Is my way of potty training a dog effective?

Here’s how I am teaching my pup to go potty:

1. Due to a number of reasons, I am trying to teach my pup how to go to the bathroom on a puppy pad, instead of taking him outside. Don’t get me wrong, I would love to take him outside, but he doesn’t have all of his round of shots completed yet; plus, I would like for him to learn where to go to the bathroom inside the house so if he ever needs to go when I’m not home, he can do so. This of course is in regard to when he becomes older and no longer requires a crate when I leave.

2. Crate training the pup. I believe this is helping due to him not eliminating in his crate as much as he use to. I get up in the middle of the night to make sure he doesn’t have to go. I also put the crate next to me on my night stand so if he starts to whimper to go potty, I can hear him and wake up. This is working quite effectively fore I no longer have to set an alarm, and he now gets plenty of rest.

3. I keep his puppy pad in one specific place throughout the house–so he doesn’t get confused of course.

4. I reward the pup with a treat every time he goes on his puppy pad. I can tell he’s starting to get the idea of receiving a treat after he goes potty, but the problem is this: I usually have to take him to the puppy pad whenever I can tell he has to go–he never goes there on his own. He would freely poop and pee wherever he liked if I didn’t stop and take him.

5. If he some how manages to go on the carpet before I can snatch him in time, I reprimand him by yelling “no,” and then swatting him on the nose–not hard of course to where I could hurt him, but hard enough to where he knows I’m not playing around with him. I then immediately bring him to his puppy pad to show him where he’s suppose to go. Then, after a few minutes, I put him in timeout for 15 to 20 minutes. I obtained a small dog cage from a friend and use this as timeout. He’ll cry and howl like crazy when he’s in there–begging to get out. I would think that this method would teach him that he’s in trouble for his actions, but then again, I’m not to sure since I’m a first time puppy owner.

All-in-all, I have now had my pup for two weeks, and he is currently eight weeks of age. I am not really noticing any signs of improvement in regard to him going to his puppy pad on his own when he needs to go. Am I doing something wrong, or do these things take more time than I imagined?

Thank you for your feedback in advance.

What are some fast and effective was of housebreaking a dog?

I have two Minuature Pinchers both adults (I assume theyre adults because one is pregnant by teh other and I dont think puppiea can get pregnant nor impregnate eachother lol). I was wondering how long would it take to get them from doing their busibness in teh house? my current thing is keeping them in crates only letting them out three times a day (during breakfast lunch and dinner to be exact) to go on walks and use teh bathroom. But now Im thinking ok that only teaches them not to do it in the crate that isnt gonna stop them from doing it in the house if theyre let out to run around it. So what are some working methods and how long do they take?

Also how long does it take a dog to get used to others? the female (whos pregnant) warme dup to us in about days and she jumps all over us and is playful however with people she doesnt know she growls, bark and chases strangers (is that her normal behavior or is she just that way because shes pregnant and feels she needs to protect her babiies?) ewhich I dont mind her being that way with stranger at all, in fact I prdefer it lol. However the male, hes scared of everyone he just stays in the corner of the crate, hardly eats, wont eat out of our hands (he’ll only eat the fodo if we put it down in fornt of him AND leave the room) he avoids eye contact, and runs away from us (we think he was abused or something) even when we open his cage he wont come out we hav eyto liteally take him out and even then he put his legs on each side of teh crate to try to hold himself in and prevent us from taking him out. though he doesnt bark, growl or bite and when we do get him out instead of running aroudn teh house and exploring like the female does he’ll just run into the nearest corner and stay there (or hide under somethingt like a bed or pool table). Youd think him seeing the mother of his children play with us and what not would indicate to him that we were safe for him to be aound, but apparently dogs dont think like humans lol. Will he ever warm up to us? if so how long would it take? Also will he still be the same way he is now around peopel he doesnt know (i.e being afraid of practically all humans) or will he actully warm up enough to be feisty and protective and bark/growl at strangers like his female counterpart does?

Poochie-Bells, SOLID RED COLOR, The Original Designer Dog Potty Training Doorbell, Stop unwanted accidents from your Pooch- Effective, safe and decorative potty training tool! A proven training method with over a 95% success rate and endorsed by trainers and breeders. Easy to implement with step by step directions included. Designed for all breeds and ages of dogs. This design, “Red” is from the Classic line of Poochie-Bells and features a bright red solid ribbon.

• Stop those unwanted accidents by your Poochie – Easily bell train your dog with easy to follow instructions included
• Professionally endorsed by trainers and breeders
• Any size and age dog can use effectively
• Portable, no messy installation or batteries. Proudly made in the USA
• Made of single, grosgrain ribbon with durable bells manufactured with the safety of the Pup in mind.

