Watch your dog
Watch your dog’s normal habits before going to the bathroom. Most dogs do something like looking at the ground, maybe scratching a bit, looking for a padded or dense area or doing “the circles”
Choose a bathroom spot
Choose a spot. Usually preferably the same spot over and over again. Don’t mix things up…this can come later. Pick a command – usually a “Go Potty” or “Pee Poop” or “Potty Time” or really anything you like…Just keep it consistent. The most important thing to remember across all these steps, is KEEP IT CONSISTENT. Same spot. Same command. Same result
No play until they potty
Take your dog out into the yard as much as possible during those first few days. She should only be able to play after going to the bathroom. Shoot for about a half hour after she eats or drinks. Every time you see her urinate or defecate, say “Good Potty” Or “Good Doggy”. You can also supplement this practice by giving them a treat when they get it right. Believe it or not, this does not have to be as consistent…as long as they are associating going the bathroom with positive reinforcement. She will eventually associate the word “potty” with going to the bathroom and making you happy. The hardest part to this exercise is to remember that they have to go before coming in. This may take 5 minutes, 10 minutes or an hour. Another thing to remember is that female dogs to not feel the same need as male dogs to mark their territory, so you may have to wait a minute.
Watch the negative
Be careful with punishing your puppy when she eliminates in the house. Unless you catch her in the act, ignore the behavior and continue rewarding her when she potties where you want her to. If you find her in the process of squatting indoors, you may want to give her a loud “no!” and giving her a smack. Don’t do this. It is very easy to scare your dog into being afraid of going in your presence. This is hard to overcome, once they are scared of you.
Instead a even “no” and then take her to your designated outdoor spot and praise her with a “good potty” or “Good Doggy” if she finishes there.
Repeat
Repeat these steps every day for at least a week if not 2 or 3. You will notice that your dog starts coming to you or to the door when she needs to relieve herself since she associates eliminating outside with being rewarded. Also, you will learn what her signs are for needed to go to bathroom. Be very aware. You will be learning as well. Remember – Keep it consistent and before long you will never have a problem again. This is one area to get right early. It is a huge challenge to change a dog’s habits, much harder than getting it right the first time.
How do you plan to treat your companion this year? Is your friendly companion in need of a cut, wash, or to be pampered? Get ready for this overview of how you can spoil and pamper your pet. Here are some different ways to help maintain your pet’s health and beauty.
Grooming
Keeping your animal fresh and clean is the best way to keep your pet happy and healthy.
It is not only confided to washing and trimming, but to a plethora of other services. From trimming nails, hand stripping, and flea dips there is no shortage of the ways you can pamper your pooch. If you feel that your animal is in extra need of treating, some grooming shops will offer the service of a “peticure” where not only can they have their nails trimmed, but also painted. Our animals can often times take a heavy beating on their bodies and may sometimes need a massage to help. The same benefits that can be applied to humans can also benefit your pet. Some of the benefits include stress reduction, release of bodily toxins, and the relief of muscle and joint pain.
Pet Boarding
There are times in life where we are unable to travel with our pet and must place them into a boarding facility. For those times in life, every pet owner wants to make sure their animal is safe and happy during their time away. Some boarding services offer everything from a place to play, grooming services, and one-on-one time with a trained employee. If you have any doubt that your animal will be stressed or uncomfortable boarding your pet, there is always the alternative of a pet sitter. A pet sitter will come into your home and care for your pet to keep them safe in their own environment. Depending on the sitter each has their own rate they may charge, but the rates may just be as expensive as a boarding facility. Whether bringing a sitter into your home or boarding them at a facility, making sure your pet is happy and comfortable is the biggest factor in making your decision.
Pet Training
Having a trained animal is essential for the safety of others, but most importantly your animal. The most important thing you can do for your animal is to give them obedience training. Many major pet supply stores today offer obedience classes for your animal where your animal can interact with other dogs and be exposed to how they should act with other animals present. If you dog is need of more personal attention, then there is also the one-on-one alternative of bringing in a professional. By working alongside these trained professionals, you can learn how to control your animal and create a greater bond with your animal.
By making sure to look into each of these services will help you and your pet in this future year.
Man’s best friend. Actually, they’re everyone’s best friend. Dogs and cats are a quintessential piece of Americana. They’re loyal, selfless creatures that can put a smile on your face, even after a miserable day. Taking care of your best friend should be simple right? Well, not always. In today’s blog, we discuss different ways to take care of your furry friend. Especially dental hygiene.
Dressing up your pet for Halloween is no longer considered no small feat. People today are not going all out for their costumes, but are also considering how creative they can make their pooch look. While you are considering whether or not you will dress up your animal this year here are some safety precautions you should consider to keep your animal safe: Read More