The day you bring home your little bundle of joy can be an exciting one for the whole family. Your new puppy will be a loving friend and companion for many years to come. One of the first things you will need to do as a new parent is to teach your puppy good manners. You will need to potty train puppy and it’s not hard to do, if you know how.

Dogs are very intelligent. They love their parents and want to please them. They will try really hard to do what they are supposed to do. But just like with human children they do need to be taught the proper times and places to relieve themselves. Follow a few simple steps to potty train puppy and you will enjoy each other’s company a lot more.

The first thing you want to do when you first get home with your puppy is to take them outside to relieve themselves. When taking them out use a phrase such as ‘go potty’ or any other phrase that you feel comfortable with. Just remember to use the phrase every time you take them out. This will let them know what they are supposed to do. Once they’re done praise them and try to spend some time playing with them.

Dogs don’t like to soil their den. They won’t relieve themselves near their bed, food and water. They are very clean animals generally. It’s because of this den mentality that crate training is so effective. When you purchase a crate take into account how big your puppy will get when she grows up. Make sure to get one that will allow your grown dog to move around comfortably, stand up completely without hunching and have room for their bed and some toys.

Since the crate will probably be too big for your puppy you want to close off the back section of the crate while you potty train puppy. This will reinforce their natural dislike of soiling there den. If they have too much room in their crate they will just relive themselves in another part of the crate. Just take a board and make a partition to close off the back half of their crate. Once they get bigger you can remove the partition and give them access to the whole crate.

Remember the crate is a tool to help potty train puppy. It isn’t a punishment. You want to make it inviting and leave the door open when the puppy isn’t in it. That way they can go in whenever they want. Also, keep the crate near the family. Don’t isolate them. Even when they are in their crate they should be able to see and hear what’s going on and feel like they are part of the family.

To potty train puppy as quickly as possible keep your puppy in the crate whenever they can’t be supervised. When you go to bed, or off to work, put the puppy in the crate.

Puppies are like small children. They have small bowels and bladders and don’t have much time between the time they realize they have to relieve themselves and when they actually go. Make sure you take them out frequently throughout the day. And limit their water intake in the hour or so before you go to bed or to work.

Following these simple tips will make it easy to potty train puppy. Just remember your dog is clean by nature, very smart and she wants to please you. Give her every opportunity to succeed and she will. Enjoy your new best friend!

There has been a lot of publicity in the last few years and even recently about dogs being left in hot overheating cars in the hot summers, by now most people know that hot cars are a real danger for dogs but there are still some of you out there that don’t seem to take the situation serious enough, or don’t realise how quickly the situation can change.

Every year dogs die because they are trapped in a heated car while their owners go into a shop, store, or any other situation when the dog will be left for long periods of time.

Dogs do not have the ability to sweat in heated conditions causing them to overheat a lot quicker than humans, along with the dog’s big fur coat; this makes a recipe for disaster on a hot day. As the heat rises outside it can be less than 10 minutes before your dog is screaming to get out in the agonising heat of the car.

You may think that your car windows being slightly open will help your dog and keep them cool, but this is not the case. If your car windows are slightly open then there will not be enough fresh air coming in to cool your dog quickly enough and if you have your windows fully open you risk loosing your dog in an unfamiliar place or even get stolen.

When a dog overheats it causes a very agonising death, if you have to rescue or treat an over heated dog you should cool them down with cool water ( not cold, this could cause to much shock to the system), or use a wet towel and wrap them in it, feed them cool water or a nice ice cube to lick and then proceed to consult a vet about the situation and get a full examination for your dog.

There are so many different dog breeds and dog crossbreeds around the world now that finding the perfect dog for you can seem a hugely daunting task. Sure, your perfect dog is probably out there somewhere but finding that dog is a completely different thing.

To help you narrow your search down I have taken the time to put this article together and give my best advice on which dog will be best for you if you’re looking for a low maintenance dog for your new home, family or any other occasion.

