Tag Archives: puppy

Housebreaking a newly adopted dog

Newly Adopted Pup

Housebreaking a newly adopted dog can be a challenging and crucial aspect of welcoming a furry friend into your home. The process involves teaching the dog appropriate bathroom habits, ensuring a clean and comfortable living environment, and building a strong bond between the pet and the owner. However, difficulties in housebreaking can arise due to various reasons, each requiring a thoughtful and patient approach.

One common challenge in housebreaking is the adjustment period that newly adopted dogs undergo. Dogs may come from different backgrounds, shelters, or previous homes, and adapting to a new environment can be overwhelming for them. During this adjustment phase, they may exhibit stress or anxiety, leading to inconsistent bathroom habits. Understanding and addressing the dog’s emotional state is essential in overcoming this difficulty.

Another factor contributing to housebreaking challenges is a lack of prior training or inconsistent training methods in the dog’s previous environment. Dogs may not have been exposed to proper bathroom etiquette or may have learned habits that are incompatible with the owner’s expectations. In such cases, retraining becomes necessary, requiring patience and positive reinforcement to instill new habits.

Medical issues can also play a role in difficulties with housebreaking. Newly adopted dogs may have health concerns that affect their ability to control their bladder or bowel movements. It is crucial to rule out any underlying medical issues by consulting with a veterinarian. Addressing these health concerns can significantly improve the success of housebreaking efforts.

Establishing a consistent routine is key to overcoming housebreaking challenges. Dogs thrive on routine and predictability, and having a set schedule for feeding, outdoor breaks, and playtime can help them understand when and where they are expected to relieve themselves. Additionally, try to keep potty breaks and exercise breaks separate: potty breaks should be quick (5-10 minutes, tops) while exercise breaks should be longer. If possible, use different exits of the home for each. For example, use the back door for a potty breaks, and the front door for walks. Additionally, reinforcing desired behaviors is essential when working on housebreaking. Rewarding the dog for appropriate bathroom behavior with treats, praise, or playtime creates a positive association. Consistency with this provides a sense of security for the dog and aids in reinforcing desired behaviors.

Proper supervision is essential during the housebreaking process. Keeping a close eye on the dog allows the owner to anticipate and prevent accidents. Use of a crate as well as a leash (yes, a leash INDOORS!) will help with this during the transition period. When the dog exhibits signs such as sniffing or circling, indicating a need to eliminate, prompt action can guide the dog to the designated outdoor area. Supervision minimizes the opportunity for mistakes and accelerates the learning process.

In some cases, seeking professional help may be necessary. Your dog trainer can provide valuable insights and guidance tailored to the specific challenges faced by the newly adopted dog. Professional assistance can be particularly beneficial when dealing with deep-rooted behavioral issues or if the owner is unsure about the most effective training methods.

Difficulty in housebreaking a newly adopted dog is a common but manageable challenge. Understanding the dog’s background, addressing potential medical issues, establishing a consistent routine, reinforcing desired behaviors, and seeking professional guidance when needed can contribute to a successful housebreaking experience. Patience, empathy, and a commitment to building a strong bond with the dog are key elements in overcoming the obstacles associated with housebreaking.

Is it too soon?

When is too soon to start a raw diet? Puppies can start to eat a raw diet as soon as they are weaned from thier mother. The natural enzymes present in raw meat help with digestion, and most will notice a smooth transition from mother’s milk to a balanced raw diet.

Caddy and Buda share a duck neck
Caddy and Buda share a duck neck
     Caddy and Buda are two foster pups that have been with me for approximately three weeks; since they were six weeks of age. They are now 9-weeks old, and enjoy raw snacks from time to time. Were they both mine, I would have them on a 100% raw diet. They are currently provided with kibble from the rescue that they belong to, which is more cost-effective for thier situation.
     Raw fed dogs typically have smaller, firmer stools, healthier coats, and overall better longevity and health than kibble fed dogs. Thier immune systems tend to be stronger, and food related allergies are minimized. My dogs have eaten a raw diet for the past 6 years now, with a preference for our local brand, USDA certified, K-9 Kraving. It is completely balanced, making feeding raw easy. My oldest, Esco, is currently 10 years old, and was the 2009 WPBTCA National Champion at 9 years of age. He is still running strong!
     In addition to the health benefits, raw diet dog foods do not suffer from recalls like many commercial kibbles. Being USDA certified, K-9 Kraving is all human grade food. They offer a full line of food, with seven different flavors, and can process special orders in most cases. They also offer a full treat line of all natural nutritionally enhanced treats that may be raw, smoked, or cooked.
     Have questions or are interested in feeding raw for the first time? Email Aja at aja@muttmagic.com for details!

The benefits of mature dogs. . .

Esco teaches the pups to relax

Esco teaches the pups to relax

As most of you know, I took in three foster pups for Mid Atlantic Bully Buddies a few weeks ago. The little boy, Dojo, wasn’t eating well, and after a short stay at the vet, is now being fostered at the vet tech’s home. Irresistable little boy! We were also notified that one of the other puppies from the litter was having some socialization troubles. Basically, she was terrorizing the other dogs/puppies! We traded the more docile of the pups for the little terror. . .Buda. That brings me to the point- older dogs with proper social behavior can really be puppy saviors!

