Got a new puppy. Could use some puppy training/housebreaking tips.

[SlowSpyder]

http://www.stevesgrandehead.com/WIDSM/Puppy/puppy1.JPG

http://www.stevesgrandehead.com/WIDSM/Puppy/puppy2.JPG

http://www.stevesgrandehead.com/WIDSM/Puppy/puppy3.JPG

We just got him today, we named him 'Zach'. I haven't had a dog in years, and the last dog I had, when he was a puppy I was a kid so I don't know too much about housebreaking and proper training. The biggest thing we worry about is housebreaking. Any tips on how to go about that would be appreciated, thanks!

 

[tasmanian]

Dont they have places that train dogs.

 

[destrekor]

adorable. He looks like a Zach too.

 

[destrekor]

Originally posted by: tasmanian
Dont they have places that train dogs.

ugh don't go to those places.

take him to Puppy Kindergarten. A great tool that's perfect for new owners of puppies. Gives the puppies something to do and helps the 'parents' learn how to properly raise the puppy on their own.
I will always insist you do all your own training with your dog. It's more rewarding for everyone, as the dog will likely grow much more attached to the owner and family in the process.

House breaking is not challenging, just be prepared for the messes in the early days before he gets adjusted to the idea of not going inside, but outside.
He will let you know by some means. He may run off and look for a secluded place. At first he'll probably just lift a leg wherever he feels like it, until you smack his nose, point at the puddle and say No in a firm voice. He won't like this, and what you do then is drag him outside, unless its too late. Make him learn outside is where he goes. Really, potty training will kind of come natural to both of you, even if you've never raised a dog before. I didn't struggle at all and I helped train our girl back home (I'm away for school).

 

[Capt Caveman]

Pick-up some books.

 

[olds]

http://www.leerburg.com/pdf/q-apuppies.pdf

http://www.leerburg.com

 

[ManyBeers]

Originally posted by: destrekor

Originally posted by: tasmanian
Dont they have places that train dogs.

ugh don't go to those places.

take him to Puppy Kindergarten. A great tool that's perfect for new owners of puppies. Gives the puppies something to do and helps the 'parents' learn how to properly raise the puppy on their own.
I will always insist you do all your own training with your dog. It's more rewarding for everyone, as the dog will likely grow much more attached to the owner and family in the process.

House breaking is not challenging, just be prepared for the messes in the early days before he gets adjusted to the idea of not going inside, but outside.
He will let you know by some means. He may run off and look for a secluded place. At first he'll probably just lift a leg wherever he feels like it, until you smack his nose, point at the puddle and say No in a firm voice. He won't like this, and what you do then is drag him outside, unless its too late. Make him learn outside is where he goes. Really, potty training will kind of come natural to both of you, even if you've never raised a dog before. I didn't struggle at all and I helped train our girl back home (I'm away for school).

It is not necessary to hit the pup. Simply be vigilant. Whenever the dog is getting ready to pee or crap immediately pick it up and take it to where you want it to relieve itself. Shouldn't take more than a week or two for the animal to know where it is to go.

 

[adairusmc]

Originally posted by: ManyBeers

Originally posted by: destrekor

Originally posted by: tasmanian
Dont they have places that train dogs.

ugh don't go to those places.

take him to Puppy Kindergarten. A great tool that's perfect for new owners of puppies. Gives the puppies something to do and helps the 'parents' learn how to properly raise the puppy on their own.
I will always insist you do all your own training with your dog. It's more rewarding for everyone, as the dog will likely grow much more attached to the owner and family in the process.

House breaking is not challenging, just be prepared for the messes in the early days before he gets adjusted to the idea of not going inside, but outside.
He will let you know by some means. He may run off and look for a secluded place. At first he'll probably just lift a leg wherever he feels like it, until you smack his nose, point at the puddle and say No in a firm voice. He won't like this, and what you do then is drag him outside, unless its too late. Make him learn outside is where he goes. Really, potty training will kind of come natural to both of you, even if you've never raised a dog before. I didn't struggle at all and I helped train our girl back home (I'm away for school).

It is not necessary to hit the pup. Simply be vigilant. Whenever the dog is getting ready to pee or crap immediately pick it up and take it to where you want it to relieve itself. Shouldn't take more than a week or two for the animal to know where it is to go.

Best way right there.

As far as training them for other things when they get older, dogtra shock collars work wonders.

 

[Geekbabe]

What a sweet face!!!!!

