Category: Latest Post

Posted on

Tips for a Hard-to-Housebreak Dog: Techniques to Eliminate Bathroom Accidents in Pets

mypuppystory.com

Housebreaking can be a challenging task, but using proper training techniques – like positive and negative feedback, crating, tethering and establishing a routine – can make the process quicker and more effective.

There are some dogs who just never really got the hang of proper bathroom habits, while others require the occasional refresher course.

“The key is proper communication. There are so many cases where the animal gets mixed messages, so she simply doesn’t understand which areas are off-limits and which areas are acceptable bathroom spots,” explained longtime dog trainer Edward Long.

Before beginning a housebreaking refresher course, a visit to the veterinarian’s office is recommended to rule out a medical cause for the behavior. An infection or illness can cause unusual bathroom habits, and no amount of training can change a behavior that’s rooted in a medical cause.

Dogs, like many other animals, are creatures of habit, so it’s common to see a dog having a bathroom accident in one or two inappropriate spots time and time again. With habits in mind, the following steps will help promote an acceptable bathroom routine:

  • Thoroughly clean the areas where accidents have occurred. Use an enzyme cleaner, like Nature’s Miracle, as this will break down the components of the urine or feces, effectively removing the scent. In addition to cleaning carpet stains, be sure to wipe down hard surfaces as well.
  • Communicate using scent and create a new bathroom spot. Use feces and urine-soaked paper towels to establish a new, more appropriate bathroom location. Dogs tend to follow their nose, and the scent of urine and feces will indicate to them that this is a bathroom location. Long explained, “If you bring a dog to a random spot in your yard, she’s not necessarily going to understand that you want her to pee there. But lead her to a spot that smells like a bathroom area, and this, combined with positive feedback, will effectively say, ‘Go here!’”
  • During the re-training process, limit access to the locations where accidents have occurred. This will help break the existing habit, and if an accident does occur, the trainer will be on-hand to issue an immediate correction.
  • If an accident does occur, the key is to provide negative feedback and an interruption. Using a noisemaker, like a soda can filled with coins, can serve to get the animal’s attention. A stern, loud “no” can also be effective, as is a squirt from a water bottle. In order for the dog to associate the negative feedback with the inappropriate action, the feedback must be given during or within three seconds of the inappropriate action. Negative feedback makes a behavior less likely to occur, while positive feedback makes a behavior more likely to occur.
  • Bring the dog to the appropriate bathroom spot immediately following the accident. Often, if a pet has been interrupted mid-stream, they will resume urination in the appropriate spot. Offer verbal praise during the appropriate bathroom incident and offer treats and affection immediately after the animal has completed his or her business.
  • Establish a feeding and bathroom schedule and keep a written log. If a dog eats at the same times every day, they will need a bathroom break at the same time every day as well. By adjusting a dog’s feeding schedule, owners can alter the animal’s bathroom habits to better fit their work or activity schedule. This will help limit bathroom accidents that occur because an animal simply cannot hold it any longer.
  • Anticipate your pet’s bathroom needs and bring them to an appropriate spot when they’re likely to need a bathroom break. Once the dog does his or her business, offer a positive feedback and a reward as reinforcement
  • Tethering your pet can be a good way to ensure supervision. Consistently rewarding each and every instance of good behavior and providing negative feedback on each and every instance of bad behavior will hasten the housebreaking process. Even the most well-intentioned pet owner may lose track of their dog for a few minutes, and this provides an opportunity for an accident. Keeping the dog on a short leash, which is then tethered to the owner’s belt loop, will ensure that you are on-hand to provide negative feedback each and every time an accident occurs.
  • Crate your pet when he or she is not supervised. When an appropriate sized crate is provided, the dog will not eliminate while inside unless there is an absolute dire need. This, combined with tethering pets when they’re out and about, will enable the owner to consistently give the appropriate feedback each time the animal eliminates.
Posted on

Easing the Fears of a Velcro Dog: Separation Anxiety Can Constrict the Life of the Pet and Its Owner

Animal behaviorists label dogs too attached to one of their humans as velcro dogs, echoing the Velcro Syndrome that afflicts some insecure people. Small dogs, especially those thought of as lap dogs, are the ones most often affected, but surprisingly, golden retrievers also have a reputation of falling into this category.

These dogs are constantly beside their favored human, under her feet, and if she sits down, in her lap. Often they sleep with their owners. Their quest for attention is unremitting. As an extension of this behavior, they suffer great anxiety when the owner has to leave them for any length of time. Since the period of absence is traumatic for the dog, the returning pet guardian may come home to damage and disorder.

