Sunday, 30 August 2009

3 Important Puppy Crate Training Tips You Should Know

When you get a new puppy you may want to consider puppy crate training. Crate training your puppy is a good way to help with toilet training your puppy and if done correctly. the crate will give your puppy a place of his own where he can feel safe and secure.

1. Choose The Right Size Crate For Your Puppy

It is important that you choose the right size crate for your puppy. The crate should be large enough so your puppy can stand up, turn around and lay down comfortably. If the crate is too big your puppy will soil in one area of the crate and sleep in the other area. So do not choose a crate that is too big. If the crate is on the large size you can always partition off part of the crate and then remove the partition as your puppy grows. If your puppy is of a breed of dog that will grow very large it may be a good idea to purchase a large crate and partition it off. You can buy crates that will have a partition and this will save you from having to buy a larger crate at a later stage in your puppy's growth.

2. Never Use The Crate To Punish Your Puppy

It is a very bad idea to send your puppy to his crate as a punishment. If you use the crate as a punishment you puppy will associate his crate with negative emotions and will resist going into the crate. The purpose of crate training your puppy is so that he enjoys going to his crate, sees it as a safety zone and also it is a puppy proof area where you can leave your puppy unsupervised. But please do not keep your puppy in his crate for prolonged periods of time. 2 hours is the maximum time you should leave your puppy shut in his crate, except for when he is sleeping in it overnight.

3. Do Not Force The Crate Onto Your Puppy

You should introduce the crate to your puppy gradually and do not force it onto your puppy. First of all just place the crate in a quiet corner of the living room and leave the door open. Let your puppy explore the crate if he wants to. Encourage him by placing a nice tempting puppy chew or treat just inside the crate to make him curious. Gradually put the chew or treat further inside the crate so in the end your puppy has to go right inside the crate to retrieve the chew or treat. When your puppy is used to going inside the crate and is comfortable being inside, close the door for a minute or two, then open it again. If your puppy panics and starts crying or barking, wait for him to calm down and then reward him for being quiet. Gradually increase the time your puppy is inside the crate with the door closed. When you feel your puppy is ready, let your puppy spend the night in the crate with the door closed. Remember to let him out of the crate and take him outside to go to the bathroom first thing in the morning.

With time and patience your puppy will come to love his crate. It will be his own special place where he can feel safe and secure.

Your can visit this website for some further puppy obedience training tips

Monday, 17 August 2009

Puppy Obedience Training - Tips For Training Your Puppy

Getting a new puppy is an exciting time for all the family. Such a cute and cuddly bundle of joy, but please remember that your now cute little puppy will soon grow into a full sized energetic dog. If you want your puppy to grow into a well behaved and obedient dog, then now is the time for some puppy obedience training.

You should begin the basic puppy obedience training as soon as you get your new puppy, so make a plan of how you want your new puppy to behave and stick to it. For example where do you want your puppy to sleep? Are you going to allow your new puppy to sit on the sofa? Where do you want you new puppy to go to the toilet? These are all important issues that you will need to decide from the start. It will be counter productive if you allow your puppy to sleep on your bed and sit on the sofa and then decide at a later date that you do not want your puppy to do these things. So decide what you want right from the start and stick to it from day one.

You will also need to base your puppy obedience training around your puppy's behavour. For example your puppy cannot tell you what he wants so if he starts to whine and sniff around by the back door, it is a good indication that he wants to go to the toilet. In this case immediately pick him up and take him outsite and stay with him while he does his business. Always praise him when he gets this right and never shout at him and get angry when he makes a mistake. Accidents are bound to happen with a young puppy so if you find he has made a puddle on the floor, simply pick him up an put him outside. Shouting and getting angry with your puppy could lead to a nervous and timid dog. So always praise your puppy for good behaviour and lavish lots of love and affection on him. You will find this very rewarding and your puppy will do his best to please you because dogs love to please and be praised.

Puppies are like children in that they have a very short attention span and get bored easily. So make your puppy obedience training fun and enjoyable. Begin with very short 10 minute lessons and you can gradually increase the time of the lessons as your puppy gets a bit older. Reward your puppy with treats and toys and your puppy will love you for this.

Don't forget to also have lots of fun times with your puppy. Puppies love to play and run around, so play with your puppy and take him for lots of walks. Please remember to make time to have fun with your puppy and incorporate this into his daily routine. This will go a long way to cementing a good relationship between you and your puppy.

Puppies are a joy to all the family and good puppy obedience training will transform your new puppy into an obedient and loyal dog that you will be proud to own.

Visit this website for more Puppy Obedience Training Tips and Advice