1. The importance of a routine

Dogs respond to routine excellently well. Setting a stanch routine to pity train your pup involves taking them to their designated at fixed times of the day and keeping a fixed rotation of activities. In other words, a puppy’s life should be a monotonous pattern of one activity following the other, eg – eat – sleep – play – potty – repeat.

If you consistently crate your dog immediately after a they come back from a walk for a couple of hours and take your dog to their pee/potty spot soon as they get out of the crate, after a few days they will find their way to the designated area without being prompted to do so.

A fixed routine also allows a puppy to adjust their body clock accordingly and will help you accurately predict when they need to relieve themselves.

2. Take the help of a crate

Crates, when used correctly, can be a blessing in disguise and an incredible training assist tool. Preventing accidents and building bladder control are two of the most crucial aspects of setting a pup up for potty training success. A crate comes in handy in helping you achieve both. Puppies instinctively don’t soil where they sleep, unless forced to do so.

If they get a free range of the house, they would repeatedly have accidents everywhere, thereby delaying the process of potty training. Crates help in building bladder control by teaching the puppy to wait to be let out to pee/ poop.

Make sure to not leave your pup in the crate for far too long. Doing so may force them to either soil the crate or they may end up ruining their health while trying to hold their pee in.

Crates are known to accelerate the process of potty training by fourfolds.

3. Have ONE designated spot

Having multiple pee pads in the house or multiple surfaces like pee pads and grass patch all at once, expecting your pup to relieve themselves indoors and outdoors are some things that may highly confuse your pup. When potty training your pup, make sure to have only one designated spot. Lead them to this spot as frequently as possible and reward for every successful attempt.

Make sure to accommodate your puppy’s preferences too. Some pups may prefer peeing only on a particular surface whereas some pups may prefer indoor to outdoors. Allow your puppy to pick their choice of spot (as long as it’s not in a random spot in the house).

4. Reward reward reward

Puppies perform and repeat behaviors that get them rewards and attention. This is the basic principle behind positive reinforcement. It is not only a technique which is applied to teach dogs new behaviors, but also to reinforce existing behaviors.

Rewards is what differentiates the designated spot from all the wrong, random spots in the house where your pup is likely to have an accident. SLowly but surely, your puppy would start associating the designated spot with rewards and may want to relieve themselves willingly in that spot.

Have a bunch of your puppy’s favorite treats ready in their designated spot. This will make sure you are capturing and rewarding the behavior at the right time, one of the most crucial factors while setting your dog up for potty training success.

5. Avoid giving free range of the house

Welcoming home a new puppy is exciting. We want to know everything about them and we want them to know everything about us and the house they are going to be living in. However, giving full access to the enstire house from day 1 will do more harm than good.

A puppy must be able tp track their designated spot fromwherever they are in the house. Now, if the spot is in the living room and they are all the way in the bedroom, they will end up having an accident on their way to finding the spot. The more accidents they have, the more difficult potty training gets.

During the initial few weeks of potty training, give them access to only one room at a time wth all their resources and their pee spot in close access.

6. Look out for signs to prevent accidents

Puppies are experts at communicating through signs and body language because that’s the only way they know how. If you spend just a few days observing your pup, you would be able to notice some behaviors that they may engage in before peeing or pooping. Some generic pre-pee behaviors include –

• Sniffing excessively
• Wandering off
• Whining and barking for no apparent reason
• Going towards the door or the designated spot
• Sniffing the spot where they generally have accidents
• Excessive biting and nipping
• Restlessness
• Circling
• Crouching

7. Knowing exactly when your puppy needs to go

Wouldn’t it be nice if we could tell exactly when our puppies need to pee or poop. In reality, it is not that complicated. Puppies to catch on to routine and can predict activity patterns throughout their day and so can their body clocks. There are certain times of the day when they would definitely need to pee, such as –

1. First thing in the morning after they wake up
2. 15 – 20 minutes after their meals or drinking water
3. 25 – 30 minutes into any kind of physical activity like walking, running or playing
4. After any nap during the day that exceeds 25- 30 minutes
5. Last thing before they hit the bed
   
   

8. Use a leash

Immediate correction is the key in stopping an accident from taking place. Attempt to catch your puppy in action or right before they pee. However, once you successfully stop the accident from happning, avoid picking your puppy up and placing them on the pee pad. This is a displacement strategy that may just confuse them and does not teach them to track their designated spot.

