New Puppy - Tips Before I Bring Him In (1 Viewer)

[Hoss Style]

So, my Boxer of 12 years just passed. It's unbelievable how much something is missing with him gone. For 12 years every time I got up to grab a beer, he'd stand up and walk with me. Hell, anytime you move a Boxer goes with you. It feels like something is missing around the house.

I've decided to pick up a Boxer pup sooner rather than later. My previous Boxer had serious issues with peeing in the house (apartment at the time). I think the previous tenant had a dog and it made it worse. It even got to the point where he'd pee in the kennel and lay in it when I was at work (I would of let him have run of the house but he'd leave pee-pools everywhere).

I went online for tips on preparing to bring the puppy home, but it's just run of the mill stuff for the most part. I exercise my dog for at least an hour a day - good exercise like running in the park, frisbee, and even doing the towel-pull for hours while I sit and watch TV or work (you can get a hell of an arm workout this way). Exercise wasn't the problem.

My last dog was the first I'd ever had issues with, but I don't want it again. What are some good ideas to "get ready" for the puppy coming in. I'll be getting him in about 4 months. Are those training classes at PetsMart worth it? Should I shampoo all the carpets to get the previous dog smell out? What's the best way to get him to understand that peeing outside is the way to go, as quickly as possible? Looking for ideas along these lines.

 

[jamny]

Good luck! I'd love to get another boxer...such a great breed.

 

[Hoss Style]

Good luck! I'd love to get another boxer...such a great breed.

First Boxer I ever owned, and the breed is a perfect match for me.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

So, my Boxer of 12 years just passed. It's unbelievable how much something is missing with him gone. For 12 years every time I got up to grab a beer, he'd stand up and walk with me. Hell, anytime you move a Boxer goes with you. It feels like something is missing around the house.

I've decided to pick up a Boxer pup sooner rather than later. My previous Boxer had serious issues with peeing in the house (apartment at the time). I think the previous tenant had a dog and it made it worse. It even got to the point where he'd pee in the kennel and lay in it when I was at work (I would of let him have run of the house but he'd leave pee-pools everywhere).

I went online for tips on preparing to bring the puppy home, but it's just run of the mill stuff for the most part. I exercise my dog for at least an hour a day - good exercise like running in the park, frisbee, and even doing the towel-pull for hours while I sit and watch TV or work (you can get a hell of an arm workout this way). Exercise wasn't the problem.

My last dog was the first I'd ever had issues with, but I don't want it again. What are some good ideas to "get ready" for the puppy coming in. I'll be getting him in about 4 months. Are those training classes at PetsMart worth it? Should I shampoo all the carpets to get the previous dog smell out? What's the best way to get him to understand that peeing outside is the way to go, as quickly as possible? Looking for ideas along these lines.

Re: PetSmart. Completely dependant on the person running the classes. Odds are no, it isn't worth it. Try and find a private trainer if possible.

Check out some of these youtube channels: tab289, kikopup, yolle555

http://www.clickerdogs.com/ is also a great resource.

 

[Hoss Style]

So, my Boxer of 12 years just passed. It's unbelievable how much something is missing with him gone. For 12 years every time I got up to grab a beer, he'd stand up and walk with me. Hell, anytime you move a Boxer goes with you. It feels like something is missing around the house.

I've decided to pick up a Boxer pup sooner rather than later. My previous Boxer had serious issues with peeing in the house (apartment at the time). I think the previous tenant had a dog and it made it worse. It even got to the point where he'd pee in the kennel and lay in it when I was at work (I would of let him have run of the house but he'd leave pee-pools everywhere).

I went online for tips on preparing to bring the puppy home, but it's just run of the mill stuff for the most part. I exercise my dog for at least an hour a day - good exercise like running in the park, frisbee, and even doing the towel-pull for hours while I sit and watch TV or work (you can get a hell of an arm workout this way). Exercise wasn't the problem.

My last dog was the first I'd ever had issues with, but I don't want it again. What are some good ideas to "get ready" for the puppy coming in. I'll be getting him in about 4 months. Are those training classes at PetsMart worth it? Should I shampoo all the carpets to get the previous dog smell out? What's the best way to get him to understand that peeing outside is the way to go, as quickly as possible? Looking for ideas along these lines.

