DOG TRAINING TIPS

Dog & Puppy Training tips

Housebreaking Your Puppy

When housebreaking a puppy, patience, consistency, and perseverance are crucial. Stick to a strict routine for 30 days so that your puppy associates going outside to eliminate. Gradually, you can give your puppy more freedom as you evaluate their behavior. The key to success is maintaining a consistent routine and preventing your puppy from having opportunities to potty indoors.

• Never punish after the fact! If your puppy has an accident and you weren’t present to witness it, don’t scold them. Dogs live in the present and won’t connect your reprimand with something that happened earlier. If an accident happens, take responsibility it’s usually due to a lapse in supervision. If you catch your puppy in the act, calmly say “Outside!” and immediately take them to their designated potty area. Afterward, clean the soiled area thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner like Nature’s Miracle to remove any lingering scent.

• Avoid using puppy pads unless necessary. Puppy pads or newspapers can confuse your dog, as they signal that it’s okay to potty indoors. Instead, arrange a schedule where someone can let your puppy outside for bathroom breaks during the day to prevent indoor accidents altogether.
  
  
• Create a feeding schedule and stick to it. Feeding your puppy on a consistent routine and removing the food after 15 minutes helps regulate their potty habits. If possible, feed your puppy in their crate, and remove water 2-3 hours before bedtime.

• Keep exits and arrivals low-key. When letting your puppy out of their crate, stay calm and avoid making a big fuss. The goal is not to make leaving the crate an exciting event. After a successful potty session, you can reward them with praise and affection.
  
  
• Use the crate when unsupervised. If you can’t supervise your puppy, use a crate to prevent accidents. Avoid giving them too much freedom too soon, as it increases the likelihood of mistakes. Remember, one indoor accident can feel like a setback in the training process.
  
  
• Set up “puppy stations” around your home. When spending time with your puppy, tether them to a fixed object like the leg of a chair or sofa to keep them under your watch. This will help you prevent accidents, and having several stations in rooms where you spend the most time will make supervision easier.
  
  
• Never let your puppy roam unsupervised. To avoid chasing them around, let them drag a leash inside the house. This way, if they try to wander, you can easily step on the leash and redirect them.
  
  
• Teach your puppy to potty on command. Use a consistent phrase like “go potty” or “do your business” when taking your puppy outside. When they eliminate, reward them with praise. Avoid using treats as rewards, as they might encourage your puppy to “fake” potty. Also, try to encourage your puppy to potty on grass or gravel, as these textures are more natural than tile or hardwood floors.
  
  
• Don’t assume your puppy has eliminated after playtime. Puppies can forget to potty after running around. After play, place your puppy in their crate for 10-15 minutes to allow them to calm down, then take them outside again. You might be surprised how often they need to go after this.
  
  

Finally, remember that puppies typically need to potty after naps, play sessions, meals, training, grooming, before bedtime, and first thing in the morning.

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THE DOG CRATE

Imagine coming home to find your dog curled up in their crate, happily chewing on a toy, completely at ease. That’s the power of a well-used crate—it becomes a safe, comforting space rather than a cage. Many people worry that crating feels restrictive, but in reality, dogs are natural den animals. In the wild, they seek out enclosed spaces for security and rest. A crate taps into that instinct, giving them a place to retreat when they’re tired, overwhelmed, or just want some quiet time.

Here are some helpful tips:

1. Use a towel or blanket to cover the crate. This will create a cozier, den-like environment for your puppy.
   
   
2. Instead of purchasing expensive beds, you can place a towel inside the crate. It’s more cost-effective and easier to clean if your puppy has an accident.
   
   
3. As a general guideline, limit crate time to 3-4 hours during the day, except at night.
   
   
4. You can feed your puppy in the dog crate, but avoid leaving water inside. This helps prevent your puppy from drinking too much and needing to go potty while you’re unable to let him out.
   
   
5. Pay attention to your puppy’s behavior. If your puppy barks or whines, it could mean they need a potty break or just want attention. If it’s the latter, give a firm tap on the crate and say “quiet.”
   
   
6. When you let your puppy out, simply open the door and take them outside for a potty break. Keep excitement to a minimum so your puppy doesn’t start expecting a lot of attention when you return.
   
   
7. Use the dog crate regularly throughout the day. If your puppy is tired, place them in the crate for a nap.
   
   
8. At night, ensure your puppy has had a chance to relieve themselves. For puppies under 6 months old or those still in the potty training phase, you may need to take them out once or twice during the night. This will gradually stop as they get older, especially if you avoid playing or giving too much praise during late-night potty trips.
   
   
9. Finally, don’t hesitate to use the crate as a “time-out” if your puppy is being overly destructive or energetic. A brief break in the crate can help them calm down.
   
   

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Establishing Leadership with Your Dog

If your dog isn’t listening to commands, isn’t responding to your calls, or seems to be disregarding your authority, they may be displaying signs of asserting dominance. In your home, leadership should be clear and not up for negotiation. Setting boundaries and structure will help improve your relationship and strengthen your bond with your dog.