He looks like he's going to be a big dog! I'd suggest if you and the wife work or if you have small kids that you start crate training him right away... the crate serves as the dog's home,a place they gladly can retreat to even when the owners are home.

 

[Capt Caveman]

Originally posted by: destrekor

Originally posted by: tasmanian
Dont they have places that train dogs.

ugh don't go to those places.

take him to Puppy Kindergarten. A great tool that's perfect for new owners of puppies. Gives the puppies something to do and helps the 'parents' learn how to properly raise the puppy on their own.
I will always insist you do all your own training with your dog. It's more rewarding for everyone, as the dog will likely grow much more attached to the owner and family in the process.

House breaking is not challenging, just be prepared for the messes in the early days before he gets adjusted to the idea of not going inside, but outside.
He will let you know by some means. He may run off and look for a secluded place. At first he'll probably just lift a leg wherever he feels like it, until you smack his nose, point at the puddle and say No in a firm voice. He won't like this, and what you do then is drag him outside, unless its too late. Make him learn outside is where he goes. Really, potty training will kind of come natural to both of you, even if you've never raised a dog before. I didn't struggle at all and I helped train our girl back home (I'm away for school).

That is not the way to house train a puppy. Surprised you didn't mention using a newspaper or rubbing it's nose in it.

The best way imho is take make sure you take him out every couple of hours and right after meals. When he does his business outside, give him tons of praise.

Crate training will also help in the house training process.

 

[SlowSpyder]

Is it a bad thing to leave his food out constantly then? We should just bring it out for him to eat at a meal time?

 

[Capt Caveman]

Originally posted by: SlowSpyder
Is it a bad thing to leave his food out constantly then? We should just bring it out for him to eat at a meal time?

Do not leave his food out. 3 times a day should be good. Water should be accessible all day til probably around 8-9pm.

 

[destrekor]

Originally posted by: Capt Caveman

Originally posted by: destrekor

Originally posted by: tasmanian
Dont they have places that train dogs.

ugh don't go to those places.

take him to Puppy Kindergarten. A great tool that's perfect for new owners of puppies. Gives the puppies something to do and helps the 'parents' learn how to properly raise the puppy on their own.
I will always insist you do all your own training with your dog. It's more rewarding for everyone, as the dog will likely grow much more attached to the owner and family in the process.

House breaking is not challenging, just be prepared for the messes in the early days before he gets adjusted to the idea of not going inside, but outside.
He will let you know by some means. He may run off and look for a secluded place. At first he'll probably just lift a leg wherever he feels like it, until you smack his nose, point at the puddle and say No in a firm voice. He won't like this, and what you do then is drag him outside, unless its too late. Make him learn outside is where he goes. Really, potty training will kind of come natural to both of you, even if you've never raised a dog before. I didn't struggle at all and I helped train our girl back home (I'm away for school).

That is not the way to house train a puppy. Surprised you didn't mention using a newspaper or rubbing it's nose in it.

The best way imho is take make sure you take him out every couple of hours and right after meals. When he does his business outside, give him tons of praise.

Crate training will also help in the house training process.

you don't believe in spanking children either, do you?

 

[Capt Caveman]

Originally posted by: destrekor

Originally posted by: Capt Caveman

Originally posted by: destrekor

Originally posted by: tasmanian
Dont they have places that train dogs.

ugh don't go to those places.

take him to Puppy Kindergarten. A great tool that's perfect for new owners of puppies. Gives the puppies something to do and helps the 'parents' learn how to properly raise the puppy on their own.
I will always insist you do all your own training with your dog. It's more rewarding for everyone, as the dog will likely grow much more attached to the owner and family in the process.

House breaking is not challenging, just be prepared for the messes in the early days before he gets adjusted to the idea of not going inside, but outside.
He will let you know by some means. He may run off and look for a secluded place. At first he'll probably just lift a leg wherever he feels like it, until you smack his nose, point at the puddle and say No in a firm voice. He won't like this, and what you do then is drag him outside, unless its too late. Make him learn outside is where he goes. Really, potty training will kind of come natural to both of you, even if you've never raised a dog before. I didn't struggle at all and I helped train our girl back home (I'm away for school).

That is not the way to house train a puppy. Surprised you didn't mention using a newspaper or rubbing it's nose in it.

The best way imho is take make sure you take him out every couple of hours and right after meals. When he does his business outside, give him tons of praise.

Crate training will also help in the house training process.

you don't believe in spanking children either, do you?

You gonna spank a child for not being potty trained?