Circumstances That May Heighten Separation Anxiety

Any major changes in the dog’s environment may trigger more separation anxiety than usual. This could include someone moving in or out of the household, a move to a different residence, or a schedule change for dog and owner. Also, insecurity may be more pronounced following a vacation, either because the dog has had to stay in a kennel or shelter away from the owner or because dog and owner have been together constantly, without the interference of time at work.

The Consequences of Leaving an Anxiety-Prone Pet

Stress increases as the dog perceives his owner is about to leave. The first 20-45 minutes after the owner departs are the hardest for the pet. Boredom or the chance to engage in some of his favorite forbidden behaviors while no one is around to reprimand him may contribute to his actions.

Chewing, scratching, tearing objects apart, constant barking, and housebreaking lapses are common ways to cope. In addition, he may greet the owner’s return with wild enthusiasm, jumping and barking, and demanding attention. Despite what he has done, the owner needs to remember that insecurity and fear has led to his deeds, not an attempt to punish her.

Working Toward a Solution

The first step to solving the problem requires using tough love. When the dog insists on attention, the owner must ignore him till he calms down. Interactions must be on the owner’s terms. If the dog gets upset when the owner leaves for even a few minutes, establish a safety cue, like leaving a television playing, to reassure him that it will only be a temporary absence. This safety cue should only be employed for a short stay. Other strategies work better for longer absences.

To ease workday departures, try increasing the dog’s exercise – get him tired. Hide treats around the house or in some of the new toys designed for that purpose – keep him busy. Leave an article of clothing that carries his human’s smell to comfort him. Strive for a lowkey leavetaking and never draw attention to what he is not supposed to do. If all of these strategies fail, doggie day care can be a consideration.

A Brighter Future

The situation may initially get worse when the dog realizes his demands are not going to be immediately met as in the past, but it will be worth it not to give in. Eventually, the dog’s confidence will build, and he will be less insecure and demanding. And that will make everyone in the household happier.

Posted on

Dog Health Symptoms: Is Your Dog Overheated?

mypuppystory.com

Heat stroke and heat exhaustion can happen for dogs as well as people. Just to be clear before discussing how to prevent heat stroke or heat exhaustion with a dog, let’s define heat stroke and heat exhaustion.

The Definition of Heat Stroke and Heat Exhaustion:

Heat stroke is defined by MedTerms.com as the body’s inability to regulate its temperature. This occurs when the body has prolonged exposure to high temperatures. It can also occur when strenuous exercise is prolonged for long periods of time without refuelling or rest. Heat exhaustion is a predecessor to heat stroke. Heat exhaustion is common in the summer time for elderly, people with high blood pressure, and construction workers that are not hydrating properly while working. Dogs are not immune to heat exhaustion or heat stroke and owners should be aware with high summertime temperatures. However dogs may not claim to have a headache. Owners need to know the signs of heat exhaustion in dogs to prevent heat stroke.

Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion in Dogs

The symptoms of heat exhaustion are the same in dogs as humans, but the characteristics of what to look for are a little different. Dogs sweat through their mouth, so owners need to be aware of when a dog is panting more than normal. Dehydration may be checked by looking at the color of the gums and checking the texture of the gums. Dry gums mean less hydration. Normal temperatures for dogs are around 103 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures above 105 degrees Fahrenheit is dangerous for a dog.

Prevention of Heat Exhaustion in Dogs

The key to preventing heat stroke in dogs is outlines by the following points:

  • Gradually increase exercise at higher temperatures as the seasons change from spring to summer
  • Carry water for the dog
  • Pay attention to when the dog is tired, or changes in temperament, as compared to when the dog is rested

Responding to Possible Heat Exhaustion

If a dog shows symptoms as discussed above, get the dog out of the heat immediately. Offer small amounts of room temperature water slowly. Dampen the dog’s fur and use ice under the pits if it’s available. When the dog is able to stand, move, have more energy, take it to the veterinarian’s office stated.

Depending on the breed, fluids may need to be given via a needle under the skin. The biggest way to prevent heat exhaustion and stroke is to never let the dog get to the point of dehydration. Also, keep in mind that swimming in water is still work, and that the dog needs to break to drink. Use common sense and keep man and his best friend healthy.