Re: PetSmart. Completely dependant on the person running the classes. Odds are no, it isn't worth it. Try and find a private trainer if possible.

Check out some of these youtube channels: tab289, kikopup, yolle555

http://www.clickerdogs.com/ is also a great resource.

Thanks for the links. Gonna check them later when working. I really want to be prepared for the incoming pup. I work more these days and need to make effective use of my time with him.

 

[gump]

Crate training...and sticking to it...is crucial.

 

[sbonomo]

First of all condolences about your prior boxer (i have an eight year old boxer) and congrats on the finding a new boxer. Please tell me you got him from a rescue. The rescue I volunteer at is currently turning down 10-20 boxers per month due to over population (boxerluv.org). I know with my boxer positive reinforcenment work best for potty training. She is very easily motivated by food so I would give her a treat every time she went outside or went to the door to let me know that she need to go outside. Literally it only took a few weeks before she stopped having accidents. I also make sure that they have time outside at a minimum in the AM before i go to work when i get home. Hope this helps and congrats!

 

[Hoss Style]

Crate training...and sticking to it...is crucial.

But what if he pees in the crate, and then gets used to laying in it? My last Boxer had that issue.

Maybe I did it wrong? I researched the proper sized crate, and what to put inside it when he was in it. Maybe I just need to start all over and research crate training again, from scratch.

 

[avoiding injuries]

I have a 9yo boxer and we just started to talk about getting another puppy to keep the dog "young".

I agree completely with crate training. What worked for us was, every time the dog peed where it was supposed to we would cheer, clap and celebrate like she just won a contest followed by a treat. Worked perfectly and quicker than I thought.

Good luck.

 

[Hoss Style]

First of all condolences about your prior boxer (i have an eight year old boxer) and congrats on the finding a new boxer. Please tell me you got him from a rescue. The rescue I volunteer at is currently turning down 10-20 boxers per month due to over population (boxerluv.org). I know with my boxer positive reinforcenment work best for potty training. She is very easily motivated by food so I would give her a treat every time she went outside or went to the door to let me know that she need to go outside. Literally it only took a few weeks before she stopped having accidents. I also make sure that they have time outside at a minimum in the AM before i go to work when i get home. Hope this helps and congrats!

Two things:

I had not tried the treat-when-peeing method, but had heard about it (too late, though). I'll give it a try this time.

And I have a plan of buying a Boxer pup now, so I can raise him my way, and I'll be moving back to North Carolina in a few years (a house with a HUGE yard), so I wanted to rescue one at that point. That way if my second dog has any issues, I've got plenty of outside room for him to live in.

I just have a strong desire to raise my dog from puppyhood. Do they ever get puppies at a rescure? I just don't want to a dog at this point that may already have habits that won't work in the downtown area that I live.

 

[Hoss Style]

I have a 9yo boxer and we just started to talk about getting another puppy to keep the dog "young".

I agree completely with crate training. What worked for us was, every time the dog peed where it was supposed to we would cheer, clap and celebrate like she just won a contest followed by a treat. Worked perfectly and quicker than I thought.

Good luck.

Two votes now for the treat training. I'm absolutely doing this, this time around. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[pollardsvision]

We did 3 of the PetSmart classes. It's not worth it for the training necessity as the basic commands are easily done at home.

It's certainly not worth it if you are looking for some really advanced program.

But the extra socialization and training in a distracting environment was probably worth it. It's something they enjoy for an hour a week and its cheap.

 

[ChiefD]

So, my Boxer of 12 years just passed. It's unbelievable how much something is missing with him gone. For 12 years every time I got up to grab a beer, he'd stand up and walk with me. Hell, anytime you move a Boxer goes with you. It feels like something is missing around the house.

I've decided to pick up a Boxer pup sooner rather than later. My previous Boxer had serious issues with peeing in the house (apartment at the time). I think the previous tenant had a dog and it made it worse. It even got to the point where he'd pee in the kennel and lay in it when I was at work (I would of let him have run of the house but he'd leave pee-pools everywhere).

