Puppy Leash Training

If you want to stop your puppies soiling in the House you need to consider that the reason your puppy maybe making a mess due to anxiety problems - in particular separation anxiety...

• Make sure that your dog has been exercised before you leave the House.
• It is unfair for you to expect your dog to hold his bladder all day - so employ a dog baby sitter to let him out - they can be a little expensive at £12 an hour though - so if you can get back to let them out even better.

This is important

• Try not to show any signs that you are leaving the House - put your coat on in a different room - don't get dressed into your business suit or apply any make up in front of your dog as it will only get your dog anxious.
• If you do show signs of going out - these may be the pre-conditioned signals that are causing your dog so much distress.
• Get your dog nice and settled before you go out - tell him to "go to bed" and give him a treat so that he knows he is being good - You can also leave the radio on if you think this will help - make it soft music - not heavy metal!
• It may help to find something that he can smell you on - like one of your sweat shirts or something - leave it with him on his bed.

Don't make a big deal of it!

• If you feel guilty that you are going out - don't make a big deal of it.
• Don't give him the sad eyes or a sad voice just say 'bye' and go on your way.

If you follow these steps it should help to recognize and separation anxiety and any subsequent house training problems.

Puppy House training - Introducing the leash

In the initial stages of House training it's important to use a leash and collar as part of the puppy house training process when taking your puppy/dog outside to eliminate.

Step 1.

- Attach yourself to your puppy so that he can't run off. If you start by letting your puppy run around the garden chasing birds and flys and rolling in mess you are setting yourself up to fail. - Remember that a puppy finds it hard to stay focused so make sure that the area is quiet and fenced off. - If your dog isn't attached to you, you are offering him the chance to become wayward and distracted - so make sure he is on a leash

Step 2

The benefits of toilet training on a leash.

- If your puppy/dog has been trained firstly on a leash he won't get stressed out going to the toilet in front of you - believe it or not but it is quite common for a puppy/dog to get stressed out when you are right behind them when they eliminate

Step 3

- Use a leash that is about 4-6 ft long - but make sure the snap (if its metal) isn't too heavy. - Don't use retractable leashes in the initial stages of the training process as they can teach your dog to pull - which is a bad thing. By using a fixed length lead you're puppy/dog is learning that there needs to be some slack on the leash - this teaches them not to pull. Only use a retractable leash when he has learned the basic toileting techniques and is not pulling on his fixed length leash.

What collar should you use.

- Use a plain collar with a flat buckle or a quick-snap collar. I personally don't use choke chains or prong collars as they really aren't necessary and if you are doing the training properly you shouldn't need one. Just use a regular flat collar.

Transporting Your Dog To Your New Home

"What do you mean, ‘transporting my dog'? I'll be taking him in the car, of course!" you might say in response to this title. As much fun as driving your furry pal to your new place might be if it's within a couple of hours, people who have longer distances to travel may opt for some other mode of transport. However, we will be looking at all of them; never fear.

The Car:

The car is by far the most popular method for transporting pets to a new home. It's relatively easy (unless Rover gets carsick), relatively stress-free (unless Sweetie decides to LOUDLY apprise you of her disapprobation with her carrying crate) and relatively cheap. The car allows you to stop whenever you want to take your dog for a walk to relieve itself or get some exercise.

Driving can take a long time, especially if you're driving across country. You should plan your stops at hotels carefully, as many don't allow dogs or may be full. Reserve rooms as early as possible. If you're visiting friends, ensure that they know in advance that you have your furry companion(s) with you.

The Bus:

Ironically, given its name, the Greyhound bus service does not allow animals aboard, excepting service animals. Local buses may have differing rules. Call your local bus line for more information.

The Train:

Amtrack does not allow dogs, or pets of any kind (other than assistance animals). Local trains and commuter trains may have different policies, which may or may not restrict the size and kind of animal. They may also require that the dog be confined to a certain kind of crate or in a certain car.

The Plane:

Different planes have different rules concerning animals. Health certification from the veterinarian within 10 days of your flight usually has to be provided, as well as proof of vaccinations. Some airlines allow small dogs to fly in carriers that fit underneath an airline seat, but the requirements are strict. Equally strict are the carrier requirements for dogs flying as cargo. Call the airline you plan to use for information on what the exact size requirements are and the price.

Boats:

Most ferries will accept pets on vehicle decks, but not in the passenger areas. Some may even have designated pet areas where you can exercise and water your pooch. Some ocean liners will accept pets under certain conditions. Contact the company you plan on using for their canine policies.

Professional Pet Movers:

There are companies that specialize in safely and speedily shipping your pet to its new home, whether that's the continental U.S. or overseas. The Internet can help you in your search for one of these companies. As with any company, do your research on their policies and prices.

In all of these cases, you'll need to make sure that you have a container of your dog's accessories - leash, collar, toys, bowls, food, a jug of water, any medications your dog is taking and identification that shows all possible ways of contacting you on the dog at all times. Many dogs may be happier and less stressed if you sedate them prior to your trip. Consult with your veterinarian if you are worried about your dog's stress level.