When the holiday season comes around, you do not want to overlook you favorite canine friends! Here are some great gifts to keep your puppy happy and healthy all through the season.

10. A New Dog Bed

Just like people, dogs love to be comfortable. And just like babies, the more comfortable a puppy is, the better they sleep! Investing in a new resting spot for your dog doesn’t need to break the bank because dog beds can range in price from $20 to a few hundred, depending on the size and material. So be conservative, or splurge, splurge, splurge!

9. Microchip Implant

This gift is definitely more expensive than the previous, but it is worth investing in. Microchip implants can relocate lost or stolen puppies, this is especially worth thinking about if you have a full-bred puppy. The microchip implant is a pretty simple procedure that most veterinarians can perform. There is little recovery time for the pup, and the cost is approximately $100. However, if your little puppy ever runs away or gets lost or stolen, you’ll be happy you bought this gift.

8. A New Leash and Collar

This may seem like a regular ol’ gift, however a new collar and a new leash can be a very practical gift for your new puppy, especially if you are beginning leash training. One good idea is purchasing a leather leash. Yes, they are more expensive than a regular nylon lease. However, they last an extremely long time and are very hard for curious puppies to chew through! When it comes to the collar, a metal-choker collar may be a good choice for leash training, or perhaps a traditional cute and sassy collar will do.

7. Homemade Artisan Treats

If you are shopping on a budget this Christmas, homemade dog treats are a great way to treat your new puppy and show them how much you love them. You can get as creative and labor intensive as you want. Some people go all out and decorate little bone-shaped treats, but don’t forget, all that really matters is how they taste. Most recipes are based on wheat flour and flavorings, so all the ingredients can be picked up at your local grocery store.

6. Clothes

Let’s be honest, puppies in clothes are absolutely adorable. Certain breeds even require some extra clothing when going outside during those frigidly cold winter months. Christmas is a great opportunity to make your dog look exceptionally festive in a winter sweater, or get them geared up for Valentine’s Day with something pink or red. Even if your puppy doesn’t need doggie clothes, make the exception once in a while. Come on, its Christmas after all!

5. Personalized Feeding Dishes

Make your puppy’s food and water bowls stand out by getting them customized. You can add your puppy’s name, and favorite foods and toys to the bowls. This is also a good time to think about how large your puppy is going to get, and maybe getting feeding dishes that are elevated off the ground. If your breed is smaller, consider bowls with a slip guard so the bowl doesn’t move around and scratch your floor when your puppy is pigging out.

4. Gift Basket

This is a great idea if you are buying a puppy Christmas present for someone else. Most major pet stores, and lots of online retailers, offer the perfect gift baskets for new puppy owners. And since you don’t know exactly what the puppy and owner may need, these baskets give them a little bit of everything: training books, treats, chew toys, accident pads, etc.

3. Outside Toys

When it comes to playing with your puppy outside, think outside the box this year. Of course tennis balls and tug-of-war ropes are a fun choice, but there are lots of other options available. Rubber discs are a nice replacement for Frisbees because they are perfect for teething puppies. Jolly Balls are a fun blend between tug-of-war and fetch toys. Get creative with outside toys!

2. Puppy Toiletries

Puppies like to look good and feel good too! Get your new pet looking fresh and clean by buying them scented and freshening shampoos and conditioners this holiday season. Believe it or not, dog toothpastes and toothbrushes are another popular dog “toiletry.” Dental health is just as important to dogs as it is to us. And no one likes bad breath!

1. Indoor Dog Potty

This may actually be more of a gift to yourself than to your puppy. Accidents happen, especially when a new puppy is left at home by itself. Some indoor dog potties are made with synthetic grass, but they can be kind of messy. Either way, an indoor dog potty of any kind can help your pup relieve himself during the bustles of the holidays, without causing a huge mess!

Popularity: 11% [?]

It’s officially the holiday season, and with it comes a long list of things to do and to remember. Unfortunately, many people often forget about their pets during this season. Although it’s hard to forget that they’re there, it is hard to remember what things can be hazardous and stressful for your animal, especially when you’re stressed about making sure everything goes as planned during the holidays. Unfortunately, many things that come with the holidays can be extremely hazardous to your pet, including holiday food, decorations, and even just plenty of people hanging around can be potentially dangerous. Fortunately, you can take a few steps to help keep your pet safe and happy, all without having to make huge changes to your holiday plans. (Image Source)

Food

One of everyone’s favorite parts of the holidays is the tasty treats that everyone gets. Whether it is turkey, pumpkin pie, latkes, ham, eggnog, or cookies, there is something about the holidays that changes a normal food item into something special and something that everyone looks forward to. However, there are some holiday foods that can be very dangerous for your pet to ingest. When you do have your food ready though, there will always be that temptation to share the holiday spirit with your pet by giving them a few nibbles of the food, and while your intentions may be good, the result can be disastrous.First of all, giving animals too much people food can be dangerous for their long term health as they can contract serious diseases such as diabetes, but there a few foods in particular that you should avoid giving your pets. First of all, although it’s often a joke, never give alcoholic beverages to your animal. Giving them alcohol can cause a list of problems including alcohol poisoning or even make them go into a coma. Also on the list are foods such as chocolate, grapes or raisins, onions, or anything with poultry bones. Each of these can cause very painful situations, or even death, for your pet. If you want to give your dog a little treat, and you’re sure it is in good health, remember that they’re carnivores and just give them meat!


