Management in Dog Training

10:27 AM

Humans, on the whole, are funny creatures. There is a huge industry built simply on child proofing the home for their own protection and yet people expect their infant dogs to "know better" than to get into the garbage, the cupboards or god forbid, the shoes. Puppies are naturally curious creatures and trouble is a common by-product of that curious state, so why punish when you can prevent?

Tips for preventing puppy mischief:

1: Use your eyeballs: Keep both eyes focused on pup when he's loose. The only way to keep him out of trouble is to keep him occupied. Play, training or cuddling are acceptable. Watching tv, doing the dishes, cooking or anything where your attention is elsewhere is not enough. World of Warcraft is a big no-no, don't be surprised if your pup jumps on your bed and uses it as his bathroom because you haven't taken him out when he asked. If you will be distracted use tips 2-4 to ensure your house is safe.

2: Use a crate - for short term confinement only! A good rule of thumb for puppies 8 months and younger is no more than 1 hour in the crate per month of age. The bladder and bowels just can't handle more than that and you will be facing a very messy crate and puppy when you get home. If you must be gone for extended periods set up a long term confinement area (see #3). In the crate give your pup something to do, a chew toy or other delicious attention keeper so she doesn't fuss for lack of attention from you.

3: Long term confinement area: Use an x-pen or small, puppy proofed (nothing chewable in reach) room add an open crate and several accepted chew treats or toys. Create an acceptable bathroom area using paper or puppy pads so that accidents are contained and not on any actual flooring materials. This will help you move the potty area outside completely as pup grows up. This space is especially important for dogs left home alone during the workday or when you really can't keep even half an eye on your pooch while home.

4: Tether - You can attach your dog to yourself or any immovable object in a safe area (chew proofed again) and give pup something to do. Chew treats and toys again are great, make sure you are watching for any potty behaviors so you get pup outside before an accident occurs.

5: Exercise - A tired dog does not get into trouble, they sleep instead. So play with your dog, train lots (learning burns tons of energy), take your dog for a long run or walk, go easy if this is a puppy as too much exercise of this sort can lead to joint problems down the road. Don't forget puppy puzzles, chew toys stuffed with your dogs food means every meal lasts a lot longer and keeps your dog entertained, and out of trouble!

6: Prevent Access - In all cases, where possible, prevent access to potential problems. Keep the garbage safely out of reach, keep shoes in a closet, have rooms with chewable furniture? Baby gates, they're not just for babies. I speak from experience here, Caramel will eat any shoe she gets access too, my slippers are favorite tug toys between herself and Indy. It was not a huge deal as long as she destroyed shoes that I didn't wear due to discomfort issues. Then she ate the left half of my very favorite pair of gorgeous stiletto heels, it's the only time I considered shipping her out of my house because next to dogs good shoes are my biggest love. In any case, all my shoes now reside on the top shelf of my closet, and you know what? Caramel hasn't eaten another one.

Management is key, if your pup can't find trouble, then he can't make the mistakes and will learn what IS good and acceptable based on what he is given.