Posted on

Review–How to Teach a New Dog Old Tricks

How to Teach a New Dog Old Tricks by Dr. Ian Dunbar is another in a list of his excellent short paperbacks that are designed to help new puppy owners have fun, gain a deep rapport with their pups, and get an early start on training. He presents the Sirius puppy training system with light-hearted humor and invites the new puppy owner to extend that light-heartedness to the process of learning to live with a dog.

Taking a Closer Look

Dr. Dunbar starts the ball rolling in this book by interviewing his Malamute, Omaha. This anthropomorphic, but humorous, dialog brings out a very important fact concerning the relationship between humans and canines: Both species are trying to communicate and failing in all but the most blunt circumstances.

What Dr. Dunbar proposes is that the human side of the equation can start early with establishing a baseline for communication that can mature with the puppy into a deep understanding that will make life easier and more enjoyable for dog and owner. In order for either species to understand the other, time, patience and good humor is necessary to adequately express what the bottom line is going to be for each individual. When this is established, life becomes relatively stress free for both human and canine.

The Sirius lure-reward system appeals to the food-based drive found in just about every dog. At the puppy stage this drive is pretty self-evident and works quickly as an attention-getting device and a positive reinforcement for good behavior. It is also an excellent way for cross-over animal trainers to hone their skills in the positive reinforcement training methods of today.

Dr. Dunbar also points out that the Sirius reward-based system can be used in adult dog training, teaching other species of animals, and adolescent and adult humans. Positive reinforcement, of which the Sirius system is a component, has scientifically and practically been proven to be a most effective way of teaching and training.

Recommendation: YES

Dr. Dunbar’s How to Teach a New Dog Old Tricks, is a fun read. What’s more, it answers a lot of questions that come up during a dog’s life. In this book there is none of the “Have to,” or “Must,” language found in many training texts. It is just great, good fun to read and apply the lessons. This would be an excellent book to add to a collection.

Posted on

DNA Tests for Mixed Breed Dogs: Do Dog Owners Find Test Results Helpful?

With an estimated half of US dogs being mixed breeds, dog owners are becoming more interested in DNA testing to find out what breeds are in their mutt. While it’s fun for them to guess what kind of mixed breed dog they have, some go beyond curiosity and seek answers to behavior problems and health issues through breed identification.

Mars Veterinary’s Wisdom Panel MX is a DNA test to help dog owners determine what breeds make up their mongrel. The test consists of a blood sample drawn at the veterinarian’s office and is designed to detect 157 AKC breeds. According to veterinarian and geneticist Angela Hughes, an independent contractor who helped develop Wisdom Panel, the test has a 90% accuracy rate.

Happy Dog DNA is an online reseller of the BioPet Vet Lab DNA Breed Identification Test. The test sample can be obtained at home using a cheek swab and then mailed off for results. It detects 62 breeds. The Canine Heritage XL also uses a cheek swab and identifies 100 breeds.

Advantages of Canine DNA Tests

Some breeds have tendencies toward specific health conditions. When issues such as epilepsy or Cushings Disease become a bit tricky to diagnose, knowing what breeds make up the dog can be helpful to the veterinarian.

Each breed is characterized by its own behavioral traits. When training or trying to solve behavior problems, knowing what breed characteristics influence the dog can be beneficial in designing a training program.

Rescues may find it helpful to be able to give potential adopters an idea of how big their puppy may get and what kind of behavior they may expect. According to their website, the Mars company says they recognize the value to shelters and offer them discounts.

Disadvantages of Canine DNA Tests

While DNA testing can be helpful, it also has some drawbacks.

Contamination of the sample is a possibility which can cause inaccurate results. Dr. Hughes explains that blood samples yield more quality DNA and have less opportunity for contamination than cheek swabs.

Margin of error allows for a small amount of inaccurate results that, in some cases, due to breed specific rules, could force some dog owners to wrongly buy additional insurance or to wrongly get rid of the dog.

Percentage of breed present is a factor in identifying what breeds make up a dog. Dr. Hughes explains that, in the Wisdom Panel MX, at least 12.5% of a breed must be present to be identifiable. In one instance, an owner’s dog appeared to be part American Eskimo, but was obviously not purebred. In an effort to identify other breeds in the dog, a Wisdom Panel MX was used. Results came back stating that the dog’s ancestry contained a significant amount of American Eskimo with faint signals from other breeds which were not strong enough to identify.

Dog DNA testing is constantly evolving and improving. Wisdom Panel MX claims on its website to be the most accurate mixed breed dog DNA analysis presently available. Perhaps one day, DNA tests will be foolproof and even be able to determine if a dog has a specific mutation for a disease or how big a puppy will be when fully grown.

