Dog Blog

The easiest way to potty train a puppy is to limit its access to the household while maintaining a safe area for him to relieve himself. Once a puppy has done his business in a certain part of the house, it will be drawn back time and again to that certain spot because of its smell. Dogs instinctively don’t go to the bathroom where they sleep, so keep the sleeping area and the potty area separate.

Potty training requires patience and constant vigilance. Showing the pup where to pee once or twice and then expecting him to return to that same spot all alone is unacceptable. Another thing that is unacceptable is getting mad when he makes a mistake. Remember, puppies are babies, and potty training a two-year-old child is a difficult and drawn-out process as well.

Puppies need to use the bathroom every few hours, after every meal, after waking and right before they go to bed. Puppies aren’t used to holding it, so it is very crucial to take them outdoors often. There are some definite signs that a puppy needs to “go,” like sniffing a certain spot and walking in circles with his bottom low to the ground. Take the puppy to the designated potty location immediately! He needs to poop!

Take the pup to a predefined locale where he can go, and go back there repeatedly. When the puppy goes in the right location on his own, be sure to praise him for a job well done. This will encourage him to return to that spot in future. It is also important to accompany the puppy outside for his restroom visits. When he’s left alone, he may become panicked, start to cry and want to come back in without ever doing his business, preferring to leave a mess in company rather than alone outside.

If he has to be alone for more than a few hours, be sure to confine him to a crate with newspapers down in case he can’t hold his bladder. Also make sure the crate is big enough he isn’t directly on top of his bathroom, and be sure to change his crate upon arriving home.

Potty training can be picked up within a few weeks, as long as the puppy is shown consistency and patience in his training.

By Kenna Rogers

When naming your puppy, it’s important to choose a name that you don’t mind saying 30,000 times. It’s also important to choose something that your dog will understand and won’t confuse with other commands.

Avoid names that sound like a command, for example, “Stay” and “Stacy.” Commands are often one-syllable words like “No,” “Sit,” and “Down.” Instead, choose a name with two or three syllables that ends in a vowel sound.

Invite your kids join in the decision process. Children usually come up with simple names that are easy to say and to remember. Be sure to avoid using negative words as names, like “Butthead” or “Jerk.” You will be saying this dog’s name in public.

Names that are extremely common are easy for other people to pick up on, and may cause your dog running to them instead of you.

Using family members or friend’s names as an honorary gesture may be nice, but be sure and tell your beloved aunt before you name your pug after her.

Some things that may help you in choosing a name are:

1. Appearance. Take note of your dog’s size, color and personal style.
2. Personality. Every dog has a unique and individual personality, just like humans. If your dog is sweet and cuddly, choose something that reflects that part of him.

Another great place to get dog names is from your favorite celebrities, TV shows, movies, comic books, cities or even what country the breed originated from.

Try out the new name for a few days, and if it doesn’t stick, move on to something the animal will pick up easier. Also, be sure to give him plenty of praises when he starts to respond to his new name. Positive reinforcement aids in helping him learn his new name quicker.

By Kenna Rogers

Kenna Rogers is a full-time college student taking publication courses. She is a life-long lover and owner of various pets, including a black Labrador named Booe, a Siberian husky named Xaber, and a chow/golden retriever mutt named Suey.