Ok, you want a low maintenance dog breed so what is the answer? There are many aspects to this question and many dogs to consider, some are realty energetic like the Labrador, border collie and Irish setter but other breeds just seem to be pretty much as energetic as each other.

Maintenance may not mean weather the dog you want is energetic and needs lots of walks and exercise and it may be other forms of dog maintenance like grooming, dog training and bathing etcetera. These differences in dog breed personalities and care are very hard to determine and sum up into a final list of perfect dog breeds as all dogs will need time and care.

The main question here ids weather you are really ready for a dog in your home or place of residence. Dogs do take lots of time especially when they are young and impressionable puppies or dogs. If you want a low maintenance dog then the option for you is to not have a dog at all. Dogs take a big commitment in your life and need to be cared for appropriately in order to be healthy and happy. If you are unsure take more time to ponder your choices and priorities, it will save you a lot of time and unwanted effort in the long run.

Bringing Your New Dog Home

 

You’ve probably noticed that taking care of a dog requires a little bit of planning and preparation. When making the decision to bring a dog into your home, it is important to have a good idea of what to expect and how to handle any potential problems that will arise.

 

Before You Pick-up Your Dog

 

Before you leave to get your new dog, take a look around the house. Make sure that objects you do not want him to chew are safely stored or have been sprayed with a bitter spray that is non-toxic and which discourages chewing. Identify the rooms that he will have immediate access to and close the rest of the residence off using doors and dog gates. These two steps are vital to preventing errors. By putting away the items he cannot chew and only giving him access to safe rooms at the start you prevent him from making mistakes. Set-up the area that will be his space. Most dogs enjoy resting in their own crate. The crate should be large enough for the dog to be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down in comfortably. If bringing home a puppy, purchase a crate with dividers that allow you to make it bigger as he grows. Set the divider so that he has enough room to move but not enough space to eliminate in one area and retreat to the other side. Add clean water and a chew toy with kibble and stuffing (peanut butter is popular) to his area.

 

Your Mindset

 

It is vital that you project the right leadership at the start. When you meet your new dog, be sure that you are calm and confident. Allow your dog to sniff at you and check you out before you make eye contact or touch him. Project a warm, authoritative energy that says to him that you are in control of things and that you will make sure he has a good life. Do not worry or even think about your dog’s circumstances up this point in life (especially if he is a rescue and you feel bad for him). Instead meet him with the right attitude - that you are a good, strong person who is committed to his well being and who will provide him with the things he needs to be healthy and happy.

 

Put on Your Sneakers

 

When getting a puppy you have to be extra careful until his vaccinations are complete. You may want to consider carrying your puppy from the car to the residence to avoid the risk of him stepping in doggy wastes that other dogs may have left in the yard. Take him directly to his area and set him down, giving him room to explore his space. Welcome him with attention and treats. If he knows a basic command or two, have him perform and give him the reward. If you’re adopting an older dog, then before you bring him inside, hit the road and welcome him with a long walk. Bond with him as you join him in exploring the neighborhood. Walk him for as long as you can (45-60 minutes would be great!) and then bring him home and into his new space. Provide him with the fresh water you’ve previously prepared and let him rest.

 

Shots, Tags, and other fun items

 

If you haven’t ordered one already, now’s the time to get him a nametag with his name, phone number, and address on it. In addition, you should take him to the vet to get a general evaluation as well as any shots he needs. Be aware that he might have picked up something at the shelter, so if you have other pets make sure they are up to date on their shots before you bring him home. If your new dog isn’t spayed or neutered then you should have this done, unless you have specific plans for breeding your dog. Evidence suggests that spaying or neutering can have beneficial impacts on the dog’s health and attitude as well as helping reduce the pet overpopulation problem. A proper diet is also important. Your vet can advise you on the best dog food for your dog and on his nutritional needs. Stick to this advice as eating a balanced diet is helpful toward proper growth and ongoing health.