 

[destrekor]

Originally posted by: Capt Caveman

Originally posted by: destrekor

Originally posted by: Capt Caveman

Originally posted by: destrekor

Originally posted by: tasmanian
Dont they have places that train dogs.

ugh don't go to those places.

take him to Puppy Kindergarten. A great tool that's perfect for new owners of puppies. Gives the puppies something to do and helps the 'parents' learn how to properly raise the puppy on their own.
I will always insist you do all your own training with your dog. It's more rewarding for everyone, as the dog will likely grow much more attached to the owner and family in the process.

House breaking is not challenging, just be prepared for the messes in the early days before he gets adjusted to the idea of not going inside, but outside.
He will let you know by some means. He may run off and look for a secluded place. At first he'll probably just lift a leg wherever he feels like it, until you smack his nose, point at the puddle and say No in a firm voice. He won't like this, and what you do then is drag him outside, unless its too late. Make him learn outside is where he goes. Really, potty training will kind of come natural to both of you, even if you've never raised a dog before. I didn't struggle at all and I helped train our girl back home (I'm away for school).

That is not the way to house train a puppy. Surprised you didn't mention using a newspaper or rubbing it's nose in it.

The best way imho is take make sure you take him out every couple of hours and right after meals. When he does his business outside, give him tons of praise.

Crate training will also help in the house training process.

you don't believe in spanking children either, do you?

You gonna spank a child for not being potty trained?

no. you're right about that. however, I think my intent was confused a bit. I don't really mean to strike for their first times peeing inside or something. That only calls for a stern voice and directing them outside. I only hit (more or less tapped, nothing to hurt her as she never whelped following such a thing) my puppy when she had done something like peed inside, when she had already learned how to go outside (she sits by the door and whines. she learned that pretty quickly but still sometimes ran upstairs away from view to do her deed). But, my puppy is also has a sassy personality and would defy authority if she doesn't get her way immediately. She's gotten better.
However, all I know is I have never been greeted with such affection by a dog before in my life as I am any day I come home after being gone awhile. That's not even mentioning how crazy she goes when I come home from school after long absences. Wow I just love her greeting. She's a great dog.
oh, and I also would prefer smacking her butt than nose. And while I don't necessarily agree with rubbing the puppy's nose in their pee, I do bring their nose real close. Remember, puppies have a short memory and if you yell at them and they don't know what they did, they will be confused. Bring their nose close to it, they'll recognize it as their pee, and then I'd lightly smack her nose and tell her no.
I combine a couple different training methods that I've heard and read about, and it's actually worked real well, at least based on her actions today.

 

[Gibsons]

Originally posted by: SlowSpyder
Is it a bad thing to leave his food out constantly then? We should just bring it out for him to eat at a meal time?

No, don't leave food out, you provide food when it's food time. And don't let him "tell" you when he wants to eat by barking whining or whatever... the whole alpha dog thing.

semi related topic - watch a few eps of The Dog Whisperer. Cesar rules.

Great looking puppy. I must resist the urge to get me one.

 

[ManyBeers]

And one other thing, don't shove the dogs nose in his mess. It is stupid ignorant advice, cruel to the dog, and achieves nothing.

 

[destrekor]

Originally posted by: ManyBeers
And one other thing, don't shove the dogs nose in his mess. It is stupid ignorant advice, cruel to the dog, and achieves nothing.

I think a lot of people misinterpret the point of this maneuver. Unless, of course, people do it all the time. I've been under the believe that it's to remind the puppy of what it did, as puppies don't have a long-lasting memory, much like a child... they are purely instinct-based creatures. If they gotta go, they gotta go. Now, as I've said before, I don't condone shoving its nose into the mess, but bring it down close to the mess so that the puppy knows you are making it smell the mess. A dog will know its own brand, as it's a very personalized thing. I'd reckon this is best for when the dog did the deed some time before you realized it, so by carrying out said action, you are forcing the dog to recognize what it had done (earlier the puppy likely didn't realize, but it knows that if it's the scent of its own brand, then it is its own deed).. and you can carry out whatever training punishment you subscribe too. Its important you be on top of the situation before the puppy has a chance to forget what it has done, but it is a given that this will not always be the case, especially in a small household where the humans may not always be able to offer eyes-on.

 

[Nebor]

Originally posted by: destrekor

Originally posted by: ManyBeers
And one other thing, don't shove the dogs nose in his mess. It is stupid ignorant advice, cruel to the dog, and achieves nothing.

