Doodle Horse Ranch Training: The Power of Consistency in Pup
Every moment with your puppy is a chance to reinforce training...
Training your puppy from the moment you bring them home is essential to fostering a happy, well-adjusted dog and a satisfied owner. While it's clear that you'll need certain physical items like a dog blanket (or towels), crate, food and water bowls, puppy food, collar, leash, and toys, it is equally important that all family members agree on a consistent routine, responsibilities, and basic rules for the puppy.
The first few days with your new puppy are crucial. During this time, emotions run high, and everyone is eager to feed, play with, and hold the puppy. Initially, the family agrees that the puppy will sleep in the crate, but once the puppy is home, someone’s resolve may soften, leading to the puppy being allowed to sleep in bed. Similarly, while the family may have agreed not to let the puppy jump up on people, the excitement of the moment often leads to these boundaries being overlooked.
As enthusiasm diminishes, frustration can start to creep in. No one wants to get up with the puppy or take on the responsibility of house training, and the constant whining—both from the puppy and your family—can become overwhelming. Puppy remorse may set in, but don't worry—stay strong! You've got this!
Remember, your new puppy has just been separated from their family and everything they know. They are vulnerable, impressionable, and likely a bit scared. Your puppy needs security and a consistent routine. Engage with them calmly and gently, but also be mindful that puppies require plenty of sleep. Establishing a routine is crucial for your new puppy, and it’s important not to spend every moment with them. If the puppy will need to be alone during the day or night, start getting them accustomed to it now.
If the puppy wakes up from a nap and whines, resist the urge to immediately comfort them. These affectionate and lovable puppies naturally want to be with their new family, but it’s important to avoid reinforcing undesirable behaviors. As difficult as it may be, try to ignore the puppy if they whine while in a crate or separate room. They’ll quickly learn that crying brings your attention, which can unintentionally reward bad behavior—a habit that’s hard to break.
Train for Success: When training your puppy, break the sessions into several short 5-8 minute intervals. Puppies learn quickly through repetition but are easily distracted. Instead of attempting a single long lesson each day, opt for multiple short sessions to see how quickly your puppy picks up commands. Consistency is key—use the same words for commands such as "Go Potty," "Down" (for not jumping), "Flat" (to lie down), and "Stay." This approach will help reinforce learning and ensure your puppy’s success.
Leash Walk Every Day: Make it a priority to take your puppy out for a daily leash walk. Walking your puppy on a leash is an excellent way to build a strong relationship and establish trust. It's important that you maintain control over the walk—determining the direction, pace, and stops—so your puppy learns to follow your lead. As you walk together more frequently, your puppy will naturally begin to look to you for guidance and security. Establishing good leash habits early on will also make life much easier as your puppy grows larger.
The Biggest Reason a Puppy or Dog Jumps Up on People: It's to say hello, of course! Puppies are social creatures, full of excitement and affection, eager to greet everyone they meet. Jumping, leaping, and bouncing are their ways of expressing joy and seeking attention. When a puppy is very young, we often sit on the floor, allowing them to nuzzle into our laps, lick, and cuddle close to our faces. This is fine when we're at their level.
However, when we’re standing or sitting in a chair and they jump up to greet us, trying to reach our faces, it’s important not to bend down and respond with hugs and kisses. Doing so reinforces and rewards the behavior, unintentionally training the puppy to jump up. As they grow bigger and more rambunctious, what was once cute can become obnoxious or even dangerous, especially if the puppy is jumping on children or the elderly. It’s essential to address this behavior early to prevent it from becoming an issue later on.
Why the Jumping Up Problem Continues: Inconsistency is the main reason this behavior persists. Sometimes we tolerate the jumping and ignore it; other times, we inadvertently reward it by greeting the puppy with enthusiasm. However, when we’re dressed up and the puppy’s paws are muddy, we react differently. Reprimanding the puppy for jumping rarely works—either the puppy misinterprets the reprimand as praise, or it becomes even more excited, causing the jumping to intensify. In some cases, a severe reprimand might stop the behavior momentarily, but it won’t address the root of the problem.
This situation is the same to someone approaching you with a big smile and open arms for a hug, only to be met with an unexpected rebuff. Even if your puppy learns not to jump on you, they might still jump on others if they get away with it. A more effective approach is to turn your back on the jumping puppy and ignore them until they stop. This teaches the puppy that jumping doesn’t get the attention they seek, helping to correct the behavior over time.
Crate Training: Crate training is one of the most efficient and effective methods for training a puppy. The cornerstone of successful puppy training is consistently rewarding and praising your puppy each time they do something right. For example, praise your puppy when they chew on their own toys instead of the couch, or when they potty outside instead of inside. The more time you spend with your puppy, the quicker and easier the training process will be—Labradoodles are highly intelligent and eager to please!
The key to successful house training lies in establishing a routine that encourages your puppy to "go potty" in the correct place, allowing you to praise and reward them. Consistently using the same door for outdoor trips helps the puppy learn to associate that door with going outside when they need to relieve themselves.
It's crucial to make proper provisions for your puppy when you're not home. Until your puppy is fully housetrained, they should not be allowed to roam freely around the house. Without supervision, the puppy may develop the habit of leaving messes anywhere and everywhere. To prevent this, confine the puppy to a crate (the preferred method) or a small, easily cleaned area such as a kitchen, bathroom, or utility room.
What is Crate Training? Crate training is a highly efficient and effective method for house training a puppy. Puppies naturally avoid soiling their sleeping or resting areas if they have sufficient opportunities to relieve themselves elsewhere. By temporarily confining your puppy to a small space, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of them urinating or defecating inside. However, the true value of crate training lies in timing. When your puppy refrains from eliminating while confined, they will need to do so once released. This allows you to be present when they eliminate, providing the perfect opportunity to reward and praise them for doing so in the appropriate place.
How to Potty Train a Puppy the Easy Way: You might be feeling a bit frustrated because house training isn't progressing as quickly as you'd hoped. Your puppy may not seem to grasp the concept yet, or perhaps you're looking to get a head start and begin potty training on the right foot.
Every puppy presents unique challenges, but there are common instincts that can make the house-training process smoother. This guide outlines a training program with techniques designed to house train your puppy as quickly as possible while building a trusting and loving relationship between you and your pup.
It's normal for a young puppy to feel like a little 'input-output' machine. At this stage, they’re growing rapidly, which means they eat more, burn more energy, and seem to need to eliminate constantly. Puppies haven’t yet developed full bowel and bladder control, so they can’t 'hold it' as long as adult dogs.
It takes time for puppies to develop a "den" instinct, which encourages them to 'hold it' and avoid soiling their den—in this case, your entire house. In their litter, puppies would eliminate whenever and wherever they happened to be. Successful house training depends on your diligent supervision so you can guide your pup on where to “go potty!”
Night Time Help: For young puppies, it’s a good idea to feed their last meal a few hours before bedtime. This allows them to eliminate before bed, reducing the likelihood of nighttime accidents. Additionally, removing the water bowl about an hour before bed can help minimize the need for late-night bathroom breaks. The sooner your puppy can sleep through the night, the better for everyone involved.
Keep in mind that a puppy is not fully housetrained until they are around six months old. Even with significant progress, there will still be occasional "mistakes"—sometimes for reasons that aren't immediately clear, and sometimes simply because your puppy is too busy playing to remember. If your puppy starts to squat indoors, quickly pick them up, take them outside, and firmly but calmly say "No" and "Potty outside!"
Don’t stress over the occasional mishap; instead, stay focused on the progress you're making. Confidence in your house training techniques will ultimately lead to success.
Rules for House Training:
- Provide Frequent Access: Ensure your puppy has frequent access to their designated toilet area to prevent indoor accidents. Always take the puppy out through the same door and use consistent commands like “go potty!” For longer distances, consider carrying the puppy from the crate to the outdoor area.
- Reward Success: Praise your puppy enthusiastically when they eliminate in the right spot. Use positive reinforcement like excessive praise and light clapping to encourage good behavior.
- Avoid Harsh Punishment: Never harshly punish your puppy for housetraining mistakes. Excessive scolding can lead to fear and anxiety, hindering the training process.
- Establish a Feeding Routine: Put your puppy on a consistent feeding schedule. Regular mealtimes help regulate their bathroom habits, making training easier.
- Manage Evening Meals: Feed your puppy several hours before bedtime and withhold water about an hour before bed to reduce the chances of nighttime accidents.
- Track Elimination: Keep track of when your puppy last eliminated. Writing it down can help you anticipate when they’ll need to go again, preventing accidents.
Separation or Confinement Whining, Crying, and Howling: Puppies often whine, cry, and howl when they are separated from their owners, particularly during the first few times they are left alone. This behavior stems from a natural fear of being abandoned by their pack, prompting them to sound the alarm for rescue. Such behavior is especially common when a puppy is confined to a small space or crate. While these sounds can be alarming, they are perfectly normal. So, how should you respond?
It's important to proactively train your puppy to accept isolation and privacy. Acclimating your puppy to being left alone, even when you’re at home, is key to preventing separation anxiety and the associated problems.