 

House Rules

 

Begin a training program at home to make sure you are teaching him the house rules. Set him up with appropriate items to chew, show him the right place to eliminate, and provide him with guidance about what behavior is acceptable. Keep in mind that telling him he cannot do something will not lead to him generalizing the behavior to other things that are similar in your mind but not necessarily in his. He may well learn to avoid chewing on your shoes, but what has he learned about chewing on your wallet? So make sure that you are showing him what to do.

 

House Training

 

Keep your dog in his area at the start. An easy to clean room - such as the kitchen or laundry room - is ideal. Keep your dog in his crate when you aren’t able to supervise him. Establish a schedule for taking your dog out to eliminate. Young puppies will need to go out once an hour. If they don’t eliminate at that time, bring them in and put them in their area. Check back in 30 minutes. When the dog is outside, encourage them to do their business. As soon as they do, reward lavishly (wait until they’re done). Once they’ve gone, give them a moment to play outside and then bring them inside for more play. Since you know they are empty, allow them into the previously forbidden rooms for a few minutes of fun. Repeating this process, especially the treats for eliminating, will quickly show your dog what you want and that ample rewards accompany that action.

 

Dog Training

 

It is important to enroll in a training program that will teach you and your dog. A good training program will provide you with the information you need about dog behavior and dog psychology while your dog is learning obedience cues and some fun tricks. Training is important for establishing lines of communication between you two as well as instilling discipline.

 

Get the Sneakers Back Out

 

Dogs need daily exercise. The level of activity needed varies depending on breed and age but all dogs need to get out and about. Take him for daily walks and spend time playing games with him.

 

Checklist

 

Supplies you will need to have on hand. Collar Leash Food dish Water Bowl Food Name Tag Toys (interactive toys) Crate/Dog Gate Dog mat Dog brush Is the House Ready? Shoes put away. Chewable items at his level put away. Power cards wrapped up or sprayed with bitter spray. His area prepared with crate and dog bed plus water and toy. Dog gates up to limit access to areas of house he can’t be in yet. Puppy pads (if brining home a puppy). Am I ready? Calm and confident Eager but ready to stay level when meeting the dog Ready to be in the moment, not worrying about his past (especially if he has a sad story that would make you feel bad - no need for that since his life is good now). Sneakers on for a big walk.

Pugs with their cute wrinkly faces are a favorite breed for family pets. As far as potty training a pug is concerned, it can be a concern as this breed, like most other small breeds, can be a little harder to train. But with practice and time, that can be done. But surely you need to be proactive while potty training your new puppy.

The classic crate training always works with pets. Buy a good size crate and make it seem like your pug’s home so they can sleep in it. Since your dog will not soil his bedding, this can be an effective way to get your pug to “hold it”. It’s important to not, however, that you should not force your pug to stay in the crate for longer than his bladder will last as this would be cruel.

Maintain the cleanliness around the crate and put in a toy into it. Sometimes wire cages are also used instead of crates. When your pug has held it all day, make sure you show your appreciation by taking him out right away and then rewarding him when he does his business on the designated area.

Based on your free time and convenience, decide on indoor or outdoor potty training. You could always train your pug in both indoors and outdoors. They are good for a cold day, rainy day or when you go on holidays.

You could either walk them in a garden on a leash or just train them to go out whenever they feel like. If you are staying indoors, use the paper for potty training a pug. Select an area of the house, put some papers on the floor and take them there after feeding or when you notice they want to do their business.

Pugs have really weak bladder and it is quite normal for puppies to pee every two hours. You need to make sure you are around to take your pug out at these intervals or that you provide him with a designated place where it is OK to go.

Do not shout at your pug or get too excited while training. Remain smooth and calm. Many dog owners will tell you that they have better control on their system at 6 months.

They may try to trick you with their little innocent actions, but you must be firm with them. Snacks and food should be given to at only at the right time. Because unnecessary feeding only mean they need to use the potty more often.