I went online for tips on preparing to bring the puppy home, but it's just run of the mill stuff for the most part. I exercise my dog for at least an hour a day - good exercise like running in the park, frisbee, and even doing the towel-pull for hours while I sit and watch TV or work (you can get a hell of an arm workout this way). Exercise wasn't the problem.

My last dog was the first I'd ever had issues with, but I don't want it again. What are some good ideas to "get ready" for the puppy coming in. I'll be getting him in about 4 months. Are those training classes at PetsMart worth it? Should I shampoo all the carpets to get the previous dog smell out? What's the best way to get him to understand that peeing outside is the way to go, as quickly as possible? Looking for ideas along these lines.

Re: PetSmart. Completely dependant on the person running the classes. Odds are no, it isn't worth it. Try and find a private trainer if possible.

Check out some of these youtube channels: tab289, kikopup, yolle555

http://www.clickerdogs.com/ is also a great resource.

Thanks for the links. Gonna check them later when working. I really want to be prepared for the incoming pup. I work more these days and need to make effective use of my time with him.

This is the part that jumps out at me. How many hours of the day will the new pup be in the crate? If he's in there from say 7am to 6pm, there's not a whole lot you can do for him not peeing in there.

 

[pollardsvision]

Crate training...and sticking to it...is crucial.

But what if he pees in the crate, and then gets used to laying in it? My last Boxer had that issue.

Maybe I did it wrong? I researched the proper sized crate, and what to put inside it when he was in it. Maybe I just need to start all over and research crate training again, from scratch.

Peeing in the crate is really rare.....unless the crate too big.

 

[Fennis]

First of all condolences about your prior boxer (i have an eight year old boxer) and congrats on the finding a new boxer. Please tell me you got him from a rescue. The rescue I volunteer at is currently turning down 10-20 boxers per month due to over population (boxerluv.org). I know with my boxer positive reinforcenment work best for potty training. She is very easily motivated by food so I would give her a treat every time she went outside or went to the door to let me know that she need to go outside. Literally it only took a few weeks before she stopped having accidents. I also make sure that they have time outside at a minimum in the AM before i go to work when i get home. Hope this helps and congrats!

Two things:

I had not tried the treat-when-peeing method, but had heard about it (too late, though). I'll give it a try this time.

And I have a plan of buying a Boxer pup now, so I can raise him my way, and I'll be moving back to North Carolina in a few years (a house with a HUGE yard), so I wanted to rescue one at that point. That way if my second dog has any issues, I've got plenty of outside room for him to live in.

I just have a strong desire to raise my dog from puppyhood. Do they ever get puppies at a rescure? I just don't want to a dog at this point that may already have habits that won't work in the downtown area that I live.

https://www.petfinder.com/pet-search?location=greensboro%2C+nc&animal=Dog&primary_breed=Boxer&age=Baby&distance=&pet_name=

1079 "baby" boxers near Greensboro, NC. Get one of those

 

[Hoss Style]

We did 3 of the PetSmart classes. It's not worth it for the training necessity as the basic commands are easily done at home.

It's certainly not worth it if you are looking for some really advanced program.

But the extra socialization and training in a distracting environment was probably worth it. It's something they enjoy for an hour a week and its cheap.

You know, pollard, I'd kind of written off the PetsMart thing, but the socialization aspect is a good point. I have a dog park nearby, but I think having him learn to obey commands with other dogs and people around might be worth it. Maybe I'll teach him at home, and then use the PetsMart thing to practice at.

 

[Fennis]

First of all condolences about your prior boxer (i have an eight year old boxer) and congrats on the finding a new boxer. Please tell me you got him from a rescue. The rescue I volunteer at is currently turning down 10-20 boxers per month due to over population (boxerluv.org). I know with my boxer positive reinforcenment work best for potty training. She is very easily motivated by food so I would give her a treat every time she went outside or went to the door to let me know that she need to go outside. Literally it only took a few weeks before she stopped having accidents. I also make sure that they have time outside at a minimum in the AM before i go to work when i get home. Hope this helps and congrats!

Two things:

I had not tried the treat-when-peeing method, but had heard about it (too late, though). I'll give it a try this time.