By following these guidelines, you’ll send a strong message that you are the leader and provider in your “pack.” Stay firm, patient, consistent, and fair—be the leader your dog needs! If you don’t take charge, your dog may take the role themselves, and what was once a “cute puppy” could quickly turn into “that troublesome dog!”

Practice these exercises until your dog’s behavior improves, at which point you can relax the structure a bit. While each exercise may seem small on its own, together they can make a big difference.

1. No Sleeping in Bed – Try keeping your dog out of the bed for a few nights. This may be tough, but the bed should be a privilege, not a right. Where your dog sleeps can signal their rank in the pack. If your dog jumps into bed uninvited, tell them “OFF!” and ensure they ask for permission by sitting first.
   
   
2. Focus and Attention – Get your dog’s attention with the “focus” command. Start with a “sit” and move your hand to your nose to encourage eye contact. This exercise is vital as it opens up communication and reinforces the leader-follower dynamic between you and your dog.
   
   
3. Structured Feeding Times – Your dog should look to you for food, so avoid free-feeding (leaving food out all day). Keep mealtimes structured, and use this opportunity to train. Have your dog “sit” before eating, and if they offer the command automatically, follow up with “down.”
   
   
4. Eat Before Your Dog – This may not be for everyone, but if your dog is overly dominant, consider eating something while preparing their meal. Whether it’s a cup of coffee or a glass of wine, the idea is that leaders eat first.
   
   
5. Be the Provider – Always be seen as the provider of rewards—food, treats, praise, and privileges. These should come after commands are given. For instance, make your dog “Sit” before you offer praise or throw a ball.
   
   
6. Leaders Go First – Never let your dog go through doors before you. Have them do a “sit-stay” or a “no-street” command, and only release them with “okay, let’s go.”
   
   
7. Claim the Space – If your dog is blocking the hallway or lounging on the couch, don’t step around them. Instead, ask them to get up, “sit,” and then pass by. If they’re on the couch, take their spot.
   
   
8. Follow Through on Commands – Be firm and consistent with commands. Don’t negotiate, and use a calm but strong tone. If needed, tap their rear to guide them into a “sit.” If your dog isn’t responding to “come,” use a leash to reinforce the command, whether inside or in the yard.
   
   
9. You Control the Play – You decide when the game ends. If your dog tries to start a game, give a command to take control. You control the toys, and when it’s time to stop, end the game on your terms by taking the toy away or having the dog perform a command before returning it.

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OVER BONDING WITH YOUR DOG

Managing Over-Bonding in Dogs

Over-bonding is a frequent issue, especially in households with multiple dogs or littermates. Since dogs are naturally pack animals, when left together without clear leadership from you, they may start to form their own “mini-pack.” This can result in them relying on each other for guidance, which makes you less central to their lives.

Over-bonding can also occur in the human-dog relationship, particularly leading to separation anxiety. If your dog shows signs of distress or panic when you leave, it’s crucial to address these issues right away, as separation anxiety can be complicated to resolve.

Here are some ways to manage over-bonding:

1. Walk Them Separately – Taking each dog for an individual walk allows you to strengthen your bond with each dog separately, reducing their reliance on each other.
   
   
2. Enroll Them in Separate Obedience Classes – Registering your dogs in separate group training classes can help each dog focus on you as the leader, enhancing communication and reinforcing individual connections.
   
   
3. Feed Them Separately – Feeding your dogs in different areas helps eliminate competition and encourages them to view you as the primary provider, rather than relying on one another.
   
   
4. Crate Them Separately – By keeping your dogs in separate crates, you create individual spaces where each dog can feel secure and more focused on you.
   
   
5. Let Them Out One at a Time – If you’re having trouble getting them inside or managing their behavior, try letting them out individually. This ensures that each dog is more focused on you and prevents them from forming stronger bonds with each other.
   
   

By implementing these strategies, you will foster a stronger, more individual relationship with each dog, reinforcing your role as the leader and reducing over-bonding between them. The more they rely on you for guidance, the less they will depend on each other.

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Understanding and Managing Separation Anxiety in Dogs

Separation anxiety occurs when a dog experiences intense distress when left alone. This behavior is often marked by a rapid onset of anxiety (within 20–45 minutes) after their owner leaves, and the dog may display various signs of distress, including:

• Digging, chewing, and scratching at doors or windows in an attempt to escape.
• Excessive barking, howling, or whining to call their owner back.
• Urination or defecation (even in housetrained dogs) due to anxiety.
  
  

Why Do Dogs Develop Separation Anxiety?

The exact causes of separation anxiety in dogs are not entirely understood, but several factors can trigger or contribute to its development. Importantly, behaviors like destruction or soiling are not intended as revenge, but as part of the dog’s panic response to being alone.

Separation anxiety can arise in several situations:

• First-time isolation: Dogs who have been used to constant human companionship may struggle when left alone for the first time.
  
  
• Major changes in routine: Significant shifts in a dog’s environment, such as a move, a change in work schedules, or the addition of a new person or pet to the home, can cause anxiety.
  