Posted on

Best Dog Breeds for Apartment Living: Choosing Dogs with Low Barking Tendencies and Exercise Needs

mypuppystory.com

Many dog owners can live happily and peaceably in an apartment or condominium if they choose the right dog and follow pet rules.

Many apartment or condo residents feel their home would not be suitable for a dog. They cite such reasons as not enough room or barks disturbing neighbors.

In the past, many apartment owners did not want to rent to families with pets. Their reasons included pet messes outside, pet damage inside, and neighbor disputes. But with some cities now implementing programs in an effort to reduce pet abandonment and pet death in shelters, some landlords are beginning to notice that responsible pet owners tend to be more stable renters.

The truth is that many dogs and their owners can live happily and peaceably in an apartment or condo. The key is choosing the right dog and following apartment pet polices.

Considerations When Choosing an Apartment Dog

Many dogs, including mixed breeds, make wonderful pets in an apartment. Consider these things when choosing any dog for apartment living.

  • Apartment restrictions
  • Space required
  • Exercise needs
  • Barking tendency
  • Separation anxiety tendency

Small Dogs That Make Good Apartment Pets

Choosing the right breed helps make apartment living with a dog more fun.

Bichon Frise – Usually not an excessive barker, a daily walk and lots of cuddling is all these lap dogs ask.

Chihuahua– This toy breed needs very little exercise or grooming. Quite protective and bonding closely with its owner, it may need training to control barking.

Poodle – This breed comes in three sizes. They love to cuddle and a daily walk is sufficient exercise. Poodles may require training to control barking.

Pug – This laid back breed makes a great apartment pet. Daily walks and cuddling time should keep this dog happy.

Italian Greyhound – Much like the bigger Greyhound, this dog loves a good run but also loves snoozing on the couch and does not bark excessively.

Cocker Spaniel – This popular breed needs a daily walk and quality time with its human but is usually content to curl up on the couch while the owner is away.

Whippet – An occasional good run will keep this dog happy. It loves to cuddle and is usually not a barker.

Schnauzer – This wonderful companion dog enjoys play time with the family. Frequent visits to the park will keep this dog happy. It is very protective and may require training to control barking.

Scottish Terrier – Intelligent and protective, this dog loves time with its family. It will also need a nice long walk each day.

Pomeranian – This toy breed loves human companionship. They are fairly active but a daily walk will fulfill its exercise needs. It sometimes need training to control barking.

Dachshund – This breed is fairly active and needs daily walks and an occasional romp in the park. Tending to bond closely with their human, they can be protective and may require training to control barking.

Large Dogs That Make Good Apartment Pets

English Bulldog – Fairly inactive, a daily walk will satisfy this breed’s exercise needs. They are usually calm but can also be protective.

Greyhound – In spite of their size, these dogs are the ultimate couch potato. They do enjoy a good run occasionally but are usually not excessive barkers.

Great Dane – This large breed can make a good apartment pet if it gets a couple of daily walks. The rest of the time it will be content to lounge on the couch.

Mastiff – Another calm breed that is not prone to excessive barking, it is inactive indoors and, with daily walks, makes a good apartment dog

Posted on

How to Stop a Dog From Visiting Your Cat’s Litter Box

If you find your dog raiding your cat’s litter box, rest assured, you are not alone. Many dogs find litter boxes appealing. Learn why and what you should do

It happened again: you came home and found Rover visiting your cat’s litter box again, and worse, even gulping down some of the cat’s stools this time, almost as if they were the tastiest treats on earth. Obviously, you are quite disgusted by the happening and want to do all things possible for preventing any future episodes of this type. Fortunately, there are several strategies to resort to, in order to prevent this distasteful happening from becoming a bad habit.

Why do Dogs Like Litter Boxes?

There is really only one reason explaining why dogs find litter boxes so appealing: they like the contents of it. As disgusting as it may sound, dogs appreciate the taste of cat feces and there is an explanation as to why they seem so addicted to it.

Cats are fed diets that are much higher in protein than dog food. Some protein is eventually excreted in the cat’s waste, and it is this extra seasoning in particular that makes a dog crave cat stools. So now that you know why Rover is so intrigued by the waste box, it is time to figure out a strategy to put a halt to this unwanted behavior, once and for all.