And I have a plan of buying a Boxer pup now, so I can raise him my way, and I'll be moving back to North Carolina in a few years (a house with a HUGE yard), so I wanted to rescue one at that point. That way if my second dog has any issues, I've got plenty of outside room for him to live in.

I just have a strong desire to raise my dog from puppyhood. Do they ever get puppies at a rescure? I just don't want to a dog at this point that may already have habits that won't work in the downtown area that I live.

https://www.petfinder.com/pet-search?location=greensboro%2C+nc&animal=Dog&primary_breed=Boxer&age=Baby&distance=&pet_name=

1079 "baby" boxers near Greensboro, NC. Get one of those

https://www.petfinder.com/pet-search?location=denver%2C+co&animal=Dog&primary_breed=Boxer&distance=&pet_name=

8466, near Denver, CO

 

[Clown Car]

Treats and making a big hairy deal out of it when he pees outside. They want you to be happy with them. My sister has 3 boxer rescues right now and had one that died a few years ago. She loves them. There is a guy here in my town that had an adult and got a puppy. I see him outside all the time with them and watched the puppy grow up. So precious.

 

[Hoss Style]

So, my Boxer of 12 years just passed. It's unbelievable how much something is missing with him gone. For 12 years every time I got up to grab a beer, he'd stand up and walk with me. Hell, anytime you move a Boxer goes with you. It feels like something is missing around the house.

I've decided to pick up a Boxer pup sooner rather than later. My previous Boxer had serious issues with peeing in the house (apartment at the time). I think the previous tenant had a dog and it made it worse. It even got to the point where he'd pee in the kennel and lay in it when I was at work (I would of let him have run of the house but he'd leave pee-pools everywhere).

I went online for tips on preparing to bring the puppy home, but it's just run of the mill stuff for the most part. I exercise my dog for at least an hour a day - good exercise like running in the park, frisbee, and even doing the towel-pull for hours while I sit and watch TV or work (you can get a hell of an arm workout this way). Exercise wasn't the problem.

My last dog was the first I'd ever had issues with, but I don't want it again. What are some good ideas to "get ready" for the puppy coming in. I'll be getting him in about 4 months. Are those training classes at PetsMart worth it? Should I shampoo all the carpets to get the previous dog smell out? What's the best way to get him to understand that peeing outside is the way to go, as quickly as possible? Looking for ideas along these lines.

Re: PetSmart. Completely dependant on the person running the classes. Odds are no, it isn't worth it. Try and find a private trainer if possible.

Check out some of these youtube channels: tab289, kikopup, yolle555

http://www.clickerdogs.com/ is also a great resource.

Thanks for the links. Gonna check them later when working. I really want to be prepared for the incoming pup. I work more these days and need to make effective use of my time with him.

This is the part that jumps out at me. How many hours of the day will the new pup be in the crate? If he's in there from say 7am to 6pm, there's not a whole lot you can do for him not peeing in there.

This has worried me, but I've seen it work with other dogs. Like Pollard said above, peeing the crate is really rare. But my dog did it. Talking to the vet, she told me it's not unheard of, but is a hard habit to break once the dog gets used to it - and boy was it.

I want to avoid it this time around, for me as well as him.

He'll have a ton of exercise when I'm home, and I'll only be away from the house for about 8-9 hours at a time. I work at home if it's anything longer than that. I've been told that those hours should be ok as long as the exercise is there, and I take him out right before and after work.

 

[Hoss Style]

First of all condolences about your prior boxer (i have an eight year old boxer) and congrats on the finding a new boxer. Please tell me you got him from a rescue. The rescue I volunteer at is currently turning down 10-20 boxers per month due to over population (boxerluv.org). I know with my boxer positive reinforcenment work best for potty training. She is very easily motivated by food so I would give her a treat every time she went outside or went to the door to let me know that she need to go outside. Literally it only took a few weeks before she stopped having accidents. I also make sure that they have time outside at a minimum in the AM before i go to work when i get home. Hope this helps and congrats!

Two things:

I had not tried the treat-when-peeing method, but had heard about it (too late, though). I'll give it a try this time.

And I have a plan of buying a Boxer pup now, so I can raise him my way, and I'll be moving back to North Carolina in a few years (a house with a HUGE yard), so I wanted to rescue one at that point. That way if my second dog has any issues, I've got plenty of outside room for him to live in.

