Practical Potty Training For Puppies: The Secret Is In The Schedule

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA - JUNE 22: Valerie Dawson spe...
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House Training Older Dog: The Rescue Dog

Fred and Barbra Thompson just adopted a 5-month-old black Lab Retriever puppy from the local rescue pound. The animal shelter informed Fred and Barbra that the dog was already housetrained. But the two quickly learned something else. UGH! They would need to learn how to housetrain dog and soon!

?When we drove up to our house, Barbra took the dog directly to the backyard to relieve herself,? Fred says, ?She sniffed around, urinated a little and then wanted to play, so Barbra brought her inside to play. Within 5 minutes she had peed again and before we could get her back outside, she pooped!?

Although many puppy owners have difficulties teaching housetraining skills, it really doesn’t have to be a difficult process. Housetraining is the process by which you teach your dog to eliminate when you want it to and where you want to ? and to refrain from eliminating at any other time or place.

Sounds simple? Actually, it can be, and it is ? so long as you stick with the tried and true basics of approach. Housetraining does not have to be frustrating or overwhelming. However, you must be extremely consistent until your dog is completely housetrained.

This was a little bit older dog and had learned how not to be housetrained. So the Thompsons will need to house training older dog.

Start With A Schedule

Dogs are creatures of habit and a schedule will help your with potty training your puppy and your will puppy develop good housetraining skills much more quickly. You can establish a schedule that takes your own needs into account as long as you realize that almost all puppies and older dogs will need to relieve themselves when they first wake up after a night’s sleep or a nap, after they eat or drink, and after playtime.

An 8 to 12 week-old puppy may need to go outside when first waking up in the morning, after eating breakfast, after playing at mid-morning, then again at about noon. If the puppy naps, it will have to go out when it wakes up, then again at mid-afternoon. A schedule like this should continue all day.

As the puppy grows and matures, it will develop more bowel and bladder control, and you can increase the length of the intervals between trips outside. However, increase this time between potty trips gradually. You want to set your dog up for success (no accidents), not failure.

By 8 to 9 months of age, a dog that has been housetrained using a consistent, realistic schedule will need to go outside first thing in the morning, at noon, later in the afternoon, after dinner and before bedtime.

However, keep in mind that all dogs, no matter what their age, have their own unique needs. Some will have to go outside more often; others will be able to hold it longer. During the housetraining process, you’ll need to learn your own dog’s particular needs, strengths, and weaknesses.

Get the FREE report about Potty Training Your Puppy. This information works because I used it myself on my stubborn pound puppy who was really an older puppy dog.

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How To Stop A Dog Barking: How To Trick Your Dog Into Being Quiet (Setting Up The Plan)

Barking Dog / Lonely Dog
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How To Stop A Dog Barking

It has been said that a trained dog has the intellect of a child in the age group of between three and seven years old. At first glance this may seem commendable, but when one stops to think about it, that intellect is not really advantageous under all circumstances.

An intelligent dog knows whether his owner is on the premises or not. Therefore, he knows whether his adverse behavior can be corrected or whether it will go unnoticed. No matter how well trained a dog is, he has a mind that is capable of experiencing loneliness, jealousy, elation, worry, fear, boredom, and many other emotions that we fail to realize.

Your dog may be the epitome of good behavior as long as he knows that you are around to respond when he does bad things. But to the intelligent dog who takes your absence as freedom to misbehave, you must make a new revelation, and that is that from now on you will be home, even if you are not there!

“How”, you might be asking, “Can I always be home, when I’m not”?

The solution is really quite simple but putting it into practice can be a little complicated. The secret lies in making your dog believe that you are gone from the house. This is best accomplished by setting up the situation. Take a drive in your car, out of sight from your house, then park at the curb nearby, get out, and quietly walk back to your home.

In staging the scene, care must be given to never underestimate the intelligence of your dog. If you do, he just might turn the tables on you and perceive the entire thing is a new game that you are playing, all for his enjoyment.

