MAGIC PUPPIES

Puppy Training Tips - Biting and Chewing

 Biting and chewing are perfectly normal behaviors for a puppy. Pups bite in play, it is all part of a learning process. They need to bite in order to learn bite inhibition. They also bite as they lack the self control of an older dog and get very excited when playing. (My 6 year old Boxer still does this, when he plays) Puppies chew as they are teething and chewing eases the pain of the new teeth coming through.

When your puppy bites there are several ways you can handle this. Many people have success with giving a little "yelp" or "ouch" when a puppy nips them, pulling their hand away. You can also immediately stop playing with the pup when he or she bites you. Do not scold your pup or say anything, just walk away and ignore them for a couple of minutes. It does not take them long to learn that if they bite the games stops.

Do you worry too much about your puppy biting they will grow out of it and learn self control and bite inhibition. NEVER, under any circumstances, hit or strike out at your puppy when she bites, this sort of punishment is not understood my your dog at all.

Puppy chewing is normal. When teething your pup will chew on practically anything. SO if you find you new $100.00 pair of shoes in pieces, do not scold your puppy rather scold yourself for leaving out so the puppy could get them. Take care during teething time to make sure nothing dangers is lying around for your puppy to chew - this includes electrical cords. Provide appropriate chewing toys for you pup. To stop them from chewing on the furniture purchase a product designed for this. There are many good brands available at your vet's or local pet store which have a bitter taste to a dog but will not damage your furniture.

Chewing on things such as furniture is not limited to the puppy. Some older dogs or dogs that have been rescued also suffer from anxiety when separated from you. This is the best argument I have in favor of crate training, use a crate when you are going to be out for short periods of time. The crate if used properly for short periods of time can save you and your pet for some of these attacks of separation anxiety. Do not use a crate for long periods of time.

Chances are your puppy will chew on something that is off limits. When you see them doing this scold them with a verbal reprimand (Agghh!! is good said in a deep voice) remove the object from them and give them something they are allowed to chew on (never use a crate as a form of punishment.

If you consistently do this it does not take the puppy long before he understands the "rules" about chewing. Remember, to them there is no difference between a piece of finitude and a chew toy, but because you are training fairly and consistently they will soon only chew the toy. Puppies grow out of the need to chew when they finish teething. Expect to have bouts of chewing until you puppy is around 15 to 18 months old.

Potty Training

Ok Potty Training is not as hard as it is consistent. You have to take your dog out at the same time every time. At first take him out every hour during the day while he is not in his crate. Oh you must use a crate. After he eats take him out 15 mins after he eats, give him 15 mins to eat and pick up the food DO NOT LEAVE FOOD DOWN, DO NOT FEED DOG anything else except a biscuit 3 times a day as a reward.

When I say take dog out I mean you take your dog out on a leash and you go to the spot you want your dog to potty and your say over and over again "GO POTTY GO POTTY" say it in an urgent manner. When your dog pees or poops praise him in a very excited voice. 'GOOD JOE GOOD JOE"!  After a few days go to two hour and then three and always go to the same spot and always give your dog only 10 min. to potty. If he does not potty, do not say anything just take him back in the house on the leash. You do not take the dog off the leash you leave him on the leash at all times with you while you are potty training so that the dog does not sneak off and poop some where in the house. If you have to tie the leash to your pant loop, and have a leash attached to your coffee table or computer table where ever you are going to be spending time. Your dog stays in the same room as you do.

Always have your dog on a leash in the house in the first months, this leash trains and helps you keep track of what your dog is doing.

When it is bed time. You take your dog out and put him in the crate when he is done going potty and you are ready for bed. Do not get ready for bed after you put puppy in crate be ready for bed and put puppy into crate at the same time.

Your dog should sleep in a crate in your room near you. When you get up do not let your puppy out until you are ready to go out. What I mean in you have you house shoes or shoes on and take your puppy out, DO NOT LET YOU DOG STAY IN CRATE AFTER YOU GET UP! For more then a few minutes he has to pee as bad as you do in the mornings. Always say "GO POTTY GO POTTY!' and praise when he does and don't say anything if he doesn't. You want to teach your puppy to potty on command. They can and will and you will find this to be a very good thing to teach you pet. Especially if you go to the Vet's and they want t stool sample and your can give it in 15 mins and most people are still trying to do this an hour later.

Go to your Public Library and get some good books on how to train your dog. They are free and fun to read. SUPPORT YOUR PUBLIC LIBRARY!