I just have a strong desire to raise my dog from puppyhood. Do they ever get puppies at a rescure? I just don't want to a dog at this point that may already have habits that won't work in the downtown area that I live.

https://www.petfinder.com/pet-search?location=greensboro%2C+nc&animal=Dog&primary_breed=Boxer&age=Baby&distance=&pet_name=

1079 "baby" boxers near Greensboro, NC. Get one of those

https://www.petfinder.com/pet-search?location=denver%2C+co&animal=Dog&primary_breed=Boxer&distance=&pet_name=

8466, near Denver, CO

Good lord. I didn't know there were that many out there that needed adopting. I look at the pics and want to go pick up every one of them.

When I move back to NC I'm absolutely going to rescue one (or three). And I'm definitely going to look for my puppy via that link you posted, first. I've got a pup reserved from a litter already, but if I can find one that is from a healthy line then maybe I'll adopt here in Denver too.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

Specificity matters with dogs, boxers as much as any. Don't just give treats and praise. Tell him what he did that was so good, so he learns it by name. Everything he does that's good should start with "good" and have a specific name.

"Good leave it"

"Good sit"

"Good off"

"Good potty"

"Good dumpuccino"

Whatever you want to name things. If you just say, "Good job" or something generic for everything, they don't learn that terms and actions are associated. The faster you teach him to associate the action of peeing with whatever term you use for peeing, the faster he'll learn that that terms means GOING OUTSIDE and peeing.

 

[GregR]

When house breaking the dog, when he's in the act of peeing in the right spot, along with praising him you can repeat the same verbal command. Like for my dog it was "Tika, go potty". The dog will eventually associate the command with peeing, so you'll be able to get him to urinate on command. Very useful on road trips or any other time you want him to empty his bladder so he can go a longer time without urinating.

Also, general tip, while it's good to do the best you can to keep electrical cords out his way, odds are he'll be able to get to some. Get bitter apple spray, and either swipe some on his tongue or else put some on a cotton cloth and let him chew it. He'll associate the bad taste with the smell. Then spray it on the cords so he'll smell it if he goes near them, to keep him from wanting to chew them. Can use it with furniture, shoes, or anything else, though may want test it to make sure it won't stain certain fabrics. You'll have to refresh it for awhile, and maybe give him a few more tastes over time, but it's really good for teaching him what things aren't meant for chewing.

 

[Don Quixote]

If it's an option for you, a dog walker while you're at work can be a big help, particularly for a puppy, since they need to go more frequently.

 

[sbonomo]

First of all condolences about your prior boxer (i have an eight year old boxer) and congrats on the finding a new boxer. Please tell me you got him from a rescue. The rescue I volunteer at is currently turning down 10-20 boxers per month due to over population (boxerluv.org). I know with my boxer positive reinforcenment work best for potty training. She is very easily motivated by food so I would give her a treat every time she went outside or went to the door to let me know that she need to go outside. Literally it only took a few weeks before she stopped having accidents. I also make sure that they have time outside at a minimum in the AM before i go to work when i get home. Hope this helps and congrats!

Two things:

I had not tried the treat-when-peeing method, but had heard about it (too late, though). I'll give it a try this time.

And I have a plan of buying a Boxer pup now, so I can raise him my way, and I'll be moving back to North Carolina in a few years (a house with a HUGE yard), so I wanted to rescue one at that point. That way if my second dog has any issues, I've got plenty of outside room for him to live in.

I just have a strong desire to raise my dog from puppyhood. Do they ever get puppies at a rescure? I just don't want to a dog at this point that may already have habits that won't work in the downtown area that I live.

All the time. As a rescue we can only have 1-2 puppy litter at a time becuase they are so time consuming and take up a ton of foster space but they are constantly within the rescue. I would say that there are at least one liter euthanized or aborted per week (Arizona) that we can;t help because we are full. If you would like i can find an affiliate in your area that you can work with. You would be surprised how good of a dog you can find that is not a puppy (0-2 year olds). also, there is a huge need for adult dogs that need to be rescued as well. Let me know if you have any specific questions. Our webpage has a ton of information.

