Dog Puppy Behavior Training Help

Changing Bad Crate Habits – Puppy Barking, Urinating in Crate

Barking in the Crate When accompanied by eliminating in the crate, drooling, or self-injury, barking in the crate can be a sign of separation anxiety. Dogs with separation anxiety have been compared to people that have anxiety attacks. Separation anxiety is an emotional condition fraught with panic and fear. Crating a dog with true separation anxiety is never a good idea. Even if your dog...

How to Introduce Your Puppy Dog to a Crate or Kennel

Crate Introduction I’ve met many people who did not take any special steps to introduce their pups to a crate and their pups learned to relax while crated. Most people just place their puppy in the crate, give the pup a treat, and ignore any signs of protest. After a few days, the pup begin to relax while crated.  Assuming the puppy’s physical and emotional needs are being met, this method...

What Size and Type of Crate Should I Choose for My Puppy?

Crate Selection There are several styles of crates on the market. Some are large metal cages and others are tents or plastic carriers. Tents and crates made of fabric can easily be destroyed by an active puppy. Some dogs have a difficult time relaxing in the metal cages because they are constantly monitoring the environment outside the cage. Since they can see in all directions, every...

Doggie Poop, Pee on Command!

When it’s cold outside, when traveling, or anytime you are about to leave the house, it’s wonderful when your dog will eliminate or potty on command. It’s easy to teach your dog two different commands or cues, one for urination and one for defecation. It helps if you are already familiar with your pup’s potty signature. Observe your pup closely so you’ll recognize when he is about to...

Why Use a Crate? Puppy Confinement & Crate Training Overview

Dogs are den animals and contrary to misconceptions, (when introduced and used properly), dogs will readily enter their crates and relax, regardless of the level of activity near the crate. Dogs should never be crated or left unsupervised while fitted with any types of harnesses or collars, except a break-away collar. Please fit your dog with a break-away collar for any events or activities that...

Frozen Kong for Dogs and Puppies Provides Stimulation, Exercise, and can Aid in Crate Training

Frozen Kong® Sometimes the weather or my schedule prohibit outside adventures. Sometimes I’m too lazy or tired to exercise. I’ve found ways to entertain Bentley without walking or playing fetch. Here’s how you can exercise your dog when you are busy. Get a Kong®. Amazon has excellent prices on these famous Kong toys. You an get a large kong for under $8. Order two or three and keep them...

How to Teach your Dog or Puppy to Go To Place

Go to Place is one of my favorite behaviors. I use it to keep Bentley, my AKC registered, Australian Terrier. from licking the dishes while I load the dishwasher, irritating my guests, pestering me during dinner, or any other times I want him to relax in one spot. Before you begin training your dog, you’ll need to learn a bit about communication and motivation. Please visit the Dog Training...

Separation Anxiety in Dogs is Often Misdiagnosed and Misunderstood

Separation anxiety is one of the most misdiagnosed behavioral conditions. The hallmarks of separation anxiety are:  Excessive vocalization Salivation Inside Elimination (for a house trained dog) Destructive behaviors directed at entry and exit points For separation anxiety to be considered, some or a combination of these symptoms must occur ONLY in the absence of people. The behaviors most commonly...

Experiment with Puppy Crate Location to Reduce Barking in the Crate

Dogs are social mammals. They like to be close to their people. That being said, dogs are adaptable. Some pups and dogs can learn to relax in a crate that is placed in a laundry room or basement, away from the people.  Some don’t adapt so well. My initial suggestion is to place the crate in a corner of a common area. This presents the puppy with a safe resting spot near his people. Placement depends...