Product Description
No more accidents by the door with Poochie-Bells, dog doorbell training tool. The original designer dog doorbell. Quickly and easily train the family pooch to ring when it’s potty time. The use of bells in training dogs has been a proven and successful me… More >>

Poochie-Bells, SOLID RED COLOR, The Original Designer Dog Potty Training Doorbell, Stop unwanted accidents from your Pooch- Effective, safe and decorative potty training tool! A proven training method with over a 95% success rate and endorsed by trainers and breeders. Easy to implement with step by step directions included. Designed for all breeds and ages of dogs. This design, “Red” is from the Classic line of Poochie-Bells and features a bright red solid ribbon.

Dog Training Collar with Shock and Vibration Corrections for Effective Training of 2 Dogs-Featuring Built-in Extended Rechargeable Battery Life and Shock and Vibration for Individual Dog

• One remote control can operate the trainings of two dogs up to 300 meters away.
• Enhanced Rechargeable battery for a prolonged training
• New remote design to deliver shock and vibration to individual dog
• Water-resistant collar W/ auto on-off switch for battery saving
• Shock receivers can be recharged via AC power adapter or USB cable connected to a computer.

Product Description
This listing is for the collar that was newly designed to deliver SHOCK and VIBRATION to each dog. The vibration correction has two different modes to meet different needs in training. This collar is loaded with battery juice for a prolonged training. One single full charge will last a few weeks. Can be used to train two small to big dogs at the same time under any weather conditions(do not submerse or soak it in water). It is easy to use, great for training your dog(s).FEATURES: One remote control can operate the trainings of two dogs up to 300 meters away. Two levels of Shock and two modes of Vibration for you to select. The soft conductive rubber electrode will discharge impulses through the pet’s hairs w… More >>

Dog Training Collar with Shock and Vibration Corrections for Effective Training of 2 Dogs-Featuring Built-in Extended Rechargeable Battery Life and Shock and Vibration for Individual Dog

Appropriate and Effective Dog Training For Families and Their Pets

Welcome to the DogSmith and an overview of our training philosophies and methodologies. If you are embarking on a dog training career or if you just want to further educate yourself and your dog then you are about to commence a fascinating journey into the world of interspecies communication. What exactly does that mean?  Well, to train dogs we first need to understand how to communicate with them.  As we all know, we speak human and they speak dog.  We are primates and they are canines. Of course the other side of the communication coin is that we need to understand how they communicate with us using their bodies and vocal tones. In addition, we need to understand what they are physically capable of doing and of course we need to understand what motivates them.  To motivate a dog to do something it is physically capable of doing we need to accept that dogs are a predator and an opportunist and every behavior they display is designed to support their survival.  There are millions of dogs in the world.  Biologists consider the canine species, because of their numbers, to be hugely successful. There are more dogs than wolves and there are more dogs than almost any other animal so domestication has been a critical component of their success.  Yet domestication means dogs rely on us for much of their needs.  We humans are in a position of control and power in relation to our dogs and we are necessary for their ongoing wellbeing and survival.

Some methods are inhumane, cruel and abusive while others are just plain ineffective. At The DogSmith we work toward a world where people and their pets live together to the mutual benefit of each and where, by our efforts, we can significantly reduce the number of unwanted pets and provide abused, neglected, and abandoned pets an opportunity to find their “forever home”.  Our mission exists to enhance the lives of pets and their owners by improving their relationship and the quality of the life they share through:

1)      Providing professional support and training to pet dog owners,

2)      Supporting and assisting animal shelters and rescue organizations to minimize the number of unwanted animals, and

3)       Offering affordable and professional care to family pets so that pet ownership is never a burden.

Our vision and mission is guided by some very stringent values. First, we seek to do no harm.  Secondly, we emphasize a ‘holistic’ approach to pet care by attending to the physical, emotional, and environmental well being of all pets and, thirdly, each DogSmith  will support, through its  deeds, efforts and sponsorship, animal shelters and rescue organizations to promote and implement the “no kill” animal philosophy.

How did the DogSmith training methodology and training philosophy evolve? Having spent considerable time researching and studying psychology while working with pet dogs and their owners, we recognized that dogs learn in two ways. The first way dogs learn is from their environment (acquisition learning).  This type of learning is going on all the time.   In the ‘pet dog world’ examples of this include learning that takes place in and around the home on a daily basis whether under supervision or not, at the dog park, at their day care or when they are out and about with their owners.  Dogs do what works for them and what brings them rewards in their daily life. It is not hard to imagine how dogs pick up and develop unwanted behaviors when owners unknowingly and repeatedly reinforce the wrong behaviors exhibited by their dog.  The other way dogs learn is in a formalized learning environment such as a dog training class or during periods when you specifically work with your dog to train them on a particular skill or task. This learning is more structured and formal. This is learning derived from education rather than from the accumulation of experience. With formalized learning the pet dogs are  involved and active in the learning process.