Dogs always respond to your words and actions as they learn in their training. Expressions like ‘potty time’ or’ go to your corner’ should do the job and they will eventually learn what is expected of them when they hear these words.

Potty training a pug really isn’t that difficult. A bit more time and involvement is required than some other breeds, however. Dog owners with pugs already trained can also give you advice which can provide you inspiration and encouragement.

As a new puppy owner you are naturally anxious to make sure the new arrival receives the right amount of nutrients in their diet for healthy growth and development.



When should you feed him ?



What’s In the food?

The purpose of your puppy’s diet is to provide him with all the nutrients he needs to grow and remain active. All food contains a mix of protein, carbohydrate, fat, minerals and vitamins, each of which plays a vital role in nutrition and must be supplied in the correct amounts by the puppy’s diet.

Protein is important for growth and to repair damaged tissue, especially muscle. This is why it is needed in higher amounts in the diets of growing pups and very active adult dogs.

Carbohydrates and fats are the body’s main energy source. Fats provide more energy than carbohydrates and are essential in small amounts for a healthy skin and coat.

Minerals and vitamins are important in the diet in small amounts. Puppies and nursing bitches especially require an adequate supply of calcium and phosphorus in their diet. It is possible, however to get ‘too much of a good thing’ and it is dangerous to over supplement an already balanced diet.

As your pup grows into adulthood, his requirements for each of these nutrients will change, and it will be your responsibility to ensure that he is receiving the correct diet for each stage of his life.

Of course, proper nutrition starts before the puppy was born!

A puppy born to parents fed on good quality food, especially when the bitch is pregnant, is much more likely to have a strong constitution, and we can expect the puppy to be healthier, more resistant to disease and have a long life.

Similarly, a bitch living as part of a family in an emotionally satisfying environment can be expected to produce puppies which are more stable and well-adjusted than a one living in a caged and restricted environment.

A puppy’s initial nourishment is linked to the mother. Any deficiencies in her diet over a prolonged period will be passed to her litter. The most important stage of pregnancy is the last third, from six weeks onwards. This is when over 75% of the puppy’s weight is developed.

This is also the period when there is an efficient flow of nutrients from the mother to the puppies, which will be so beneficial during the first few weeks after birth.

At this stage the mother may be fed a higher energy food as her stomach capacity will be reduced.

Feeding the puppies places a demand on the mother to eat, digest and absorb very large amounts of food/nutrients. This then enables her to produce sufficient milk to support the growth and development of a number of puppies.

With all breeds it is important that weaning (changing the puppy’s diet from mothers milk to dog food.) does not begin until the end of the third week after birth. This process should be done gradually.

At this stage the mother’s milk provides the only nutrition to the puppies. Most of the puppy’s antibodies will have passed from the mother during the final days of the pregnancy. These antibodies will last for the first 8 weeks of life.

Breeders and owners love to see plump, roly-poly puppies because these seem to epitomise good health and proper care. In the same way, fat babies were once admired but this is now frowned on by health professionals.

In practice, more health problems result from over-nutrition than from lack of adequate nutrition. Although severe underfeeding will stunt growth, slight underfeeding will actually reduce health problems in adulthood.

There is undisputed evidence that a high intake of protein and fat during puppy-hood leads to health problems. Behavioural problems especially hyperactivity can often be attributed to the same cause. Skin problems which used to be seen mostly in older dogs now seem to be prevalent in young dogs also.

In spite of this, most proprietary pet foods for growth have very high levels of protein and fat and this is even promoted as a virtue. (The adverts may even say “The first ingredient is meat!”)

Obesity is an easily prevented condition, and now is the time to form the habits which will save your dog from suffering in later life. Some breeds are predisposed to obesity, such as Labradors and the small terrier breeds, neutered animals can also be a little more prone to gain weight. As well as taking your pup for regular exercise, be sure to feed him no more than is required to keep him in peak condition with his ribs easily felt, but not showing.