Begin by placing your puppy in a confined area (such as a crate or exercise pen) for short periods. If the puppy starts whining or crying when you leave, resist the urge to rush back and let them out or offer reassurance. Doing so teaches the puppy that whining can control your actions. However, if the whining, crying, and barking persist, it may indicate that the puppy is not yet comfortable in the confined space. Spend more time acclimating the puppy to this area.
When you leave, if the puppy continues to whine or howl, respond with a firm 'NO!' Once the puppy is quiet for a few moments, return and lavishly praise them. Practice leaving and returning multiple times, so the puppy becomes accustomed to your departures and realizes you will always return. Gradually increase the length of time you leave the puppy alone, helping them understand that there is no cause for concern.
In many cases, placing a treat or toy in the crate or pen before closing the door can make the space more inviting. Over time, your puppy will begin to view the crate as their 'bedroom,' a safe and comfortable place to be.
Separation Anxiety is Common in a New Puppy or Dog: Separation anxiety in a puppy is often mistakenly labeled as "misbehavior" by owners. Many puppies experience separation anxiety when left alone, leading to behaviors such as whining, barking, crying, howling, chewing, digging, scratching at doors, soiling the house, or causing damage to your home and yard. Unfortunately, we sometimes unintentionally reinforce these behaviors by responding to them—rushing back to comfort the puppy, giving attention, or offering treats. This teaches the puppy that they can control you through emotional outbursts.
Long, drawn-out farewells can exacerbate separation anxiety by first exciting your puppy and then making your absence more noticeable. Just as your puppy gets excited and ready to play, you suddenly disappear. Left with this pent-up energy, your puppy may either attempt to get you to return or find another outlet for their frustration. Since your puppy can't engage in human activities like building models or hosting a playdate, they resort to typical dog behaviors—chewing, digging, and barking.
To minimize separation anxiety, it's important to maintain calm, brief goodbyes, and gradually accustom your puppy to being alone. This will help them adjust to your departures and prevent anxiety-driven behaviors.
Socialize Your Puppy! It is CRUCIAL to Socialize Your Puppy.
Socialization is vital to your puppy's development. Take your puppy to as many places as possible and expose them to a variety of experiences—other dogs, car rides, different sounds, animals, and people. Early exposure to diverse environments and situations is essential in shaping a well-adjusted dog. Remember, a dog’s personality is largely established before they reach one year of age, so the socialization you provide now will have a lasting impact on their behavior and temperament.
Take Your Puppy to School! One of the best things you can do for both yourself and your puppy is to enroll in a quality puppy class. These classes are invaluable, primarily for the socialization they provide. A good puppy class will offer your puppy the opportunity to interact with other puppies and people, helping them develop important social skills. Additionally, attending these classes allows you to connect with other puppy owners who are experiencing the same joys and challenges of raising a new puppy, making the process both fun and rewarding.
Play with Your Puppy! Make time to play with your puppy every day to keep them happy and well-adjusted. While training is essential, incorporating play into your daily routine is equally important for your puppy's development. The ideal approach is to blend training with play, creating a fun and engaging experience that reinforces learning while keeping your puppy excited and attentive. This combination not only strengthens your bond but also makes training more enjoyable for both you and your puppy.
The Best Puppy Tip EVER!
Exercise, exercise, exercise! If your puppy is digging, jumping up on you or guests, or chewing on inappropriate objects, the answer is often simple—exercise! In most cases, when a dog or puppy misbehaves, it's because they either don’t know the correct behavior or they need more physical activity. If you're dedicating time to train your puppy, it's equally important to provide them with ample exercise to set them up for success.
So, get out there and engage with your puppy! Take them for long walks, play ball, Frisbee, fetch, or even go swimming—whatever it takes to give your puppy the right type and amount of exercise they need. This will help them remain calm and relaxed in the evenings when you’re ready to unwind.
Additionally, please avoid using Trifexis, Comfortis, or any "ALL-IN-ONE" wormer/flea treatment medications. The potential negative effects of these treatments are not worth the risk. Instead, consider using Heartgard as a wormer, paired with either Nexgard or Frontline (topical) for flea and tick prevention.
Avoid rawhide products, as they can pose choking hazards or create a messy situation if they get stuck in your dog's hair. Finally, opt for dog food and treats made in America to ensure quality and safety for your beloved pet.
If You Have Questions, ASK! Your new puppy deserves the best possible home, and I'm here to help you every step of the way. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to call or email me anytime. And don't forget—I love receiving pictures of your growing pup!
Additionally, there's a WhatsApp group where many of your puppy’s relatives are members. The shared photos, comments, and advice from others in the group can be an invaluable resource. If you’d like to be added to the group, just let me know.
Doodle Horse Ranch
(689) 500-1675
