Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, September 10, 1995 TAG: 9509110008
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-13 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: JILL BOWEN
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
A: The first thing to do is to establish a routine for the puppy. Like all young creatures, the puppy needs regular periods of exercise and rest.
Every time the puppy wakes up from a sleep, take him outside to eliminate, always in the same area of the yard, so he comes to associate that particular area with this particular function. Be patient and allow sufficient time for the puppy to do what you want him to do. After he has obliged, praise the puppy lavishly, so that he knows that not only has he done what was expected, but he also has pleased you, which is one of his aims in life.
The same routine should be followed after each and every meal, and at regular intervals during the day. If the puppy has to be left alone for any lengthy periods, a very useful aid to training is to confine the puppy in a cage. Suitable cages can be bought at a pet store. Be sure to buy one large enough for the puppy to stretch out full length, stand up and turn round easily when grown.
The puppy will very quickly identify the cage as being "his" and go to great lengths to avoid soiling it, which is a great help in the training procedure. Many dogs treat their cage like a "security blanket" and are perfectly happy to be caged while the owners are at work all day or when kenneled at night. As well as being very useful in housebreaking a puppy, it also prevents any of the destructive behavior that may occur when dogs are left on their own for lengthy time periods with the run of the home. Initially, when teaching your puppy to "kennel up," always reward him with a small treat so that he associates this command with something nice.
If you have a question for Jill Bowen, please write to her in care of The New River Current, P.O. Box 540, Christiansburg, Va. 24073 or send e-mail to Currentbev.net.
by CNB