 

[sbonomo]

For example you can get a one year old that is already potty trained such as this:

http://www.boxerluv.org/animals/detail?AnimalID=6984931

 

[Hoss Style]

Specificity matters with dogs, boxers as much as any. Don't just give treats and praise. Tell him what he did that was so good, so he learns it by name. Everything he does that's good should start with "good" and have a specific name.

"Good leave it"

"Good sit"

"Good off"

"Good potty"

"Good dumpuccino"

Whatever you want to name things. If you just say, "Good job" or something generic for everything, they don't learn that terms and actions are associated. The faster you teach him to associate the action of peeing with whatever term you use for peeing, the faster he'll learn that that terms means GOING OUTSIDE and peeing.

Fantastic advice. That's going into the notepad.

 

[Hoss Style]

When house breaking the dog, when he's in the act of peeing in the right spot, along with praising him you can repeat the same verbal command. Like for my dog it was "Tika, go potty". The dog will eventually associate the command with peeing, so you'll be able to get him to urinate on command. Very useful on road trips or any other time you want him to empty his bladder so he can go a longer time without urinating.

Also, general tip, while it's good to do the best you can to keep electrical cords out his way, odds are he'll be able to get to some. Get bitter apple spray, and either swipe some on his tongue or else put some on a cotton cloth and let him chew it. He'll associate the bad taste with the smell. Then spray it on the cords so he'll smell it if he goes near them, to keep him from wanting to chew them. Can use it with furniture, shoes, or anything else, though may want test it to make sure it won't stain certain fabrics. You'll have to refresh it for awhile, and maybe give him a few more tastes over time, but it's really good for teaching him what things aren't meant for chewing.

I used the phrase "Go pee" to help break him of peeing in his crate.

I love the apple spray idea. Adding that to the "pre-puppy" list as well.

 

[Hoss Style]

First of all condolences about your prior boxer (i have an eight year old boxer) and congrats on the finding a new boxer. Please tell me you got him from a rescue. The rescue I volunteer at is currently turning down 10-20 boxers per month due to over population (boxerluv.org). I know with my boxer positive reinforcenment work best for potty training. She is very easily motivated by food so I would give her a treat every time she went outside or went to the door to let me know that she need to go outside. Literally it only took a few weeks before she stopped having accidents. I also make sure that they have time outside at a minimum in the AM before i go to work when i get home. Hope this helps and congrats!

Two things:

I had not tried the treat-when-peeing method, but had heard about it (too late, though). I'll give it a try this time.

And I have a plan of buying a Boxer pup now, so I can raise him my way, and I'll be moving back to North Carolina in a few years (a house with a HUGE yard), so I wanted to rescue one at that point. That way if my second dog has any issues, I've got plenty of outside room for him to live in.

I just have a strong desire to raise my dog from puppyhood. Do they ever get puppies at a rescure? I just don't want to a dog at this point that may already have habits that won't work in the downtown area that I live.

All the time. As a rescue we can only have 1-2 puppy litter at a time becuase they are so time consuming and take up a ton of foster space but they are constantly within the rescue. I would say that there are at least one liter euthanized or aborted per week (Arizona) that we can;t help because we are full. If you would like i can find an affiliate in your area that you can work with. You would be surprised how good of a dog you can find that is not a puppy (0-2 year olds). also, there is a huge need for adult dogs that need to be rescued as well. Let me know if you have any specific questions. Our webpage has a ton of information.

I actually plan on rescuing an adult when I get back to North Carolina, but I'd like to find one of your affiliates here in Denver, too. Could you send me a link? Maybe I can get put on a list of when they receive puppies and I can go down and take a look. PM it if you like.

Appreciate the help.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

For example you can get a one year old that is already potty trained such as this:

http://www.boxerluv.org/animals/detail?AnimalID=6984931

lol

I've been out on your site a few times in the last few weeks. My daughter did Camp Compassion this week, and it's stirred up the itch a bit. Chimay and Abbey are so freakin' cute it's sickening. My wife doesn't want a male dog, though, and I believe ours will have issues with another female in the house.

Apart from the lack of girth, Primo is pretty much the spitting image of ours.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

Crate training and box training.