The key to having a healthy puppy is to feed enough of a natural and easily digestible diet to ensure a slow rate of growth rather than for the puppy to shoot up. A puppy which grows slowly will still realise its growth potential but may take a little longer to reach full size.

The needs of puppies vary tremendously so recommended feeding amounts should be treated with suspicion. Good judgement and experience are better guides.

Although many health problems and weaknesses have a hereditary basis correct diet can minimise the effect of these inherited weaknesses. Weakness of the digestive system, as in the German Shepherd or a tendency to develop eczema as in the West Highland Terrier can be avoided by a correct diet. Hip dysplasia has been shown to be aggravated by incorrect diet during growth and it is likely that other developmental disorders of the skeleton are diet-related.

With Giant breeds the difference between appetite and requirement is vast and therefore there is more chance of these breeds becoming obese. This can be accentuated by owners wrongly believing that it is desirable that a puppy should grow rapidly and then feeding more than is required. Excessive growth at this stage may also lead to bone abnormalities.



Exercise is important, and in itself promotes health.

Some health care professionals advocate that puppies should not be exercised as this will damage the developing bones and joints. This makes as little sense as recommending that children should not have exercise until adulthood.

Exercise promotes good muscle tone, and well-developed bones and joints as well as providing social interaction. As mentioned above, developmental defects of the skeleton are caused, not by exercise but by poor diet.



Some problems of the growing dog

Although many health problems/weaknesses have a hereditary basis correct diet can minimise the effect of these inherited weaknesses. Weakness of the digestive system, as in the German Shepherd or a tendency to develop eczema as in the West Highland Terrier can be avoided by a correct diet. Hip dysplasia has been shown to be aggravated by incorrect diet during growth and it is likely that other developmental disorders of the skeleton are diet-related.

Developmental problems are less significant in the cat because of the proportionally smaller size.

 Dog marking is an instinctive behavior so it’s a normal thing they must do. A dog leaves its scent in urine to tell other dogs a message; it could be about whose territory it is or is about the dog’s social order or advertising mating availability. Dogs also use urine marking to show their dominance or to claim something as belonging to them. Some dogs feel the need to lift their leg and pee on all new things that enter your house, shopping bags, visitor’s belongings, new furniture, children’s toys etc. Dogs with feelings of insecurity or who have separation anxiety may also mark, as territory marking builds the dog’s confidence and petsafe.

 

Marking is definitely different from peeing. Dogs deposit smaller amount of urine. Marking in the house is usually done to an upright surface such as a doorway, table leg or piece of furniture or new and unfamiliar objects like visitor belongings. Many of these dogs are lacking in confidence and by marking new objects it makes them feel more secure having deposited their own scent on these objects. Dog urine marking is not a toilet training issue but rather an issue concerning a whole range of instinctive behaviors. Although male dogs are more likely to mark urine than females it is not unknown for a female dog to scent mark too. Often a female dog coming into heat or during it will mark to advertise her availability. A dominant female will also mark while smaller breeds tend to pee in the house more than larger dogs. Also two or more dogs living together in the same house who regard each other as the competition are more prone to urine marking. Urine marking can be a dominance issue.

 

First, prevention is better than cure, neutering and spaying dogs at early age is the most reliable and effective way to stop them from marking, but not infallible. Fixing them will reduce the body’s natural chemicals and hormones that risen by sexual heat. If you have an adult dog neutered, it may take a full year for the male hormones to subside and stop controlling his behavior.

 

Interrupting and breaking this habit is also an effective way to stop and control. Give a close supervision to stop his/her marking behavior. It may take some days and weeks to at least minimize this behavior and really need intense supervision.

Also loud noise can startle and interrupt him from what he was doing. A can or a plastic bottle with coins inside could help divert his attention, when you see he is sniffing and circling around a place or an object and then he start to raise his legs, get his attention immediately followed by giving him command in stern voice like “no pee”. Just be constant on interrupting and supervising him, just do not rant or give punishment that will make his insecure feeling more insecure. Regular reinforcing the normal housebreaking routine will help those dogs who sudden marking, praising him when he do his business on right place. Bring him to his regular pee place whenever he starts marking.