Instead of picking them up, have your pup on a leash when they’re active and roaming around the house. Use it to gently guide them to the designated area when they are about to have an accident or communicate signs that they need to pee. This will accelerate the results because they are actively learning to track their designated spot.

There are millions of pieces of information available out there on potty training. Yet, it remains to be one of the most tedious and tricky aspects of puppy training and raising. Invest time and energy during the initial stages of potty training and look at it as a long-term investment that is sure to bear fruits (or poop!)

During the first three months of their life, a puppy’s mind is like a clean slate. They are particularly open and responsive to learning and retaining information, experiences, and events that they encounter during the first 13 to 16 weeks after birth.

By the time they reach 16 weeks, they will have formed a perception about the environment they are living in. This perception could be positive or negative. Once this perception is formed, any effort to change it would not be considered as socialization, but desensitization.

Using the crate to punish your dog

How often have you found yourself getting annoyed at your puppy and putting them inside the crate for a time out or as a punishment? If you are guilty of doing this every now and then, you may be setting your pup up for negative association with the crate. This may hamper their willingness to step in and out of the crate willingly. 

Yelling at your dog

A puppy constantly barking and whining inside the crate can get on anyone’s nerves. But how we deal with it defines the kind of relationship our puppies will have with the crate. They are only vocalizing to express their distress. If we scold them for it, they will end up feeling frustrated and helpless in the crate.

Letting them be bored

An idle mind is a devil’s workshop. A bored puppy in the crate is a recipe for disaster. It can lead to severe behavioral issues, eventually leading to anxiety. Many a time, puppies may also end up hurting themselves with obsessive and compulsive behaviors inside the crate.

Making a big deal about leaving and coming home

Puppies have a tendency to replicate the energy they are surrounded with. You may have noticed that their energy and excitement levels can go from 0 to 100 in seconds when they see us happy and excited. This can be endearing, but when it comes to a puppy dealing with crate anxiety, come home to them with an overexcited energy may do more harm than good because their happiness to see you combined with their pent up hyper and nervous energy may give rise to anxiety.

Use the crate for several hours at a stretch

Regardless of their size, energy levels, age and ability to settle in the crate, every dog needs a break from being in the crate. Some puppies may be able to go on for a longer time, while some may need breaks more frequently. Make sure to accommodate your puppy’s needs.

Crates can be a blessing in disguise when raising a puppy to be independent, calm, and well mannered. They make excellent training assistants. However, when misused, they can be a bane. The beauty of the crate is truly in the eyes of the beholder.

1. Healthy Socialization and peer learning

Group dog training classes are one of the best places to ensure healthy and safe socialization for your puppy. All puppies that are enrolled in the class are typically updated on their vaccinations, are on leash and are of similar age group. The classes are also closely monitored by qualified trainers who have a keen eye for canine body language and communication. This makes the environment safe and conducive for socialization and learning.

Puppies, learn best through other puppies, for obvious reasons. They have a tendency to watch and replicate behaviors while interacting. Training classes ensure that puppies are learning desirable behaviors from each other.

2. Builds confidence in shy puppies

Different puppies are blessed with different temperaments. Some puppies are born with the natural talent of making friends in a giffy wherever they go. On the other hand, some puppies may be a little more reserved and take time to open up.

In group classes run by qualified trainers, every puppy’s needs are accommodated. Shy puppies are given ample space and time to open up and back off if needed. This is crucial to enable puppies to come out of their shell faster. Furthermore, when they watch and experience other puppies playing with each other, it is an added encouragement to step forward and be a part of the fun.

3. Basic manners

Socialization and basic obedience are two main objectives of group training classes. Every group class has a pre-decided curriculum consisting of basic obedience commands like Sit, down, stay, leave it, leash walking etc. This curriculum is split into 4-6 weeks classes that generally focus on covering one to two cues in each class.

Classes generally run for an entire hour, which may get overwhelming for many. To avoid this, these classes are packed with several exciting and interactive games that act as ice breakers. A good group training class is a lethal combination of fun, games, learning and socialization.

4. Greater involvement of the pet parent

Unlike board and train, group dog training classes require pet parents to be a part of the whole class and practice and each and every command with their puppies. The trainer’s job is to get the ball rolling in terms of introducing the dog the pet parent to new commands and guiding them in case they get stuck while practicing.