Box training is teaching him how to roll on his back anytime a hot chick approaches, this can be done with a clicker. gllllllllllllllllllll

 

[Doctor Detroit]

Also sorry about your good buddy Boxer passing.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

So, my Boxer of 12 years just passed. It's unbelievable how much something is missing with him gone. For 12 years every time I got up to grab a beer, he'd stand up and walk with me. Hell, anytime you move a Boxer goes with you. It feels like something is missing around the house.

I've decided to pick up a Boxer pup sooner rather than later. My previous Boxer had serious issues with peeing in the house (apartment at the time). I think the previous tenant had a dog and it made it worse. It even got to the point where he'd pee in the kennel and lay in it when I was at work (I would of let him have run of the house but he'd leave pee-pools everywhere).

I went online for tips on preparing to bring the puppy home, but it's just run of the mill stuff for the most part. I exercise my dog for at least an hour a day - good exercise like running in the park, frisbee, and even doing the towel-pull for hours while I sit and watch TV or work (you can get a hell of an arm workout this way). Exercise wasn't the problem.

My last dog was the first I'd ever had issues with, but I don't want it again. What are some good ideas to "get ready" for the puppy coming in. I'll be getting him in about 4 months. Are those training classes at PetsMart worth it? Should I shampoo all the carpets to get the previous dog smell out? What's the best way to get him to understand that peeing outside is the way to go, as quickly as possible? Looking for ideas along these lines.

Re: PetSmart. Completely dependant on the person running the classes. Odds are no, it isn't worth it. Try and find a private trainer if possible.

Check out some of these youtube channels: tab289, kikopup, yolle555

http://www.clickerdogs.com/ is also a great resource.

Thanks for the links. Gonna check them later when working. I really want to be prepared for the incoming pup. I work more these days and need to make effective use of my time with him.

Biggest takeaway from some of those videos is how to clicker train. It is an unbelievably powerful training tool. I can't recommend it enough.

Also for potty training, teach the dog to ring bells when he wants out. So much easier for the dog to tell you when he needs out and easier for you to recognize that the dog needs out.

If you're working long days and wont be able to let the dog out, find a doggie daycare. It'll help with potty training and will give your dog some good socialization. Get your training off YouTube and spend the money on daycare.

 

[AcerFC]

I listened to a lot of things that cliff said when I got my puppy a few years back. I clicker trained and crate trained. She picked it up quick and she is the greatest dog ever. Good luck

I also went to the petsmart program. No bad things to say about it.

 

[sublimeone]

My wife trained our 2 dogs and I don't think they peed in our house more than a few times before they figured it out. Her method is to take the dog outside every 45 mins for the first week and give a treat and praise when he pees. Even if you have to stand out there for 15 mins you wait for them to go. Week 2 you can go 1.5 hours... Week 3, 2 hours and so on. This way they get so thoroughly brainwashed they don't even consider going in the house.

If they do go in the house, give a strong "no" and immediately go outside and wait as long as you have to for him to go, then give a treat and praise. Worked like a charm for both our dogs. It can be a pita the first few weeks but you get a trained dog for life.

 

[Judge Smails]

My wife trained our 2 dogs and I don't think they peed in our house more than a few times before they figured it out. Her method is to take the dog outside every 45 mins for the first week and give a treat and praise when he pees. Even if you have to stand out there for 15 mins you wait for them to go. Week 2 you can go 1.5 hours... Week 3, 2 hours and so on. This way they get so thoroughly brainwashed they don't even consider going in the house.

If they do go in the house, give a strong "no" and immediately go outside and wait as long as you have to for him to go, then give a treat and praise. Worked like a charm for both our dogs. It can be a pita the first few weeks but you get a trained dog for life.

I agree with this. Worked for us, though we were blessed because the breeder pretty much had our lab trained to go on a mat when we took him home at 6 weeks. We took him out often, and his new spot was on the side of the house. Maybe peed a few times in the house, but we quickly rushed him to the door and side of the house and he learned quickly. We've done praise, treat and clicker (along with Petsmart classes) for other training. Wife's dept, and she's sorta all over the place but dog is pretty well trained. Good luck!