 

If you see the problem is a newcomer, build the friendship between your dog and the newcomer. Let the newcomer try to give him treats or feed him, let them also have some time to play together. For new baby or new pet, have some fun with your dog while newcomer is around, create positive event between them.

 

Thoroughly cleaning his marking area inside the house is a must. Dog may pee and pee all over again on that area so you must remove the evidence of the crime completely. Use cleaners with enzyme contents or 50/50 water and vinegar solutions to wash the area, just avoid ammonia based products.

 

Also make his favorite marking place unattractive to him. Place his eating bowl right on the place where he marks. Let his respected things placed on that area so he will not mess it with his marking. Belly bands are also effective solution to control his peeing.

 

Some severe marking problems are fixed with drug therapy. Dogs with high level of stress or been on bad past like being abused or other similar circumstances, drugs are proven to help. Be sure to ask professional vets and learn everything about drug alternatives and possible side effects before letting your dog in medication.

Dental hygiene is important beyond having healthier teeth for dogs. Gum and teeth infection, broken teeth or tooth loss, and related periodontal problems involving connective tissue in the dog’s mouth can lead to bacteria making its way into the pet’s bloodstream. This can lead to infection of the heart, lungs, liver, intestinal tract, kidney and other internal organs and other side effects.

Dental pet care experts say that up to 80% of dogs manifest signs of dental diseases by three years in the absence of proper oral hygiene. Getting dogs accustomed to dental care as early as possible is crucial to ensuring their long-term health. With regular check-ups, cases such as bad bite or malocclusion, gingival irritation, deciduous teeth and tartar formation can be spotted earlier. This will prevent the situation from worsening and help save the dog’s teeth.

In some cases, veterinarians may advise pre-anesthesia blood work, or an overall health check to determine if the dog’s kidneys and other internal organs are functioning properly and if blood count is normal. The process will also help establish any potential risk before anesthesia is applied.

An antibiotic may be administered to dogs with bad teeth before the dental to eliminate the infection and minimize complications. Fasting will also be required the night before anesthesia application. The check-up itself will involve looking for cavities, gum pockets, loose teeth, tartar and unusual palate or gum growth.

It should be noted that pets seldom experience tooth decay, due in part to their non-acidic saliva, cone-shaped teeth and natural cleaning from their habit of chewing and gnawing. However, an owner who notices that his pet has bad breath must recognize this as a sign that infection is already present and that tartar has already built up.

Tartar can be found below the gums and breeds bacterial growth, leading to inflammation. Owners who know how dog teeth develop would be better equipped in handling such a situation.

After being born without any teeth, dogs grow them from the second or third week after birth. At about eight weeks, puppies generally have 28 temporary teeth, including incisors, pre-molars and canines, that they start losing when they reach 12 weeks.

Adult dogs grow about 42 permanent teeth that start appearing at six months. When this happens, some dogs can become uncomfortable, chewing actively and mouthing anything to ease the discomfort and pain.

Dogs develop incisors - 12 small front teeth - that they use for grooming themselves and for picking up small objects. For larger pieces, including food, dogs use four canine or cuspid teeth that are long and pointed.

Slicing action on small food bits is done using 16 premolars, while grinding and crushing support comes from 10 molars at the back of the dog’s mouth.

There are basic steps dog owners can take to keep their pet’s teeth healthy. Toothpastes and toothbrushes designed specially for dogs are already available in the market. The finger brush - similar to that for the human infant - is a rubber hood worn by the owner over his finger. The product has soft rubber bristles on one side and is used by the owner to clean the teeth and massage the gums of his pet. The finger brush can later be replaced by a regular dog toothbrush after the pet becomes accustomed to the cleaning process.

