|
|
 |
|
| |
|
|
| |
by Gene Sower
|
|
print article · comment on article
|
|
| |
previous |
page 2 of 3 |
next |
|
| |
|
|
| |
How Old Should Your Puppy Be?
How old should your puppy be before you begin house training? Start as early as you can but don't expect results until the pup is about 14 weeks old. Before 14 weeks your pup cannot physically hold it in. Then why start early you may ask? Well, even though your pup may not be physically able to hold it in, she'll at least begin learning what's expected of her. Consider any training before 14 weeks to be 'pre-school'. When her physical abilities catch up with what you taught her, it will make it that much easier to put the lessons into practice.
Size Matters
If you're considering crate training your dog as a means of house training, keep in mind that the size of crate you choose is very important. A good rule of thumb about size is: the crate should only be big enough for the dog to comfortably stand up and turn around in. You don't want the crate so big that the dog will mess at one end and sleep at the other. For large-sized breeds that will continue to grow substantially, you may need to buy a larger size later on if you intend for your dog to continue using the crate after it is house trained. And the most important rule of all: NEVER, under any circumstances, use the crate as a form of punishment. The crate should be a place where your dog wants to go, to sleep and get away from the bustle and activity in your home. You never want them to associate it with being punished.
Happy House Training!
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
previous |
1·2·3 |
next |
|
|
