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...

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...

Submissive & Excitement Urination – Solutions

Sometimes dogs seem to leak urine. I’ve noticed that it occurs more often during initial greetings. This can be caused by youth, a developmental problem, a medical condition, a behavioral issue or a combination of factors. It’s always possible that sudden urination is the result of both behavioral and non-behavioral causes. Contributors such as underdeveloped organs, medications that facilitate...

The Great Curtain Battle of 1999

I’ll be perfectly honest. I made all the same mistakes as anyone who every owned and raised a pup. I’ll never forget one of the many incidents when my newly adopted, turbo terrier, 10-week old pup, Bentley, was unsupervised for only a moment. In less than 10 seconds, he breeched a baby gate and enthusiastically bolted into the off-limits, living room. He immediately attacked the most valuable...

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...