Keep them close, but walk them around

Today’s quick housebreaking tip – keep them close.

When you are housebreaking your new rescue dog or brand new puppy, don’t start out thinking that you are Housebreaking.

Try instead to think of it as ‘room breaking’.  One room at a time.  One area.

I like this area.

Your dog doesn’t realize that just because he isn’t supposed to pee in the kitchen, he also isn’t supposed to not pee in the bedroom.   (How many negatives was that?  I lost count.  But I think you get the idea.)   He just doesn’t know, can’t realize.  His brain doesn’t work that way.

One trick I’ve found, when you start letting them explore more, to break out of the kitchen – in the den – watch tv with the family!  Is to put them on the leash and keep them close.   I worked with a cocker puppy a while back who had it in his head, he ran to the basement room and peed every time he got loose.   Driving the mom nuts with frustration.   I told her to put the dog on the leash several times a day and walk the dog TO the basement, instead of trying to keep him out!  He needed to realize this was part of his usual house, not the outside, or the bathroom or whatever he was thinking.

Because until we explain it to them in a way they understand, they don’t understand.

So during your housebreaking time, think small.   Housebreak them in This room first.  Then one more room.  But walk them around the house, on the leash, let them know its all part of where they live.  Its not the outside, their place to pee.   It will take them a while to figure it out, but they will.

As an aside – my attempts to make sweet potato treats over on www.longroadkennel.com today.   Check it out, give me some better ideas if you have them?  Thanks.

First things first

Okay – lets talk about that new puppy you’re bringing home.   I KNOW – I can’t wait either!  I love to talk puppy!

Today’s talk is going to be about What you need before he comes home.   I know surprises happen – we went to the shelter to ‘look at’ cats.   And ended up bringing home one THAT NIGHT.   He was already neutered – he could come!  I had nothing!   And we all lived.

And kitty teaches all the puppies who’s boss!

There are lists pages long of things you need if you google it.   I want to talk about a few of the most important things before that baby comes home.  We’ll pretend (for today) that you’ve already researched and picked out the right breed, or dog for you.

In some kind of random-ish order:

First of all – do you have a vet?   If you haven’t had animals in a while, you might not.  Ask your friends, ask people walking their dogs, ask at your local pet food store.  You will get several referrals.   Make an appointment a day or so after puppy comes home.  I’ve had some people take puppy straight from here to vet.   Others like to wait a few days.   Up to you, but get that appointment made.

Second  – where is baby going to pee and poop?   On pads in the house?  Outside?  Pick one or two spots and make sure he gets there a few dozen times a day (depending).   The more consistent you are with it, the faster he’ll catch on.

I won’t be perfect, but I’ll try!

Third – where is he going to sleep?  Crate?   Where will it be?  Somewhere handy you can pop in and out during the day.

Fourth – How will you react when he screws up?  When he poops on the floor and chews your shoes and howls all night and knock grandma over and takes the candy from the two legged baby?    Thinking ahead of time of what your reaction should be, will help before the natural instincts take over.   Patience is a virtue!

I thought helping load the dishwasher was a Good thing!?

Fifth-  what’s he going to be chewing on?  Puppies WILL be chewing on things.  Better lay in a supply of the good proper stuff.  (My cat has chewed up five, yes five,  phone chargers.  So far.   Puppies chew More.)

Sixth – what kind of exercise do you plan to do with him?   A tired dog is a good dog and you want a good dog, right?  Say right!   Walks, classes, parks, back yard, chase the ball down the hall, etc.  Plan to wear him out!

too exhausted to make it to bed!

Seventh – what are your socialization prospects?  The more he’s exposed to early,  the more social he’s likely to be.  Where can you take him?  How many people can he say hi to everyday?

Well, there’s a start.   I’ve had a few requests for tomorrow’s column.   Add yours in!  I’ll get to them.

Katesdogs@live.com    and check out my dogs/puppies -

www.longroadkennel.com

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New puppy?

I’ve been talking to a lot of people lately with new puppies.   Nothing cuter than a puppy!   I’m excited for all of them!

I also get a lot of questions about what do you DO with a new puppy?    I’m starting a new series today on the care and feeding of new puppies!

If you have any specific questions – drop me a line at Katesdogs@live.com   or leave a comment here in the messages.  I’ll do my best to help.

But a couple thoughts.     Before you get the puppy, think about what life is going to be like when you get him?  Have you had a dog recently?   Has it been a while since you had a puppy?   Shut your eyes and imagine a cuddle bug on your lap, a buddy to walk with, a four legged bundle of joy to chase balls.   Nice?  Oh yeah.   Now also imagine pee and poop on the floor,  constant barking while you are on the phone, howls in the middle of the night, drool, hair,  and someone who tries to knock you over every time you come home.

A tired puppy is a good puppy. (But she wasn’t too tired to climb onto the back of the couch!)

Those things will happen too.   When you smile and think about ball in the park, also think about how you will deal with other issues.   No person, no dog, is perfect.   Even if you think in fond memory, of times past that your last dog was perfect from day one.

The good thing is, you’ll think this puppy was perfect from day one, also.   Eventually.   Later.  Much later.

I hate my nails cut. And I like to be held A LOT. Other than that, I’m fairly perfect! Now.

But for now, in the next few days,  we’ll cover some of the typical puppy issues.

Enjoy!!