Posted by Julie Signore on March 05, 1999 at 09:11:08:
In Reply to: new puppy is ruining me posted by shari on March 05, 1999 at 04:16:11:
Aloha Shari....
As a "mom" to several puppies over my lifetime & sharing the joy they bring to one's life -- I have come to learn several *techniques* that have "saved the home" so to speak! First & foremost you need to make a few investments that will allow your puppy to acclimate to the home a bit easier & faster.
#1. Purchase a "travel kennel" that will suit the size of your "full grown" dog.
When you need to leave for the day or it's time for the puppy to take a nap -- place your pup in the kennel. Create a nice bedding area for your pup. Block off the kennel w/a piece of plywood so that the "bedding area" will accomodate the current size of your pup. (please note do NOT leave food/water in the kennel. The kennel is for "short time usage -- not a place to live in.
Now by giving your pup a place to nap that is comparable w/their current size, you will notice they will *not* mess in a place they have to sleep in. (as the pup grows -- just move the plywood to accomodate their size) What you are doing is teaching them how to control bodily functions. PLEASE remember, these muscles have to be developed ...it's a learning process, your pup is not *innately* born w/this skill immediately. Hence, walk them on REGULAR schedules*** numerous*** times thruout the day. Praise your pup profusely everytime they "do their duty." Dogs are extremely smart animals -- just have patience & you will both be happy :)
#2 Purchase some White Vinegar for any accidents that do happen on your carpets. This is used after you cleanup from an accident. Just pour some vinegar on the area needing attention. THe white vinegar is a deodorizer. You need to remove the smell ...or your pup will repeatedly relieve themself in the same place.
#3 Purchase some toys for your puppy. They are young, childlike & extremely playful -- tugropes are good, little rawhide chewies, even squeeky toys or tennis balls are favorite. NEVER give them an article of your old clothing (they will think anything w/your scent on it is "fair game"
#4 You mentioned your son loves your new puppy too -- therefore enroll him immediately in sharing the responsibilities.
- daily *playtime* (regardless of the weather
- feeding time
- walking time (before school, when he comes home, at nite etc...as much as he can.
Your new pup is a responsibility for all family members ...it's not just "another thing to add to momn's "To Do" list :)
Sheri, one last thing, make sure your puppy "sleeps" in the kennel at nite -- until it is trained it is far too early to start sleeping on the floor in a bedroom. This will come in due time. I need to warn you ...what may happen is the puppy will cry at nite. What I always did was place a covering over the kennel -- kinda like what people do to birds. Your pup will learn that "lites out" is sleep time. Now *if* it starts crying...what you do is take a soda can ...put a couple of coins in it ...& actually drop it on the roof of the kennel. It took 3x for one of my puppies to get the message (they associate the dropping of the can w/their cries) A dog trainer once told me "they think when they cry -- the sky is falling) This *really* works. Another trick is to leave music on for the puppy during the day if you are gone for extended amounts of time (peaceful music -- not rap) ;) I also would leave a little wind up alarm clock wrapped up in a sock right outside the kennel -- reminds them of a heartbeat I was told :)
If you can make it thru the next month you will enjoy years of a true friendship w/you dog. Just be patient -- Rome wasn't built in a day :) And by all means enroll your pup in obedience school a.s.a.p. :)
Hope something here helps -- & remember to visit your local book store there is a wealth of GREAT books written on the subject!!
Much Aloha,
Julie Signore - CEO
1,2,3 SORT IT Organizing Solutions -- Innovative Tools
NSA Member, NAPO Member