Risks Associated with Eating Cat Stools

Eating cat stools does not come without risks. Eating a cat’s feces may result in the ingestion of eggs from pesky parasites and protozoans. Not to mention the fact that some dogs also ingest cat litter of the clumping type, which may cause constipation or a gastrointestinal obstruction, explains veterinarian Jon Rappaport, in an article for PetPlace.com. Report to your veterinarian if your dog is vomiting, has a loss of appetite, appears lethargic, and is straining to defecate, all possible signs of an obstruction.

How to Stop a Dog From Visiting the Litter Box

There are several strategies to resort to in order to outsmart a dog who craves cat waste. One of the most effective is to simply invest in one of those covered litter boxes. These have an entrance sufficiently wide for the cat to get through but yet small enough to prevent medium to large dogs from having access to it.

Another option is to place the litter box in an area that is physically impossible for the dog to reach, but feasibly easy for the cat to reach. Think about erecting some barriers such as baby gates or other obstacles which the dog cannot get through, but that cats can surpass, courtesy of a feline’s phenomenal agility.

Using a chain on a doorframe or doorknob in a way to make the door stay slightly ajar, will allow sufficient space for your cat to get through. The use of latch that holds the door partially open may be an alternative.

Cleaning up the litter box frequently will also obviously prevent your dog from having a full course meal while making your feline companion extra happy.

Posted on

A Vest Cane and Other Tips for Helping Blind Dogs

How Blind Dogs Navigate

A blind dog will take in his world through touch, scent, taste, and sound. He will have many ways to know where he is and what is around him. Scents of foliage, people, food, smoke, air fresheners, and soaps along with textures of concrete, grass, gravel, wood, rugs, or tile under his feet, the feel of temperature, a breeze or humidity, and sounds of birds, wind chimes, cars, television, voices, and clinking dishes will all help him navigate his area. He will get very good at it and will appreciate routine and an unchanging environment.

Helping Blind Dogs Get Around

Baby gates at the top of stairs or in doorways leading to the swimming pool or any other potentially dangerous area and fireplace screens around heat sources can prevent a tragic accident.

Speaking often to your blind dog or wearing a bell around one pant leg can help him keep up with you as you move around. Placing differently toned bells on other pets will make it easier for him to know where they are too.

Porches and decks should have railing and all outside fences should be secure. Steps are sometimes a challenge and a ramp with a side rail can greatly improve life for a blind dog. A water bowl in several areas both inside and outside can help him find them easily. Outside, a wind chime by the door can help a blind dog find his way back.

Blind dogs may startle easily resulting in a growl or nip but a word, first, letting your dog know you are going to touch him or pick him up can prevent this.

Vest with Attached Cane Absorbs Bumps for Blind Dogs

Sharp corners or edges can be hazardous for a blind dog but tacking or taping some kind of padding over them will soften the bumps. Sharilyn Burghart came up with her own solution when her blind dog kept bumping into things. She designed and made a vest with an attached halo which she describes as a “white cane for blind dogs” or the Littlest Angel Vest. When worn, the vest with attached halo extending out in front, acts as a sort of “bumper” for the dog, preventing injury and boosting his confidence when moving about.

Sharilyn accepts a limited number of orders for these handmade vests and can be contacted through her Angel Vest website.

Playing Games with a Blind Dog

A blind dog will enjoy a game of hide and seek with scented toys or treat-filled toys. An empty kiddy pool is a great place for a blind dog to play with toys, such as a ball with a bell inside, and not lose them. Most dogs enjoy a long walk on leash with you but stopping more often to sniff scents along the way is even more important to a blind dog.

Amazingly, some blind dogs’ other senses are so well developed that they are able to play fetch. A search of YouTube reveals at least three blind dogs playing ball, Myron, a Boxer cross, Wiggles, a Heeler, and Stevie, a Border collie. And then there’s Rivers, Mike Dillingham’s blind husky, who even ran the Iditarod sled dog race twice.

A blind dog can be a happy, playful pet and may be even more attentive and affectionate than a sighted dog. A blind dog can be trained to do most of the same things that any other dog can do.

Posted on

Dealing With Behavioural Problems in Dogs: How to Take on the Pack Leader Role

It is important to relate well to a dog and establish the pack leader role, to eliminate unwanted behaviours. By adopting an authoritative and calm manner with the dog, it is possible to change the dynamics of the power balance and have a positive and rewarding relationship.

Altering the Pet/Owner Relationship

A dog that displays behaviours such as growling, biting and aggression is usually feeling insecure and thinks it needs to protect its owner. It is only by taking control of the relationship and establishing the owner as the ‘alpha’ in the household that these traits can be reduced.

