Transform Your Dog's Behavior with FetchEm Up Farms, LLC

Lets Talk About Training

Sophie took her training very seriously.  I found her by her bell, yes with a roll of toilet paper.  I wish I could say this was intentional, alas it was a coincidence.  She was playing with a roll of toilet paper, (which isn't allowed, LOL!)  when she decided she needed a break.  Perfect Kodak Moment!

A well trained puppy makes all the difference in a happy and productive relationship with your new companion.  Like any other relationship you nurture, you will get out of it, what you put into it.  

Your first two goals should be Crate Training and House Training.  Which should then be closly follow by a "Heel" command, choose whatever word you wish, but implement it immediately, give the command and gently pull the pup toward you, place the pup, praise.  This can be done after bathroom breaks.  Pups need and want engagement, this is a good time for it, laced in with play.  Both are simple with consistent work, because one builds off the other.  And all should be started ASAP. 

Crates....

We do not recommend wire crates.  We have seen too many accidents happen with these crates.  Choose a crate that is a hard shell plastic crate, large enough for your dog once it is fully grown.  If you live in a situation where you have to take your dog in the vehicle frequently, (once a week or more), buy two crates and leave one in your car if necessary.  If you live in an apartment and you have to drive to a dog park...a crate already in your vehicle is a must.  It will help train you and your dog.  Trust me.

A crate will solve many problems and prevent even more.  From sleeping through the night to staying home alone, travel in your vehicle or as a spot to maintain control while house training is mastered.  In each of these instances, the crate will serve you well. You should consult all manufacturer information before deciding on which crate is best for you.  

Crate Training

Desired outcomes may influence the commands you use to get your dog into their crate.  Bedtime.  You've been bad.  I need a minute.  I think you might have an accident.  Lets go to the park.  You get the picture.

Placement

Place your crate where you can live with it on a regular basis inside .  This is important, puppy needs to know where it is...consistency.  (Consistency is just as important to a puppy as it is to humans, in my opinion.)

Bed Time and Any Time of Separation:

To your puppy going to bed and being separated from you are pretty much one in the same.  As with babies, schedules play a big role in this.  Let's begin with Bedtime, as it will most likely be your first encounter.

Pre-Bedtime several things need to happen;

no food after... three hours before bedtime, no water either.  (Check with your vet as to the proper amounts of food and water intake for your breed and age.) 

Play with your puppy, let them drink water, play some more go outside to "Do their business" Look for the House Training below segment for more detail on this.  Bring your four legged baby inside and place them on the floor in front of their crate, with your hand under their chest, and tell them, "Crate" as you guide them inside. Close the door, Maybe lay a towel over the door, If visibility is an issue, (out of sight, out of mind).  Tell them, "Bedtime", "Goodnight", etc. And ignore the howling that may ensue.  Or the dog will become the trainer and you may as well buy another pillow or a bigger bed... because once that puppy sleeps with you, you are destined to have dog hair in your bed.  And that is okay if that's what you wanted but try to establish the crate habits before allocating special treatment.  Once you set the boundary and it is well established, you can bestow all the special treatment you wish upon your pal.

The same routine is needed before you leave them for a day out of the house, if they cannot join you.  I highly recommend getting your puppy acclimated to the crate, before you start taking them everywhere with you.  While it is fun to have your partner in crime with you, you do not want to take your puppy out until, you have mastered walking on a leash, some control over bladder and some basic commands.  A trip to the toy isle, can be fun, but could also expose your new puppy to a world of issues.  (Protecting your puppy from parvo,  is of primary concern.)  It's about expectations.  This will serve you and your puppy later.

An example of your puppy's day, your work schedule and other considerations should be taken into account as you master these skills.  Routine, routine, routine.  (Another reason to get a puppy at a time when you are going to be home for a span of time.  Otherwise help may be needed.)  Did I mention Routine?

Basic Advice

House Training with a Bell 

This technique has proven to work time and again with our pups:

Tie a bell (an extra large jingle bell works best), to the door you will be using most.

Take puppy to the door, ring the bell as you say, "Lets go do our business" or "Outside".

First thing out of crate, after naps, after play time and after eating- out the door, place puppy where you want them to routinely go for this.  Tell them "Do your business"  no other attention is needed. Out the door, business done...then good morning, play a minute then more time to complete the task.  Often pups are excited and will eliminate but not completely because they are distracted and they aren't used to the routine! The excitement comes when the goal is accomplished, not before. Within a very short time your pup will go to the bell and ring it to let you know it's time to go outside.

Avoiding accidents:

No excited "Happy to see you" messages when you arrive home until business is accomplished.  This is true in all instances when going outside to do "Our Business" too.  Accomplish the task, then we'll talk.  For some breeds this is really important.  The excitement accidents are our fault.  Stop with the high pitch, happy voice greetings.  You are triggering a response the pup cannot control.  And unintentionally training the dog to pee when it gets excited.  These accidents may still happen at first.  That's okay and it's not the end of hope. Avoiding triggers is a huge part of training.  Remember if you maintain control of yourself, you will have far more success controlling your dog.

Always, always, always use a leash when an enclosed area is not available.