Decorations

Decorating your home for the holidays is an important part of getting into the holiday spirit. It just seems to create an energy that makes people happy and relaxed, so it’s no real wonder why so many people take part in the decorations for the holidays. However, a lot of the decorations used in the home can be dangerous to your pets, including mistletoe berries. Fortunately, most disasters can be diverted with the simple use of common sense. One constant in most holiday celebrations is the use of candles. They set a great mood, smell nice, and provide a good ambience; however animals will chew on just about anything, including candles. The wax itself is harmful when swallowed, but any additional substances used in the candle can also be equally as dangerous, if not fatal. Chemicals used to make scents could be toxic if ingested, not to mention the risk of knocking over lit candles.Animals don’t know this so it’s up to you to make sure that these things stay out of their reach. It is probably a good idea to do this with all decorations. Potpourri and dried flowers in wreaths can all make animals sick, while small glass or plastic figurines can shatter and get stuck in paws and gums causing large amounts of pain to your pet. Old tinsel could be made of lead and even lead-free tinsel can get tangled in their mouths or be ingested. All of these events can cause your pet to get sick, but they can all be avoided with a little common sense. If you think your pet would be interested in playing with or eating a decoration, do your best to keep it out of their reach or sight to keep away temptation from coming into their mind.


People

Of course lots of animals love people, and vice versa. Dogs often find delight in the company of lots of people, and even some cats like the presence of another person to sit and play with. However, the holidays present a unique mass of cheerful visitors. With so many friends and family members coming over, your house could get crowded quickly, adding additional stress on your pet. This stress grows exponentially if it is a new puppy or kitten. An unfamiliar place with lots and lots of new people nearby can easily scare the pet, and a pet that is scared and stressed can often react in uncharacteristic ways. This means that even your pet who is the most gentle and loving animal could be scared into a position where they become unsocial or violent.And if this is their first time around a lot of people, there is a good chance that they will have an accident in the house out of fear or excitement. If you notice your pet starting to act scared or uncomfortable around so many people, take them into a quiet room and give them some food, water, and a toy for them to occupy themselves with. If they want they can always come back out, but if they have their own quiet spot then they will be far more likely to stay calm and collected.

So when you start planning your holiday schedules, be sure that you don’t forget about your four-legged friend and take them into consideration as well, they’ll be just as thankful this holiday season.

Popularity: 7% [?]

Dogs may be universally cute, but they definitely do not answer to a universal language. When you call for a perro to come to you in Spain but you use the word dog, you are probably just going to have one very confused animal. Dogs have different cultural significance depending on where you are in the world, but the average American will still want to lean in and pet the cute pups (as long as they look safe).Language barriers are never good between humans. They are probably even worse for dogs who barely know their own language, let alone mysterious sounds coming from your mouth. So do yourself and the canine a favor and brush up on how to say dog in the local language. After you figure that out, practice severalbasic commands and you might be able to control the animal.

Dog in Multiple Languages:

• Ainu = seta
• Afrikaans = hond
• Akkadian = kalbum
• Albanian = qen
• American Sign Language = slappingyour right flat hand against your leg, then snapping your fingers
• Amharic = wäshsha
• Anglo-Saxon = docga, hund
• Apache = góshé
• Arabic = calb
• Aramaic = oblkd
• Armenian = shun
• Assamese = kukur
• Assyrian = kalbu
• Basque = zakur, txakur
• Belarusian = sabaka
• Bemba = imbwa
• Bengali = kutro
• Bugotu = aku, iuiu
• Bulgarian = kuche
• Burmese = hkway:
• Cantonese = gáu, káu
• Catalan = gos
• Chechen = zhala
• Cherokee = gi li, gi-tli
• Chinese = gau
• Cornish = ky΄
• Croatian = pas
• Czech = pes
• Danish = hund
• Dholuo = guok
• Dutch = hond
• Ecuadorian Quechua = allcu
• Egyptian (ancient) = auau, uahr, uher
• Eskimo = kringmerk
• Esperanto = hundo
• Estonian = koer
• Faeroese = hundur
• Fijian = kolii
• Finnish = koira
• French = chien
• Gagauz = köpek
• Galician = can
• Georgian = dzahhli
• German = hund
• