Positive Dog Training Blog

Posts Tagged ‘House Training’

I have written in the past about the benefits of watching your puppy with a close eye, and also how important it is to have your puppy follow you rather than the other way around. There are several other benefits to tethering, especially with a young new puppy.

When house training, its impossible to learn your dogs potty cues without watching them.  If you have a smaller dog, its even more difficult.  When you tether the lead to yourself (such as your buckle) you can constantly see if your dog starts sniffing the ground to look for a potty space.  When they do, scoop them up and take them out. 

The second benefit is training your dog to watch you and follow you.  Most dogs learn to pull on leash because they are never used to walking.  By having your dog tethered to you, you can effectively teach your dog to pay attention to you and where you are going.

Thirdly, when you are ready to wean your dog from the tether but not necessarily from watching them all the time (say around 5 months of age) if the dog is used to following you, you don’t need to worry because he is used to going with you. 

Many times I hear from owners that they don’t like this idea, its too hard, they will step on the dog, etc.  Its a lot like riding a bike, wobbly at first but once you learn it you can act as an effective team.  Remember tethering is only for the first few weeks, and to be used as needed.  If you need to gain more attention, or if you need to housetrain, tethering your dog is a great idea.

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The phone calls are starting to come in, we got a puppy for Christmas, now what?  The novelty wears off quickly and you realize that you have just that – a new puppy.  Puppies are hard work!  I  remember when we brought home Nitro, as a dog trainer I knew what to do, but I forgot how much time and attention it all requires.

So, if you have a new Christmas puppy, and are confused about where to start, there are three main things to focus on.

1. Socialization – keep everything positive and fun.  If your pup backs up, licks his lips, yawns, shakes off – those are signs of stress.  Use things he likes to make things fun – try food (cheerios are great) or toys. Petting can sometimes make the situation worse.
2. House training – keep an eye on your pup!  Depending on his age and size, I would start with potty breaks every 20 minutes.  House training a new  puppy can  be hard if done improperly.  Read this article for the best way to  house train a dog
3. Watch your puppy!  When you follow your puppy everywhere, he is acting as the leader.  Teach your puppy to follow you.  Either keep a leash tethered to him or constantly be calling him to go with you – of course rewarding him as he comes.  Do not let your pup in unsupervised rooms.

Lastly and most importantly – start looking for  a puppy preschool. Puppy preschools are meant for socialization and fun, not obedience.  If you are looking for someone qualified,  visit the Dog Trainer Search Dog Training Directory – all of these trainers are qualified professionals.

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