Brushing a dog’s teeth should be done at a 45-degree angle, at the junction where they meet the gums. Small circular motions are ideal, followed by vertical strokes. This two-step process will help pull out and discourage the formation of plaque. The owner should brush his pet’s teeth several times a week, making sure that all teeth are covered.

For affluent owners, bringing their dogs to a veterinarian for scaling and polishing every two or three years will also help. Since the goal is to make these check-ups regular, making the dog used to being handled as early as possible will make it comfortable even when its mouth and teeth are being held and prevent it from becoming angry or biting.

Owners should be aware of the things their pets eat and play with. Rawhide chews, knobby plastic toys and some other items are also part of dental hygiene, as they are not hard enough to damage teeth and help in the cleaning process. However, small toys and real bones should be monitored, as they would pose problems if they break into pieces and are swallowed.

The passing away of your dog is a sad time for all pet owners and a moment we all would like to avoid altogether although it is a natural process of losing a good friend or family member there are options that can make dealing with the situation better.

It is certainly can be a big shock to you when you find out your pet has passed away and the first reaction could be that of denial. Denial is a common occurrence when dealing with loss or finding out when someone your love has passed away. This is due to your body not wanting to deal with the blow of a pet’s death and it then tries to block it out like nothing has happened.

It is generally better to accept the situation of your dogs’ death if possible, this may be hard to come to terms with for many on such an emotional time, so a burial or small gathering of friends and family who knew the dog to say a final farewell may be a good idea, and it will help you accept the current situation.

Anger and blame may be a result of the shock and you may feel like this is a way to release the emotion you are feeling and pass it on to someone else. Veterinarians go through a tuff process to get to the standard of a professional vet, and for good reason, they care for the work they do. Blaming your vet should not be an option and they are always looking out for the best interest of your dog no matter what you might think when grieving your dogs’ death. Avoid this type of behaviour as it helps no one and it will only turn into guilt on your emotions start to calm down.

When the bad news finally hits home the grieving will start and your emotions will be too much to control, it’s good to let your emotional feelings out as this helps the situation greatly. Keeping yourself overly busy is not recommended like many people do, the emotions will need to come out sometime and it has to happen to stop the feeling of emptiness. Try finding groups of others in your community or internet that can relate to your problems and talk to family and friends about your feelings. The more support you get the quicker you will learn to look back on how happy you’re dog was and how much fun you had together.

Copyright (c) 2007 Mendy Stern

Potty training a dog is one of the first things every dog owner faces. Many times it is harder than it sounds and owners get frustrated when they really should not be. Here are a few ideas that will help you with potty training that you can start right away with.

You want to make sure that your dog is eating healthy meals with out sugar and fiber. Make sure that you do not feed your dogs treats in between meals. By giving your dog healthy food it will help them with there teeth and there coat.

When you do find the healthy food for your dog be sure you stick to a good routine for them on when they eat and go to the bathroom.

When you and your dog wake in the morning take them out to go the bathroom. Then feed your dog at the same time and put some water next to the food. After about thirty minutes take your dog outside to the bathroom.

A lot of times dogs drink to much and that is why they have accidents in the home. You dog needs to stay on a routine and it will help them know when it is time to go outside to the bathroom.

Approximately twenty to thirty minutes after your dog eats it will be ready to have a bowel movement. Again get in a routine and take your dog outside to go to the bathroom. Using this routine will prevent accidents in your home.

If you have a specific spot you want your dog to go to the bathroom in your yard just take your dog on a leash to that spot every time and praise them every time they go. That will become their spot all of the time.

One command you can use is “Go potty!” and they should go. If they do not go right away go back in your house. Do not play with your dog or get them excited at all. Then in fifteen minutes take them out again and see if they will go. Be sure and praise them when you get the results you wanted.

Hopefully you will find these ideas on potty training a dog useful. Your dog just wants to please you and by sticking with the information above it will help you potty train your dog and allow them to do just that.