Poor Behaviour in Young Dogs and Puppies

Most negative behavioural traits begin when the pup is very young. Things like jumping up, nipping and barking may seem cute in a young dog, but if the behaviour isn’t corrected early on it can lead to problems later. Pulling on the lead can make walking difficult, and a dog that has not learnt to stay on command or return to its owner can put itself in danger.

Poor behaviour can be highly ingrained in an untrained dog. The dog is acting just as it would in a pack, and assumes the principal pack leader role in the absence of an authoritative leader. It feels it has to be constantly alert and defend the pack from strangers.

This sense of obligation may make people nervous if the dog jumps up or barks. If the behaviour is left unchecked at the very least the dog could knock over children or scare people. At worst, they can become very aggressive and bite children, adults and other animals. Much of this can be prevented if the dog owner knows how to relate to their dog and teaches them appropriate behaviours.

Making Effective Changes

To stop inappropriate behaviours and to encourage appropriate ones, it really takes education and consistency on the owner’s part, adopting an authoritative pack leader roll. In the end how your dog behaves really depends on how well the owner is educated and how consistent he is.

Don’t allow inappropriate behaviours under any circumstances. All dogs are a little difficult to teach something new at first, especially if the pack leader status is not clear. However, with knowledge it can be possible to turn things around in a very short amount of time.

Socialising a Dog

Most dogs need to learn to be socialised. Dogs naturally want to bark, nip and jump, and need to spend time with people and other dogs from an early age to become accustomed to others. By introducing the dog to others in a controlled environment, it is possible to curb poor behaviour and get them accustomed to new people and fellow dogs.

Being a Pack Leader

The pack leader role involves taking a calm but authoritative stance with a dog, every time it exhibits problem behaviours. By staying quietly firm and not encouraging poor behaviour, the dog will gradually learn that the owner is in control, losing the need to be alpha of the pack. Stay consistent, rewarding great behaviour and admonishing poor, until the dog understand that its owner is in charge.

Posted on

Use a Crate for Effective, Humane Training: Controlling your dog safely and effectively

mypuppystory.com

Crates are one of the most effective training tools available today. While a crate may appear cruelly confining to some people, they are actually humane devices that control a puppy’s movements until it has achieved the mental maturity to live in the house without endangering itself or being destructive. If you are deciding whether to use a crate for your dog, here are some compelling arguments for it.

Crates: A Scheduling Tool

A crate is a tool that can be used and misused. You cannot expect a small puppy to “hold it” forever; thus you must take her out regularly. A good rule of thumb is the number of months in age plus one is the number of hours that the puppy can be in the crate without having to go pee. So, if your dog is 3 months old, she can be expected to stay in the crate for 4 hours, give or take.

Crates only work with a good schedule in place. In the beginning, your puppy should be able to depend on getting up at a certain hour, being taken out at the same times every day and fed at the same times every day. It should get regular walks and playtime. Thus, when in the crate and ignored once its walks/pee breaks are done, the puppy learns that certain times are for playing/eliminating/sleeping or resting.

Why do we schedule? Because it establishes regular expectations. Much like children, puppies thrive when they know exactly what to expect during the day. Also, having a puppy who settles down quickly after playtime or walks or pee breaks is essential to the owner’s mental stability.

Crates: Behavioural Control

A puppy coming into the household at 8-10 weeks, has no self control. She doesn’t know that electrical wires are dangerous, peeing on the carpet is bad or that chewing on your expensive running shoes is not recommended. She will learn all these things, but at this stage, she is incapable of understanding – even with a scolding.

What a crate does is provide her with a safe environment where she can chew on her toys, eat, drink and sleep. It prevents her from getting into trouble when you can’t be around to watch her. It prevents her from pooping in areas you weren’t aware she could get into – until the smell alerted you. It helps you train her quickly that outside is the place to pee and poop and inside is her home; not to be eliminated in.

Crates: “Unnatural” but Humane

Some people might view this as cramping their dog’s style – it’s “not natural”. Dogs in houses are “not natural”. Dogs being bred into the shapes and temperaments they have today are “not natural”. Dogs being expected to conform to human society is “not natural”.

However, this is the situation we have today and in order to quickly and easily introduce our dogs to our human world and make the introduction work, we need to control their behavior until we can teach them that it is in their best interests to control it themselves.

The humble crate is a tool that you can use to modify your dog’s behavior and control its actions until it is mature enough for house training to stick. Crates are a safe, portable alternative to constantly having to watch your puppy, cleaning up messes and replacing chewed-up items. Use a crate and your relationship with your dog will be richer and less stressful.