Also, when you typically leave the house by way of your vehicle, don’t try to fool your dog by setting up this situation by just closing the front door and pretending to be gone. He is much too smart for that. Your dog will have to hear the usual start of your car’s engine and the sound of the vehicle fading away as it drives out of distance. By doing this, your dog will absolutely believe that you are gone.

When you sneak back to your house, be sure not to inadvertently alarm your dog by rattling your keys or making heavy footstep sounds. A dog’s ability to hear is far superior to mankind’s and he will know that the gig is up, and that you are actually home.

How To Stop A Dog Barking: The Trap

If your dog is a backyard dog, and you have managed to sneak quietly into your house unnoticed, sit back, relax and wait. The instant he starts to bark, you should emerge from your house with a water gun, your tin cans, or even water-filled balloons to toss nearby. This entire scene is be repeated as many times as necessary to get the point across that, although he hears and believes you are gone, you’re really just one bark away.

If your dog is a house dog, all of the members of the family should join in the staging of the schooling. In other words, everyone should leave the house together and walk toward the car. One member of the family should remain on the front porch (out of site), while the rest of you drive away. At the first bark from your dog, a family member who stayed behind on the front porch should be the one to burst through the door like a wild bull, give off a loud firm command, and accompany this with your weapon of choice: a squirt gun or a set of tin cans.

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How To Stop A Dog Barking: Are You Supporting Your Dog’s Barking Without Even Knowing It?

Rosa and Lara
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How To Stop A Dog Barking

Dogs that have a problem with excessive barking and constant whining are not displaying bad behavior as most dog owners unjustly assume. Instead, these dogs are just reaching out for some attention. Excessive barking is simply an issue that has to do with loneliness. In fact, loneliness is typically the number one reason why a dog will resort to behavior problems.

If the motivator is loneliness, then you have to understand that the only form of expression a dog has is to bark. And when he barks, it is attention in which the animal is seeking. It does not matter what kind of attention he gets. Attention is attention.

Discipline Gone Wrong

Now if you resort to paddling your dog’s backside in the attempt to fix the barking issue, the only real accomplishment that the dog would learn is to stay out of reach the next time around. And of course, there will be a next time, as soon as the lights are turned off, or when your bedroom door is shut, if the dog is left in the backyard alone, he will start to bark.

Another mistake dog owners make is by supporting the very barking behavior in which they are trying to stop in the first place. For example, what if your dog is in the backyard and barking wildly at night, what do you do? Most dog owners, reaching their boiling point with frustration, would pull the dog into the house so that the neighbors do not complain and can get some sleep. However, although such action may be deemed commendable by your thankful neighbors, taking the dog inside will only perpetuate the problem.

In fact, you can guarantee a repeat performance tomorrow night, and every night thereafter, so long as the dog barks, and you come outside and provide attention by bringing him inside the house. And the one thing you can guarantee is that your dog will learn that, by barking, you will show up and give him attention!

Dog’s Learn By Associating Their Actions With A Pleasing Or A Displeasing Result

Many dog owners unwittingly create and instigate certain bad habits that their pets have developed, such as excessive barking problems. For example, one extreme case in point is a man who would put a bowl of food in front of his dog every time it barked. Her reasoning for this action was  “My dog can’t bark and be a problem if something is in his mouth”. As you can guess, this repeated action only confirmed in her dog’s mind that barking is a good thing and that tasty treats are the result.

Another example is the family that decided to finally get a dog that the kids have been wanting for years. Instead of buying a young puppy, they decided to adopt an adult dog from the local Humane Society. As soon as the new dog was on the front lawn, a stranger walked by the house and the dog began to bark incessantly.

Of course Dad was elated at how his new dog was such a wonderful guard dog so he showered the animal with kisses and affection. Needless to say, their new family protector was instantly taught that barking was good and that he should bark excessively at anything that moves within visual distance. In time, these dogs’ acts of courage turn into acts of nuisance to everyone in the neighborhood.