I think a lot of people misinterpret the point of this maneuver. Unless, of course, people do it all the time. I've been under the believe that it's to remind the puppy of what it did, as puppies don't have a long-lasting memory, much like a child... they are purely instinct-based creatures. If they gotta go, they gotta go. Now, as I've said before, I don't condone shoving its nose into the mess, but bring it down close to the mess so that the puppy knows you are making it smell the mess. A dog will know its own brand, as it's a very personalized thing. I'd reckon this is best for when the dog did the deed some time before you realized it, so by carrying out said action, you are forcing the dog to recognize what it had done (earlier the puppy likely didn't realize, but it knows that if it's the scent of its own brand, then it is its own deed).. and you can carry out whatever training punishment you subscribe too. Its important you be on top of the situation before the puppy has a chance to forget what it has done, but it is a given that this will not always be the case, especially in a small household where the humans may not always be able to offer eyes-on.

They have very poor memory, so they don't remember going to the bathroom. They do it 10 times a day, it's not a memorable event for them. There's really nothing to be gained by rubbing their nose in anything.

If you CATCH your puppy peeing, a light smack on the bottom and a no, followed by taking them outside and praising when they go is the thing to do. If you can't stop him in the act, there is no reason to punish him, he won't know why you're doing it. Even still, any kind of corporal punishment on your part can make your puppy handshy for the rest of his life. His first instinct when you reach for him will be to get away from you hitting him. Because of this, it is advisable to skip any kind of spanking, and just take them outside when you see them going. Admittedly, it won't do anything for your frustration, but your dog will be better off.

And I'll second adairusmc's suggestion of a shock collar when he gets older. If used properly, it is the best training tool I've ever seen for a dog. Not for housebreaking, but for pretty much everything else.

 

[0roo0roo]

consistency in body language/voice commands/responses.
act like the alpha most of the time. look slightly over his head when he looks at you. do not stare into his eyes much, it'll seem like you are looking for his leadership.
as for potty training, its just a lot of time...take him out to do his business after he wakes, eats and more..until he figures it out.
its not that dogs don't have memory, they won't associate the scolding with the act if its not immediate. its just a lack of language
when you take him outside repeat a command for pissing whatever. like take a sh*t you little f*cker i kid..too complicated. when tehy do piddle then congratulate/praise and treat for doing it outside. do this consistently and they'll figure out what you want. do it quite a bit, but don't let it wander or take too long. take him back in if he doesn't get to business within a reasonable time.

if you have carpet, buy a carpet shampoo machine.

no need to smack the dog. thundering NO with looming and pissed off face generally gets the message across.

 

[Nebor]

Originally posted by: 0roo0roo
no need to smack the dog. thundering NO with looming and pissed off face generally gets the message across.

That causes both of my dogs to piss themselves, so it's kind of a catch 22.

 

[Cold Steel]

There's different views about leaving food out. The dogs I've had were fed dry food and it was available to them 24/7. Fresh water, too. I never had a fat dog and never had problems with the dog knowing who was boss. But if you have a dog that aleady thinks he's in charge, then controlling food is a good way to establish dominance. In a wild pack, the boss eats first and will sometimes deny the pack members food completely, depending on circumstances.

Thundering NO and looming over the dog is a terrible idea. Be calm, but let him know you're in charge. Be confident in your position and attitude. Dogs will listen to a calm boss. They don't listen to much to a screamer, except to fear them. The real key is do NOT praise them when they're excited, tense, scared or anything like that. Praise them when they're calm and being submissive to you.

 

[Codewiz]

Crate training is the only way to go.

Then you have set feeding times. You will figure out his peeing and pooping habits quickly. My two dogs only had maybe 5 incidents inside ever. Just from crate training.

 

[aphex]

As others have said, don't hit the pup. We house trained our dog in 2-3 weeks using the following;

#1. When the dog starts to go, or makes like he is going to, SAY NOTHING, pick up the dog and bring him to the grass outside.
#2. When you put him down outside and he starts to go, MAKE A BIG DEAL ABOUT IT in one of those sweety voices reserved only for a dog ** GOOD BOY!! GOOD POTTY **

There is no need to yell or hit the dog. Dogs don't understand the difference many times between positive and negative reinforcement, so its best to say nothing when they do something bad, and reward them generously with love when they do something right.

2-3 weeks our Wheaten was pissing and pooping outside only, it worked like a charm.

 

[SlowSpyder]

Our only issue right now is that we have about 12"-15" of snow on our grass right now, and it's -7F (-35windchill) outside. He has not enjoyed being outside. He's been great so far, other then peeing/pooping in the house. We're having a hard time getting him to not go in the house.