Pet parent’s involvement in the dog’s training is a sure shot way to improve communication skills between the two, have more responsiveness and enhance the human-canine bond. Pet parents also get the opportunity to learn about pet advocacy and the importance about speaking up for their pet as and when necessary, an important aspect of responsible pet parenting.

5. Affordability

Group classes are one fourth the cost of private classes. For pet parents who want to focus on basic obedience training, group classes are not only more affordable, but also more beneficial because of the added advantage of socialiation and peer learning that these classes offer.

6. Plethora of options

Different group classes have different focus points. Depending on your training goals for your dog, you can choose from a variety of options such as –

• Basic obedience training – Puppy, intermediate and advanced
• Agility training
• Sniff work
• Therapy dog training
• Service dog training
• Medical detection training
• Search and rescue training
• Police dog training, etc

 

7. Excellent distraction training

Dogs are fast learners, but they may need some practice before they start generalizing commands. In other words, once they learn to “Sit,” in low distractions, they may have trouble grasping the concept of following through with the same command in the presence of distractions. Group dog training classes are an excellent starting point in teaching dogs to respond and follow through with a range of cues in mild to heavy distractions.

Socialization is not only about making friends and playing with other dogs and people, it is also the ability to ignore these stimuli and focus back on their human when needed. Environment neutrality and distraction training are crucial aspects of dog obedience training.

While group dog training classes offer a range of learning options and benefits, it must be noted that these classes may not be for everyone. Socially anxious dogs, reactive dogs, aggressive dogs, fearful dogs, etc. may not be the right candidates for group learning. They would need a more intensive, one on one approach. Make sure to know your dog’s temperament and needs and accommodate them to the best of your ability, with or without group classes.

1. Take frequent downtime breaks

Downtime allows dogs to process and retain information that they’ve absorbed during the day. It encourages calm behavior and promotes better mental health and well being. Without downtimes, puppies would keep getting overstimulated and hyper with no means to calm themselves down. This may result in undesirable behaviors like excessive vocalization, nipping, jumping etc and may eventually lead to anxiety.

To ensure downtime between longer play sessions, you could crate your dog for a few minutes from time to time, create distance from the exciting stimuli, practice cues like Settle to help your pup calm down faster.

2. Engage in obedience training

The main objective of obedience cues like Stay, settle, down, etc is to help pups behave in a desirable way in day-to-day situations and make it easier for humans to communicate better with them. These cues act as enablers while helping puppy smoothly transition from a hyper state of mind to a calm one.

Next time when your puppy goes out of control displaying hyper behavior, try putting them on a leash and actively engaging them in calming commands. Make sure to reward them for every successful repetition.

3. Reinforce calm behavior through the day

Puppies repeat the behaviors that gets them attention or rewarded in some way. We often ignore our puppies when they are in a naturally calm state of mind because most of our time during the day goes in getting exasperated over undesirable behaviors and correcting them. Unintentionally, we end up fuelling the bad behaviors because those are the ones that get the most attention, leaving the calm behavior disregarded.

To encourage calm behavior through the day, it is imperative for us to proactively mark and reward those behaviors as and when they happen. Eg- if your puppy is sitting inside the crate, not making a sound, just  being a good kid, make sure to verbally praise them and reward them with some treats. Doing so multiple times a day will motivate your dog to be calmer through the day and also enjoy doing so.

4. Provide your pup with ample exercise

Different dog breeds have different exercise needs. 2 walks a day does not for every dog. Some of them need more, much more. Lack of ample exercise is often the cause of hyper behavior.

Recognize your breed’s needs and focus on engaging them in activities accordingly. Eg, Border Collies were bred to be herding dogs and have a lot to offer in terms of energy, intelligence, quickness and resilience. They have strong herding instincts which cannot be fulfilled by walks. Games like agility or sports like Treiball provide them with appropriate outlets to harness their natural instincts.

Attempt to strike a balance between physical and mental stimulation activities to ensure proper enrichment for your dog. A balanced exercise schedule will make sure your puppy grows up into a calm, confident canine.

5. Crate training

Crates make excellent training assist tools. They help build bladder control, they keep puppies safe in the absence of humans, prevent accidents, help puppies settle down faster and prevent destructive behaviors. If used correctly, crates make great spots to optimize downtimes, keep puppies busy while teaching them the art of self engagement.