Grandpa Esco teaches Buda how to behave!

Grandpa Esco teaches Buda how to behave!

When Buda came in, we first let all of the puppies play with Red, another puppy that is 10 months old. Buda immediately attached to his side, sunk her teeth in, shook with all her puppy might, and refused to let go! Red was patient with her- having a high pain tolerance and being a playful puppy, he didn’t take it personally. Unfortunately, he treated her like a little play toy, and this didn’t do much for her anti-social behaviors. It was time for Grandpa Esco. At 10-years-old, Esco is not tolerant of improper puppy behaviors. He would prefer to be left alone! Thankfully, he has a firm but gentle dog way of telling the pups to back off. . .as only a mature dog can do. Buda is still learning, and is doing much better in the social department.

Caddy and Buda playing

Caddy and Buda playing

It is very important for puppies to learn proper dog social behaviors at a young age. Being with littermates and appropriate older dogs can provide benefits that will last a lifetime. It is a good idea to provide puppies with play dates, and puppy classes, to learn these behaviors while they’re young. Save places like the dog park and pet stores for when your dog is older. While appropriate for some adult dogs, these are uncontrolled environments and can introduce both bad behavior and disease before your puppy is mentally or physically ready. If you’re considering a puppy, find a friend with an older dog that can show your pup the ropes!

Buda at 8-weeks
Buda at 8-weeks

These pups are being fostered through Mid Atlantic Bully Buddies. You may visit them online at: http://www.midatlanticbullybuddies.org

Caddy at 8-weeks
Caddy at 8-weeks

 

You breed. Do you also help rescue?

As a trainer, I work with dogs that come from all places- both reputable and backyard breeders, rescues, shelters, strays, and more. I take them all, work with them all, and love them all. I accept the dogs and the owners for who they are. Working with many rescues, I encounter a lot of individuals who have very strong feelings against breeding dogs. They would prefer to be out of business, having no more homeless animals to save. Of course breeders feel justified in their actions and beliefs as well- this goes for both reputable and backyard breeders, as often the backyard breeders don’t know who they are, unfortunately. As we all know: everybody’s dog is the best dog in the world!

My question to all of you is this: Is there a middle ground?

L-R: Reese, Dojo, and Caddy. . .and in the back is Star. All rescues.

L-R: Reese, Dojo, and Caddy. . .and in the back is Star. All rescues. Puppies are available for adoption through Mid Atlantic Bully Buddies.

As a working dog person, I prefer a purebred and intact dog to work with. I have never bred my dogs, and I don’t intend to. However, when I work a dog in the sport that I choose (Schutzhund), I prefer the uninterrupted drives of an intact dog that is specifically bred for a purpose. I also prefer the muscle development of intact dogs for such an athletic sport. Yes, I’ve successfully competed with spayed/neutered rescue dogs as well. It’s my preference, and I do see a difference. I also participate in rescue. Although I only contribute to the population by adding occasional demand, I find it both important and rewarding to assist in rescue efforts. Personally,  I believe that anybody who adds to the population in any way- whether that be breeding or seeking a purebred dog, should assist in rescue as well. It really is important to see both sides!

Now, this doesn’t mean that a typical family that purchases a purebred dog for the children needs to go out and adopt a rescue as well. Anybody can help, and there are a number of ways. Volunteering at a rescue or shelter can be a great help to them, and very rewarding to you. Donations are always welcomed, too- money, bedding, collars and leashes are all helpful. Of course, if you do feel compelled to take in a rescued life, foster and forever homes are always needed!

Take time today to consider what you can do to help your local animals in need. A few local all-breed shelters are:

Maryland SPCA

BARCS

Baltimore Humane

Humane Society of Harford County

The puppies in the picture above are available for adoption once they have been fully vetted and spayed/neutered. Please contact Mid Atlantic Bully Buddies for details: MABB

How do I socialize my new puppy?

Pictured above are Ace, Fin, and Red; recent graduates of Mutt Magic’s S.T.A.R. Puppy course! This course is recommended for dogs between 4-10 months of age, and is a great way to socialize your new puppy. Focusing on items such as proper dog-dog social behavior, as well as behavior management, housebreaking, and more, this is a great course to enroll your puppy in to learn the basics, and if he/she is not quite ready for the riggors of a CGC course.
 
How else do you socialize your new puppy? Be careful! Outside of the controlled environment of a training class, many things can either help or hinder the socialization process. As a young dog, you MUST expose him to as many things as you can, but you must do this safely, and be sure that he is not overloaded and does not become fearful. If you are new to the socialization process, always consult with a professional. Aja, Amber, and Kristen, of Mutt Magic, are all capable of helping you make the right socialization decisions. 
 
 Stick to small play groups or controlled training classes until your dog has been fully vaccinated. Be sure that your puppy is up to date on vaccinations before bringing her to high traffic dog areas, such as dog parks and pet stores. While learning appropriate dog behavior typically outweighs any health risks, unnecessarily exposing your dog to disease can be dangerous. 
  
Get your puppy out, and have fun!