Dog Puppy Behavior Training Help

House Breaking or House Training? Let’s Call it Potty Area Conditioning

Contrary to popular beliefs, the process of house training is largely governed by a naturally occurring, classical conditioning process. I propose we assign a more accurate, 21st century, label for house training. Let’s name it “potty area conditioning”! All of your actions will alter the natural process of “potty area conditioning”. You may hasten the process, delay the process, or...

Inappropriate Elimination Questionnaire- for Dogs that were Previously House Trained and Inside Elimination Represents a Change in Behavior

Sometimes I see clients whose dogs were previously house trained, but recently started eliminating inside. The causes can range from medical or dietary issues, attention seeking behaviors,  to anxiety and fearful behaviors. You’ll  need to determine the root cause before you can fix it. Here is the inappropriate inside elimination questionnaire that I use for remote house training consultations....

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...

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...

Teach Your Dog to Ring a Bell – for Potty Signal

Most people state they want their dogs to bark to signal the nedd to go outside to potty. I suggest teaching the dog to ring a bell instead of teaching the dog to bark. The dog will inevitably signal when she doesn’t need to use the bathroom but she does want you to interact. If you teach her to bark at you, she will learn to bark at you for attention. If you teach her to ring a bell, you can...

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...

Potty Accidents Inside? Don’t Kick the Dog! Clean Up and Smile!

I promote no suggestions to interrupt a dog during elimination. Instead, focus on preventing accidents. Keep a log. Watch your pup closely. Observe your dog’s behavior when he eliminates outside so you will recognize signs of “hunting for a location” like sniffing, and circling. When you notice any pre-elimination behaviors while you are inside, tell your pup, “let’s go potty”,...