Think First

If you wait a long time while your dog is barking then go and get him you are teaching your dog to bark until you come out. This reinforces the barking behavior.

As a responsible dog owner, you need to pay attention to your dog’s barking. When he barks, go see what he’s barking about. Ask your dog what he sees. Maybe it is an intruder. Your dog is doing a job for you. After you figure out what got him going tell him it OK and to be quiet now. Take him away from the distraction if you need to and have him settle down.

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How To Stop A Dog Barking: How To Use A Water Gun To Train Dogs To Stop Barking

OPP Pride (with water guns)
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How To Stop A Dog Barking

If your dog is an excessive barker and literally keeping you and the neighbors up at night, you have the responsibility to take a little time and properly communicate to your dog that it is not okay to bark for no apparent reason. The key to such communication and effective dog training lies within a few simple techniques, one of which we will touch up on below.

Train Dogs To Stop Barking Using The Water Gun Method

The water gun method is the most effective trick to train dogs to stop barking. However I would recommend this as a last resort and try communicating with your dog in other ways first.

The water gun is easy, and a relatively humane way of getting your point across. If you can’t figure out a better way to interact with your dog, it won’t harm him. For an investment of just the few dollars, combined with a little imagination and some water, there can be quiet for you, peace or your neighbors, and a calm demeanor for your dog.

Remembering that dogs learn by associating their actions with pleasing or displeasing results, resolve to give your dog at least six to seven days of proper training for his excessive barking. In cases of these types of barking problems, it really does take about a week for your dog to get the point.

When your dog is guilty of excessive barking, calmly take your water gun and  with a big smile on your face  go to him and give him a shot right between the eyes, while at the same time giving firm verbal command such as NO or OUT.

Without saying another word, go back into the house and be ready to repeat this lesson. From now on your goal is to be consistent and have the attitude that whenever your dog barks, he is really asking you to come out and give him a squirt of water! These three simple steps is all you need to remember whenever your dog is barking for no reason:

1. Give one sudden squirt.

2. Speak a verbal command.

3. Repeat whenever you hear barking.

Consider This

If you’re going out to spray your dog with water every time he barks then why not just tell your dog “no bark” and give him some attention. While you’re out there take a look around and ask your dog what he sees. Maybe he’s guarding. If you find nothing then give the command “no bark”. If he keeps barking then use the water gun and firmly Command “no bark”.

How To Stop A Dog Barking: Do Not Underestimate Your Dog’s Intelligence

If you do not think that this simple method works, give it a few days. I guarantee that you will hear less and less excessive barking coming from your dog. Before you know it, he will come to the conclusion that you just don’t understand dog talk at all, and he will not want to continue being squirted in the face. Your dog is an intelligent creature that responds to repetition. In under a week, he will decide that he doesn’t like your little game and the barking will stop.

Your dog will understand that the best way to avoid being squirted from your silly water gun is to keep his mouth quiet. After five to six days of proper training in this regard, if your dog happens to forget his barking lesson, all it should take to put him back in place is to give the same firm command which accompanied the water gun sprays. However, no squirting will be necessary, as he will relate the firm command to the feel of being squirted with water, and the barking will stop.

You’ve now trained your dog not to bark. So don’t be upset if he lets a robber in the back yard.

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When Pets are More Important than Dates

This is either the most boring game of Chicken...
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Many people would rather stay at home when their beloved dog or cat is not feeling well. According to a new survey by M&S Pet Insurance, people will cancel their dates if their pet is not well.

According to the research, 52% of the respondents would choose their pet over their partner in cases where there is unexpected illness. Only 26% of men will choose relationship which shows that people love their pets so much.

David Wells, the head of the insurance said that he was not surprised with the results.

“Pet owners often have a close bond with their animals as they are often a predictable presence in our ever-changing lives, providing unconditional love, emotional support and companionship,” he pointed out.

“Therefore, when a new partner comes along it is not surprising that they need to love the pet as much as the person.”

