HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DOG

Some Basic Concepts
· Dogs develop elimination habits during their first few months of life.

· Dogs do not want to eliminate where they rest.

· Being creatures of habit, dogs will return to their "usual spot" whenever it is
convenient.

· Dogs can be conditioned (trained) to react to a conditioned stimulus in a certain
way. (They can be taught to eliminate when you say a word over and over).

· A behavior is likely to be repeated if it is positively reinforced. (You will therefore
be using food treats and praise to reinforce elimination at the proper time, in the
proper place.

Crate Training
To some people a dog crate seems like cruelty to the dog. However, if presented
correctly, it is just the opposite. It gives your dog a place that belongs to him, a
safe den where he can go if he wants to be left alone or rest. It also gives you a
place to keep your dog at the times when you do not want him underfoot, and a
safe way of traveling your dog.

If you crate your dog in the car, he can be left with the windows completely down. It
is extremely dangerous to leave your dog in a closed car in warm weather or ride
loose in the back of a truck. Also if you should have an auto accident, your dog is
not likely to be thrown out of the car or escape in the confusion. Motel rooms
generally prefer crated dogs, also.

To crate train your dog, first select a crate which will be large enough to fit him as
an adult. The puppy should be fed in his crate, and encouraged to sleep in it with
the door open. He may be left with the door closed for short periods of time once
he is used to it. Avoid leaving a puppy in a crate for extended periods of time.
NEVER use the crate as a punishment. The location should be out of the way but
near family activity.

Helpful Hints to Make Housebreaking a Little Easier
The goal for "house breaking" your dog is to have it "potty" outside and not inside
your house. Why do so many people train their dogs to do it inside? People use the
"old" newspaper method in some cases until their dogs are 4 to 5 months old, this
is wonderful. It saves their floors from getting messed up, but it's also "IMPRINTS"
the dog that it’s 'OK" to eliminate inside the house.

Think about it, sure the dog will relate the scent of "printers ink" to elimination, but
what does that have to do with "GOING OUTSIDE”?. I've had many dogs owners call
me wondering why their "ADULT" dogs (totally housebroken?!?) loves to urinate on
or around the coffee table, the one that this weeks newspapers are stashed under.

· Keep your puppy up on a "consistent" housebreaking schedule. Feed at the
"SAME" time ever day.

· Designate one area outside as a "potty" area.

· Take your dog out every 2 hours to the "potty" area, whether it has eaten or not.
· The times that a puppy will most likely want to eliminate are after eating or
drinking, after a nap, or after a period of play or vigorous exercise.

· Make up a written time log showing feeding and trips to the "potty" area, this
really helps.

· Bring the puppy on a leash to the designated area. Initially you want to teach the
puppy what the words "go potty" mean, but don't distract the puppy from its
business by constant "YAPPING"...be quiet...say "go potty" just before you see it is
about to, say "good Potty" (not too loud or distracting) as it eliminates, and then
get really excited and be as loud as you wish, saying "GOOD POTTY" once the
puppy has done the "business"....and give it a treat. I suggest "moist flavorful
treats as opposed to the dry kind.

· The two most important words in house training is "WATCH" or "CONFINE". Never
give a puppy full run of the house, start in a small area like a utility room or a
small pen, don't graduate to a larger area until it has PROVEN (no accidents) itself
in that area for a period of time. "Watching" means ....CONSTANTLY being aware of
where the puppy is. I prefer most people to put the puppy on a leash when not in
the puppy pen or crate. (Outside dog runs are a great investment too!!)

· Get yourself a suitably sized "Crate" the same day you buy your puppy. It's not
inhumane or cruel (cruel is constantly reprimanding, scolding and possibly getting
physical with the puppy for eliminating inside the house). DO NOT fill the entire floor
area of the crate with newspaper or bedding of any kind, just put make a 1/4 of the
crate a 'Bed", if you wish. Always make sure the crate is in a well ventilated area out
of direct sunlight. Also, if you live in colder climates, be sure the room temperature
stays fairly constant, not too hot...or too cold.

· NEVER BE PHYSICAL WITH A PUPPY FOR ELIMINATING INSIDE... In fact..."never" be
physical with your puppy ...period. Being overly physical with your Maltese will make
it not want to perform in front of you, and will actually cause the puppy to leave gifts
for you out of your sight .You know... "the ones your dinner guests find behind the
furniture"

· You can start a very young puppy on newspaper, but get rid of the paper as soon
as you can and begin formal crate training. Be patient, consistent, and diligent in
taking the puppy outside; regulate what goes into your puppy's tummy, so you can
regulate what comes out. "WATCH" or "CONFINE”, gradually extend your pups living
area, keep track on your "housebreaking log" and in a matter of a few short
weeks....no more accidents.

The key to good house habits is consistency by the owner. The puppy should, if he
must be left alone, be in the yard (with shelter and water) or in an area where he is
not expected to refrain from relieving himself. When the puppy is in the main part
of the house, the owner should be present. When the puppy wakes from a nap, he
should go outside and be praised when he relieves himself. Watch the puppy for
sniffing and circling in the house, this probably means he is looking for a place to
go. Take him outside and again praise. If you catch him too late, "in the act", do
not spank him but scold him slightly and take him outside or to a place that he is
allowed to potty. Soon the puppy will go to the door and "ask" to be let out. Praise
the puppy for this action. A crate is a handy tool for housebreaking. Most dogs do
not like to relieve themselves where they sleep and this teaches some control. Do
remember that a puppy does not have a great deal of control and use the crate
only for short periods of time. When he comes out of the crate, he should be
immediately let outside and after he believes himself, allowed to play in the house.