Because we at The DogSmith recognize that dogs learn in two ways, we found it necessary to develop our MTR approach to Dog Training. This is a tool that guides us in our approach to helping pet dog owners with their four legged family members. MTR© refers to the three critical and key components of learning: Management of the dog and their environment, Training with the dog and the dog’s owner and the Relationship that a owner and their pet dog share.  It would be pointless to invest in dog obedience classes with a pet dog if the dog is then left unsupervised to pick up bad habits from its environment.  Alternatively, it is not possible to train and manage a dog’s environment correctly if the relationship between dog and owner is lacking trust and mutual respect.

The DogSmith approach to the actual training and the philosophy that drives our methodology is the DogSmith ARRF© methodology. The ARRF© methodology of dog training and behavior modification was developed by The DogSmith  Training Center and provides the most effective training system possible for the pet dog and its owner.  By understanding and using the most current scientific learning principles applied to pet dog training, The DogSmith ensures that learning will be humane, effective, reliable, fun and easy.  DogSmith Trainers are skilled at developing objective learning criteria, applying positive reinforcement and establishing training guidelines to ensure desired behaviors are frequently practiced in a variety of contexts. Most importantly, DogSmith Trainers fully engage pet dogs and their owners in the learning process by creating a fun and highly motivating environment ensuring active participation is sustained by both students (dog and human). ARRF© stands for

A= Active Involvement. Active involvement in the learning process is critical. When the student is actively participating, rather than passively observing, greater learning takes place.  This applies to both the dog and its owner.

R= Repetition. Newly acquired skills need to be repeated frequently in a variety of contexts to ensure they are robust. This means the skills you and your dog learn will be effective everywhere. Frequent repetition in various scenarios ensures the skill is truly ‘owned’ so the student can not only generalize its behaviors in new situations but can also discriminate when appropriate.

R= Reward. Positive reinforcements, in the form of rewards for accomplishing skills successfully, are far more effective to ensure learning takes place. Rewards such as food and toys are then quickly replaced by life rewards, such as attention and petting, when behaviors are under cue control.

F= Finite Objectives. Clearly defined and attainable objectives make it clear to student and instructor what is to be learned and taught. With clear objectives the student and instructor can easily recognize when a particular skill has been mastered and during the process we ‘train – test –train’ to ensure our objectives are met.

The DogSmith does not condone or use harsh corrective training methods that seek to only punish unwanted behaviors rather than reinforce suitable and searched for behaviors. When we address behavioral problems we use functional assessments to identify the drivers of the unwanted behavior and then work with sound scientific principles to modify inappropriate responses.  We do not use flooding techniques that further suppress behavioral problems or accelerate learned helplessness. These methods are in direct conflict with our vision, mission and values. We believe that “violence begins where knowledge ends” and we recognize that coercion has major consequences that our not conducive to the relationship we believe people want with their pet dogs.

At the other end of the training continuum,  The DogSmith also recognizes that training  methods that use food and only food with no plan to remove the food lure early on in the training process can be as ineffective, though not as damaging or as harsh, as compulsion training methods.  The DogSmith methodology addresses this by replacing food lures and reinforcement with play, petting and motivational dog toys early in the training process. The DogSmith Dog Training and Pet Care franchise is a socially responsible organization.

The Effective Most Way To Get Rid Of Dog’s Allergy

Before delving further in to the topic, let us first understand what dog allergy exactly is. Precisely it is an allergic reaction which takes place due to the disclosure of nontoxic elements. Your dog can suffer from several types of dog allergies. You can clearly see the bad outcomes of these allergies on the skin of the dog. Dog allergy has several other symptoms apart from these. Further in this article we are going to talk particularly about dog allergy.

This skin affliction is very common amongst the dogs regardless of the country and origination that they belong. In this snippet we are going to discuss about the dog allergy in detail and that counter measures for it. First of all, let us discuss about some of the natural tips of treating your dog’s allergy.

1. Make sure that your dog bathes at least once a week.

2. It is very much essential that you make your dog clean with a soft towel after giving him a bath.

3. Don’t allow your dog to roam around in dirty areas or backyards.

4. Always take the help of a vet and wait for his prescription after asking him for a helping hand related to dog’s allergy.

5. Make regular visits to the vet’s clinic.

Well, above are the main tips that can help you in having a problem free pet with these natural tips for treating your dog. After considering these tips we will go to talk about the products that can help you in doing so.

Pet allergy shampoo :
Well, it is an excellent product for reducing the dust mites from the body of your dog. This helps your pet to stay away from the fleas and ticks. It is really costly. But believe me it is really worthy investing.

Allergy relief product :
Nothing can be as suitable as this is in the complete dog care section. It provides ample minerals and iodine to your pet.

Cleansing wipes for your beloved dog :
We all know that cleaning your dog regularly is of utmost importance. Therefore use the best suitable products to make your dog bath. Cleansing wipes can be used while making your pet bath. You can use this surprising product to lightening up or to make the dog’s skin alive.

Finally it is all about the dog allergy and the possible cures. Be a smart pet owner and read this article at least one. It could certainly provide you some help.