There are also people who are willing to put their work at risk for the sake of a sick pet. It was found out that 11% of the owners stayed at home to nurse a sick pet and a similar proportion have taken time to grieve for a lost pet.

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How To Stop A Dog Barking: How To Trick Your Dog Into Being Quiet (Other Methods)

Squirt guns!
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How To Stop A Dog Barking

When beginning your anti-bark campaign, it must be remembered that dogs learn by associating their actions with either pleasing or displeasing results. It takes approximately one week for the average dog to learn an average thing.

The solution to the problem when creating the trick your dog into thinking you are home.  Plan with so much realism that your pet actually believes you have left the area.

Dogs are like children. For example, a classroom full of a 8-old kids would most likely be on their absolute best behavior if they knew for a fact that their teacher was just outside the door in the hallway. Think back, don’t you remember breaking loose and goofing off with the rest of the children in your classroom when you knew the teacher went into another classroom down the hall? Yes, your dog has the same type of mentality.

Other Methods Of  Being There  While Not Actually Being There

I have known some dog owners that recorded their voice into a tape recorder. Periodically, the recording on the tape would say loudly  STOP  or  KNOCK IT OFF.  Of course the timing of these loud firm commands could be way off and this is certainly not a recommended procedure, with the reasons being quite obvious.

Your dog may not be doing anything wrong when he hears these commands on tape. He may be asleep or actually just hanging around, being a good dog. Although this may work if your dog is known for constant bad behavior, he could eventually learn to ignore these commands altogether and when you are at home, he will still consider your commands to be meaningless, like a game, just like the tape recording game you dog has gotten used to.

Training Your Dog To Stop Barking: Thinking Outside The Box

One dog owner was never really successful in being able to sneak back into the house without being seen or heard from his dog. So finally, one sunny morning, the owner had called a friend who lived about a half mile away. On the telephone he said, ?I’m coming over but please do not hang up the phone, I’ll explain in just a minute. The owner did not hang up his phone either, instead he placed the receiver on top of the window sill.

He went to the back yard, gave his dog a loving pat on the head, and said “I’ll be back later buddy”.  He then got in his car and drove over to his friends house. He then picked up his friend’s phone and sat listening for almost 30 minutes before the dog was finally convinced that he was gone.

Soon after, guess what happened? He started barking excessively!  The owner then rushed in his car and drove home in less than a minute. He stormed into the backyard and immediately surprised his dog with loud firm commands and a squirt gun. After about four of these surprise visits, his dog finally got the message and the dog barking had stopped.

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Hilary Duff Reunited with Dog

Haylie Duff and Hilary Duff at the premiere of...
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Hilary Duff found her dog DuBois who was previously thought to be missing. Duff asked the paparazzi outside her home to help her look for the missing dog last February14.

The next day, Hilary’s sister, Haylie let people know via Twitter that their pooch has turned up safe and sound. “Yes, DuBois was in the house the whole time,” she wrote. “Thank you for all the wishes and good lucks.”

Hilary was afraid that her dog might meet the same fate as Jessica Simpson’s dog which was said to be taken away by coyotes from her garden. Search was eventually given up after accepting that Daisy, the caramel-colored Maltipoo, was gone for good.

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How To Stop A Dog Barking: How To Stop A Dog Barking In Less Than 7 Days

8:36pm: at the barking dog with S
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How To Stop A Dog Barking

Every day, all over the world, dog owners are making the mistake of supporting their dogs behavior problems, such as excessive barking, and then punishing the animal for its actions. If you want to learn how to stop a dog barking then read all the articles in this series. You can download them through the link at the bottom of this post.

Excessive barkers are created, not born. And as you know, loneliness and the need for attention are the most common causes of such behavior problems. The secondary cause of excessive barking his simple misunderstanding. In other words, a dog is practicing a particular action because he thinks that what he is doing is what is expected.

Regardless of the cause, or the motivator, a barking dog must be quieted. You may have heard on the news recently about a woman who threw boiling water on her neighbor’s dog that would not stop barking at night. Other dogs have been reported to have been shot with BB guns, yelled at by angry neighbors, turned in to the police, kidnapped, and worse yet, even beaten up and killed.