1. Never force your dog to make friends

Your dog is constantly communicating with you, whether you know it or not. When they are uncomfortable in the presence of another dog, they will generally communicate through body language signals such as

• Avoidance behaviors like looking or walking away
• Communicating calming signals like sniffing the grass as the other dog approaches
• Ears back
• Snarling
• Growling
• Barking while going back and forth
• Tail tucked in

It is crucial to observe and respond to these signs favorably and provide your dog with the space they need from the other dog. Disregarding these signs and forcing the dog to continue the interaction by holding the leash tight, dragging your dog towards the other dog, not walking away at the right time are classic ways to escalate things in no time and push them up the ladder of aggression.

2. No sharing of resources

Possessiveness and the willingness to guard their belongings is instinctive to most dogs. Food, toys, favorite humans are the resources that hold great value in a dog’s mind. It is highly likely for a dog to act differently towards other dogs when there is a resource involved in the scenario.

While training your dog to be social around other animals, make sure to keep all toys, treats, food and any other valuable item out of sight. Do not expect your dog or other dogs to learn to share as that can backfire and may eventually end up in a dog fight.

3. Make sure your dog is comfortable around other dogs

Observing your dog’s body language around other dogs will give you a fair idea if they are willing to interact and play with other dogs. This is the first step towards successful dog to dog socialization. Often times, what we want our dogs to be and who they actually are may not align. During such times, it is imperative to set our expectations aside and respect our dogs’ boundaries.

If your dog exhibits relaxed body language such as soft tail wags, relaxed ears, play bow, etc at the sight of another dog, you can safely say that they are comfortable in their presence. This is a good starting point to take things ahead in terms of play and interaction.

You can also encourage a positive response towards other dogs by teaching your dog to calm down and reward them every time they are successful.

4. Puppy training and socialization classes

Group training classes are a great starting point for training and healthy socialization because the interactions are supervised by a professional. Doggy daycares are also excellent way to make sure your dog is getting their regular dose of dog-to-dog play.

These places are considered to be better than dog parks and play dates at home because of the accountability that these facilities offer.

5. Observe your dog closely

When dogs are roughhousing, it can be tricky to tell if they are having fun or if things are getting worse. Tail wags, mounting, barking, chasing, mouthing, etc. are some common play behaviors that are easily misread.

Here are a couple of ways to ensure healthy socialization between dogs –

• Work on basic obedience cues such as recall, stay, leave it, eye contact etc. with your dog individually and while they are playing so that they can disengage at the drop of a hat.
• Generally speaking, when two dogs are playing with each other, one may be the initiator of play. Make sure to create distance between the dogs from time to time. When you suspect things are getting out of control, hold on to the initiator and create distance. Check the reaction of the other dog. If they choose to walk away, stop the play immediately. If the other dog approaches the initiator, you can let the play continue.

 

6. The difference between Socialization and desensitization

Socialization essentially means introducing your puppy for the first time to a new stimulus. Socialization aims at establishing a positive reaction towards new experiences and interactions. An example of this would be introducing a puppy to new people for the first time.

On the other hand, if your dog already has an existing emotional response of fear to a stimulus, attempting to change it in order to get the dog to be more comfortable is called desensitization. So, if your dog is aggressive towards other animals, they have a set perception about them. In this case, your dog needs to be desensitized and not socialized.

Make sure to thoroughly understand where your dog stands before attempting to socialize them.

7. Learning to disengage

Learning to disengage before things escalate and being able calm down are both important tactics for your dog to learn in order to stay out of fights and also not start one. Rough and non-stop play can quickly lead into overstimulation. This generally translates into reactivity and hyperactivity in dogs.

A good way to teach your dog to disengage would be to keep the leash on the entire duration of the play and work on a solid recall. You need not hold on to the leash while your dog is playing. It is just a safety and communication tool to bring your dog back to you if they don’t respond to your cues.

Frequent breaks during play will prevent escalations and keep the dogs’ energy levels in control.

Dog socialization entails a whole universe in itself. Dog to dog socialization is just a tiny fragment of it. When training your dog to be comfortable around other dogs, a neutral response, where your dog is able to ignore other dogs and mind their own business, is also a desirable behavior to look out for. This is a sign of a calm, confident canine.