basically telling your pup that biting skin is fun.

03/09/2024

Dog Walking Etiquette: A Guide for Suburban Strolls and Trail Treks

Walking your dog is one of the best ways to bond, get exercise, and enjoy the outdoors together. Whether you're strolling through a suburban neighborhood or exploring a scenic trail, it’s important to follow proper dog walking etiquette. Here’s a guide to ensure your outings are pleasant and respectful for everyone.

1. **On-Leash Etiquette**

**Use a Proper Leash:** In suburban areas and on trails, keep your dog on a sturdy, secure leash unless signs explicitly allow off-leash walking. A standard six-foot leash offers good control and keeps your dog close enough to you, minimizing risks.

**Respect Personal Space:** Not all dogs (or people) are comfortable with close encounters. Maintain a reasonable distance when passing others, and shorten the leash to keep your dog by your side, especially when passing other dogs or pedestrians.

**Pick Up After Your Dog:** Always carry waste bags and clean up after your dog, whether you’re in a neighborhood or on a trail. Leaving waste behind is unsanitary and disrespectful to others who share the space.

**Mind Your Surroundings:** In suburban areas, watch for traffic, cyclists, and children playing. On trails, be aware of wildlife, cyclists, and joggers. Keep your dog under control at all times to avoid accidents or disturbances.

2. **Off-Leash Etiquette**

- **Check the Rules:** Before letting your dog off-leash, make sure it’s allowed in the area. Many suburban parks and trails have specific zones where dogs can roam freely, while others may require leashes at all times.

- **Voice Control is Key:** If you’re in an off-leash area, ensure your dog is well-trained and responds reliably to voice commands. You should be able to recall your dog at any moment to prevent unwanted interactions or to quickly regain control if needed.

- **Be Considerate of Others:** Even in off-leash areas, not everyone may be comfortable around dogs. If you see someone approaching, especially with another dog or young children, call your dog to your side and consider leashing them temporarily until the other party has passed.

- **Watch for Wildlife:** On trails, your off-leash dog might be tempted to chase squirrels, birds, or other animals. This can be dangerous for both the wildlife and your dog. Keep a close eye on your dog’s behavior and be ready to intervene.

3. **General Etiquette for All Walks**

- **Stay on Designated Paths:** Whether in a neighborhood or on a trail, stick to the designated walking areas. Wandering off-trail can damage the environment and disturb local wildlife, while in suburban areas, it can be a nuisance to homeowners.

- **Avoid Disrupting Other Dogs:** If your dog is overly excited or reactive, practice extra caution when approaching others. Not all dogs are friendly, and an overly enthusiastic greeting could lead to an altercation.

- **Respect Leashed Dogs:** When your dog is off-leash, and you encounter a leashed dog, be mindful and respectful. Not all dogs are comfortable with off-leash dogs approaching them. Leash your dog until the leashed dog has passed or keep a significant distance.

- **Be Courteous and Communicative:** If you need to pass someone on a narrow trail or sidewalk, politely announce your presence so they aren’t startled. A simple, “Passing on your left” can go a long way in preventing surprises.

4. **Neighborhood Walks**

- **Avoid Front Yards:** Keep your dog from wandering into front yards or gardens, even if they seem empty. This is private property, and it’s respectful to stay on public sidewalks or paths.

- **Cross Streets Safely:** Always look both ways before crossing, and encourage your dog to wait with you at curbs. This reinforces good behavior and keeps you both safe.

Walking your dog should be an enjoyable experience for both of you, and following these etiquette guidelines helps ensure that everyone—whether on two legs or four—can have a pleasant time. Happy walking!