| CARE |
| CRATE TRAINING YOUR NEW PUPPY Crate training is very effective. To do this, you need to buy a crate. I like metal crates. It is usually recommended that you get a crate that will fit the dog when they are an adult. It is essential though that you block off much of the crate using dividers that are sold for this purpose or with boxes such that the puppy has only enough room to lie down in the crate. The crate should have a nice washable soft pad and a safe toy and / or small towel bunched up. There are many good books that detail crate training, but basically, until the puppy is trustable trained to go outside, he should be in the crate whenever you cannot closely supervise him. Keep in mind though that this should not exceed two - three consecutive hours unless it is overnight. TO HOUSEBREAK THE PUP USING CRATE TRAINING: Take the puppy out to the same spot on a leash shortly after eating or drinking. The time period will vary depending on your pup and the food their eating. Try to keep them on a schedule of eating and drinking so you and them develop predictable routines. Take the puppy out to their spot shortly after playing or having a chew toy for a bit. Also, be alert and take them out any time you see them sniffing the floor a lot or circling and other behaviors that you will come to associate with your pups need to go outside. Develop some cue for the pup to let you know when they need to go outside, attach a phrase to fit, and reward the pup with lots of praise when they use it. Similarly, when the pup is preparing to go, sniffing back and forth, use a voice command such as “ hurry up “ said softly so eventually they will go on command. As they begin to do their business, praise them lavishly. When they finish, give them a small treat. Then, take them inside for some play time. Don’t let him frolic outside until their fully trained because you want them to associate outside with house training. Do not punish the puppy for accidents, as these are the fault of the owner for not watching them properly. Quietly clean up {using white vinegar} and resolve to watch them more carefully in the future. At first, the puppy should be crated anytime you cannot directly supervise them. Gradually, time outside the crate can be increased as can letting the pup into various areas of your house. We start with the crate in the kitchen, and move to the playpen in the living room, to the living room and so on as our pups develop control and know the difference between outside and the rest of their new “ den.“ |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| HILLSIDE KENNEL 478-668-4699 |
