Housebreaking and Pee Pads

Pee pads are used a lot by breeders and provide a method of quick cleanup for puppy messes. They are extremely useful in the right circumstances. Many choose to use them when a puppy first comes home.

If, however, you want to get away from the pads and want the dog to soil outside, don’t use them as a means of convenience. You will be teaching your dog that soiling in the house is acceptable.  Typically, a dog does not like to eliminate where they sleep and eat.   If you are unknowingly encouraging that, housebreaking will be very challenging.

More than one dog trained using pads, continues to mistake a throw rug for a pad if it needs to go out and can’t immediately get there.

In the cases I’m referring to, the dog is housebroken and has developed his ability to hold it. They have to go and don’t see an obvious way to get outside. “Oh look, there’s a throw rug that looks vaguely like a pee pad, so I’ll just go right there.”

Due to restrictions, travel, or limited access to a safe place for the dog, some people choose to use pee pads exclusively. Housebreaking (potty training) would follow the same guidelines  as if you are taking the dog outside; but rather than taking the dog outside, you will take the dog to the pad. Supervision is still required and praise for using the pad.  If at all possible, place the pad in a separate area from their bed so they have to “go to the bathroom” in the desired area with the pad.

For a complete guide to Housebreaking, order my ebook with step-by-step instruction which comes with a second book on crate training.

Dog for President Obama and Family

Dear President Obama,

Hi, our names are Zoe and Mac. We are both Labradoodles. As you can see, we have different looks. We are willing to leave our home so we can live with you and your family in the White House. This letter is difficult to type. We don’t know why racoons were given opposing thumbs and we weren’t. Maybe this is something you can answer while you are President.

Other than the fact that we are both “mixes” (something we thought you could relate to) we are also sweet, smart, and kind – which makes us a perfect addition to your family.

We would hate to leave our current home, but we have to tell you, as nice as it is, it’s not the White House! We both look good on camera and that is important given your work. We come completely housebroken, very healthy, and love children.  We are great at keeping secrets and can be guard dogs when needed; although, we admit that isn’t our favorite thing to do.  Please let us know if you are interested in meeting us.

We anxiously await your response. Congratulations! With all our love and licks. . .

Zoe and Mac

(If you would be so kind – please don’t tell our current family we wrote to you.   Our internet privileges are sure to end if they find out.)

Great Dane Drinks Too Much!

The video says it all. . .

Violet Needs Rehab

Violet Passes Out

Get Your Dog to Listen to You

Whisper in my ear, and I’ll follow you anywhere.  Well, that’s how the saying goes.  I bring this up because most of us are used to raising our voices to get a point across.  This can be especially true when we communicate with our dogs after they have done something we are less than pleased with.  Never underestimate the power of a whisper.

The following technique doesn’t work on every dog; because like people, some seem a tad too  – well, let’s just say they aren’t the sharpest knives in the drawer.   If I’m feeling a bit anxious over other things that come up during the day and at the exact time, one of my beloved dogs is not paying attention, I stop, bend down, and whisper nicely in their ear.  Perhaps it is the shift in my tone and posturing that really gets their attention; regardless, it calms both of us.

Let this be a reminder that it’s not our volume that truly gets our dog’s attention and respect.  They pick up on our energy, tone, and posturing even more.  Next time, you are feeling on edge and your dog is contributing to your negative state, stop and whisper in their ear.  It will help to calm you, and they just may follow you anywhere.

An Insecure Great Dane Gains Confidence

Most of us have an understanding of what it means to be comfortable in our own skin.  It means we are confident with ourselves.  We may not be thrilled with who we are in every aspect but we don’t resist being who we are.  I am finding that being comfortable in our own skin also applies to dogs.

I love working with insecure/timid dogs.  I know that within each of them is a solid Being.  They may never be completely comfortable in their own fur, around other people, or other dogs; but, there’s nothing like the reward of having a dog with an abusive past, demonstrate a level of comfort in Being themselves.

A low self esteem in a human leads to poor choices and co-dependency with those who give them attention.  It’s not so different with dogs.  Low self esteem in my Great Dane shows up as timidness, insecurity, and neediness.

I hear others say of large dogs, “they don’t know their size – they think they are little dogs.”  I disagree.  I think she knows very well how huge she is but doesn’t know what to do with herself.  Try though she might to get into my lap, her head is the only body part that fits.  I think she dreams of being little and then awakens to her giant body filled with big uncertainties.

We’re working together on her insecurities and she is becoming more independent and secure. She is learning to be more comfortable in her own skin, uh – fur.

Why Bugs Stink

This may not be a question you’ve contemplated – lately; however, I want to explain what I now know.

Bugs stink and they also taste bitter so they will not be eaten by dogs!  Who knew!  Now you do.  I was observing as my dog (who will down a bird or lizard in record time), was paying close attention to something on the floor.  The object of her attention was so small I almost didn’t see it.

She would bend down, sniff, attempt to lick, and then re-coil and wince as if the scent and taste of the bug was horribly bitter.  It wasn’t biting her, it didn’t stand a chance at that, but it was definitely designed to be uneatable to a dog.  This particular insect didn’t know enough to be still.  It’s motion was far too intriguing.

I could have intervened with a “leave it.” but this had become a science project and study worthy of animal planet.

I can’t answer why it is necessary for an insect’s taste or scent to be so repulsive to a dog since they aren’t a natural predator.  It would have lived a much longer life if a human hadn’t intervened.

I didn’t run a taste test, but my guess is this bug would have tasted quite nice to the cat!

Why Dogs Are Easter to Train Than Men

As I train their dogs, I am constantly asked by the women if I train husbands or boyfriends. They laugh as they say it, but I see the look in their eyes. The glance that holds a longing for some understanding of how to get the male in their life to respond as they would like. The look that says I’ll pay anything!

Read the rest of the article here – “Are Dogs Easier to Train Than Men?“

Fighting Pit Bulls are Victorious!

A recent post received validation –

Here’s an update on a couple of the fighting dogs removed from Michael Vick’s property . . they are now affectionately referred to as the “Vick”tory dogs!

Thanks Best Friends!

Is Your Dog “Really” Housebroken?

You would think that if a dog is “housebroken” and potties outside most of the time, there is no concern right?

If you use a dog door to teach your dog to go potty outside, there is no guarantee that when the door is closed to the outside it won’t opt to go inside if given the chance.  They don’t truly know not to go inside when the access to the outside is removed.

Dog doors are great!  They serve a wonderful purpose and allow us the freedom to leave our dogs for longer period of time.  However, it is best to completely housebreak your dog prior to introducing them to the dog door.  Or, use the dog door in the process of housebreaking but still go outside with them to assure they are going and not just outside for a breath of fresh air!

We’ve all experienced the “what are you thinking” moment when our dog has been outside unattended for two hours (so, of course they went potty – right?!) only to have them come inside and go.  Remember a puppy can be distracted by a leaf blowing and completely forget whey they are outside!

For detailed instruction on housebreaking, check out my ebook “The Truth About Housebreaking” or send me a question using the box to the right.  I’m glad to assist in any way I can.

A Pit Bull is a Terrible Thing to Waste

What’s in the breed of a dog – a lot.   The danger comes in classifying all dogs in a breed as if they all have the same characteristics and inherent behaviors.   Pit Bulls are probably misjudged more than any other breed.  I know why; however, the banning of a breed does nothing to educate and eradicate the mistreatment of this sweet, clownish, spirited creature.

I have more to say here. . .A Pit Bull is a Terrible Thing to Waste

Here’s The Real Scoop on Pit Bulls from another author and advocate.