  
• After traumatic events: A dog that has had a stressful experience, like time spent in a shelter or boarding kennel, may develop separation anxiety.
  
  
• Following prolonged time together: If a dog has spent extended time with their owner (e.g., after a vacation), returning to being left alone can trigger anxiety.
  
  

Signs Your Dog May Have Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety can manifest through a variety of behaviors, but the following signs often point to this issue:

• Behavior during absences: The anxiety or destructive behavior occurs primarily when the dog is left alone.
  
  
• Constant attachment: The dog follows you from room to room when your home.
  
  
• Excitable greetings: Your dog exhibits frantic, over-the-top greeting behaviors when you come home.
  
  
• Distress when you prepare to leave: Your dog becomes anxious, depressed, or excited when you show signs of leaving (like picking up keys or putting on a coat).
  
  
• Avoidance of being alone outdoors: Your dog resists spending time outside without you.
  
  

Strategies to Help a Dog with Separation Anxiety

If your dog has mild separation anxiety, the following techniques might help. For more severe cases, they should be used along with desensitization, as explained below.

1. Keep Arrivals and Departures Calm
   When you leave or return home, keep your actions low-key. Ignore your dog for the first few minutes upon arrival, then calmly greet them. This helps reduce the excitement and anxiety around these events.
   
   
2. Leave a Familiar Scent
   Leave your dog with an item of clothing that smells like you, such as an old t-shirt. This comforting scent can help reduce their stress.
   
   
3. Establish a “Safety Cue”
   Use a specific word or action (such as playing a radio or giving a toy) every time you leave. Dogs can learn to associate these cues with short absences, making them less anxious when they occur. Just be sure the cue is used only for short durations, or it may lose its calming effect.
   
   

Desensitization Techniques for Severe Separation Anxiety

For more severe cases, the key treatment is gradual desensitization to your departures. The goal is to help your dog remain calm as you practice leaving and returning.

1. Start with Departure Activities
   Begin by going through your usual departure routine (such as grabbing keys or putting on your coat) but without leaving. Repeat this step until your dog shows no anxiety during these activities.
   
   
2. Practice Opening the Door
   Once your dog is comfortable with departure activities, practice opening the door and then sitting down again. Gradually work towards leaving the door open and stepping outside briefly, returning immediately afterward.
   
   
3. Slowly Increase the Duration
   As your dog becomes more comfortable with the door being closed between you, begin practicing brief absences. Start with leaving for a minute, and then gradually increase the time.
   
   
4. Keep Returns Low-Key
   When you return after a short absence, remain calm and greet your dog quietly. This reinforces the idea that your comings and goings are not a big deal.
   
   
5. Practice Multiple Short Departures
   To reinforce the idea of being calm during absences, practice several short departures throughout the day. Aim for absences under 10 minutes initially. As your dog adapts, you can extend the time between your departures.
   
   
6. Build Up to Longer Absences
   Once your dog is comfortable with short durations (30–90 minutes), they will likely handle longer absences more easily. However, the key is to move at a pace that suits your dog’s comfort level.
   
   

Teaching Sit-Stay and Down-Stay for Anxiety Reduction

Training your dog to remain calm in one spot while you’re out of sight can also help reduce separation anxiety. Practice “sit-stay” or “down-stay” with positive reinforcement. Start by leaving your dog for short periods (e.g., getting a snack) and then returning to reward them with praise or treats. Gradually increase the duration and distance. The goal is to teach your dog that being alone temporarily is not a cause for distress.

Interim Solutions for Separation Anxiety

While working on long-term solutions, there are temporary measures to help reduce the immediate impact of separation anxiety:

1. Consult a Veterinarian
   Speak with your vet about anti-anxiety medication that can help your dog feel more relaxed while you’re away. This should be considered a short-term solution and combined with behavior modification.
   
   
2. Dog Daycare or Boarding
   If your dog’s anxiety is severe, consider using a dog daycare facility or boarding kennel for when you need to be away.
   
   
3. Arrange for a Friend or Family Member
   If possible, leave your dog with a friend, neighbor, or family member when you are gone.
   
   
4. Bring Your Dog to Work
   If feasible, taking your dog to work, even part-time, can help ease their anxiety and give them more consistent companionship.
   
   

What Doesn’t Work for Separation Anxiety

Some approaches may seem like they’d help but actually worsen separation anxiety:

• Punishing Your Dog: Punishing a dog after you return home will only increase anxiety and make the problem worse.
  
  
• Getting Another Pet: While it may seem like adding a companion will help, it often doesn’t alleviate the dog’s anxiety, as their distress is primarily due to being separated from you.
  
  
• Crating: Crating can exacerbate anxiety in dogs, leading to more destructive behavior and even injury.
  
  
• Leaving a Radio On: While this may help in certain cases, it only works if used consistently as a “safety cue” during practice sessions.

By following these dog training strategies, you can help your dog gradually overcome separation anxiety. It will take time, patience, and consistency, but with the right approach, most dogs can learn to feel more comfortable when left alone.