Everyone Is To Blame

The previous examples of what angry people will do to a neighborhood dog that barks constantly could definitely be described as inhumane, to say the least, but if you think about it, whose actions are inhumane? Is it the dog’s action because of its incessant barking?  The angry neighbor, by way of his tortures? How about the dog’s owner, who does nothing and seems oblivious to the problem at hand?

Most responsible dog owners have the desire to quiet down there excessive barking dogs. While they do not want to squash that natural protective instinct that a dog has (who wants a silent dog when the house is getting robbed?), at the same time you do want your family dog to understand when to bark and went to be quiet.

Your Dog Can Learn How To Stop Barking

Did you know that it takes less than a week (on average) for a dog to learn a basic principle? In this small time frame anyone with the desire and patience can teach their dog that excessive barking is definitely an inappropriate behavior. You can make your dog understand that there are some occasions when barking is permissible, but that it must be turned off when given the proper command.

The secret weapon to getting this point across to an excessive barking dog is by communication. Communication simply means finding a way that your dog can understand exactly what your desires are. When we communicate to another person, we just say the words we mean and it is automatically understood, but with a dog you must resort to methods which are backed by action.

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Dog Barking Problems? Driving With A Barking Dog Can Cause An Accident!

AVIEMORE, UNITED KINGDOM - JANUARY 21:  A husk...
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Being trapped within the car during a lengthy drive while your dog is barking nonstop is enough to make you truly distressed.

Every moving thing that your dog views out the window, including other dogs, cats, cars, individuals, even still objects like houses, are enough to make your dog respond in a territorial manner which results in too much barking.

When one subject vanishes out of your dog’s view, another one reappears, and on and on it goes…

Most of us get so irritated that we result to yelling at our dog in order to get him to be quiet. Unfortunately, this strategy only adds more exhilaration to your dog’s high levels of stress and anxiety.

By yelling at him, your dog’s mind confirms that you feel similarly and now you have got nothing but a loud circus going on while you are attempting to concentrate on the road.

The good news is that with some education and some persistence, you can gradually reduce your dog’s incessant barking when you are out for a drive.

Here are a few ideas to guide you along the way:

1. For starters, if you want your dog to be more relaxed and laid back, try being a role model. Play some soft music and stay quiet and collected whenever your dog gets excited.

Slowly caress his head and speak to him soothingly while he is barking. You will end up being surprised at just how quickly your dog or puppy will turn his head towards you to enjoy much more of the attention, and of course, without the barking!

2. For a more drastic training method, there is absolutely nothing wrong about carrying a little water bottle in which you can spray your dog each occasion he starts to bark loudly. Most puppies and dogs completely hate getting a quick burst of water sprayed on them.

Generally, they will instantly cease whatever it is that they are doing. And be certain to provide a firm command at the same time you spray your family pet. Eventually, you can substitute the water bottle with this order because your dog will associate it with the same surprising encounter of getting sprayed with water.

3. Try using a crate. A really simple solution is to use a crate that your dog can stay in when you need to drive somewhere with him. The crate should be visually restricted so that your dog does not get triggered by all of the action he can notice out of the window.

This in itself is sufficient to keep your dog from barking excessively. Of course this may be challenging if you have a big dog. However, using a crate is a ideal way to prevent small to medium-sized dogs silent while you’re on the road.

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Stolen Doggy Coat Left Dog Shivering

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There was a woman in New York who said that her doggy coat was stolen. Donna McPherson said that she tied up Lexie, her 10-year-old West Highland terrier outside a supermarket in Brooklyn for just 2 minutes as she bought milk.

She said that she heard a funny bark and when she checked, she found her little white dog shivering in the cold. The green wool coat that he was wearing together with the leather trim and belt was nowhere in sight.

McPherson said that the dog coat was $25. Good thing that Lexie was not wearing his Burberry.

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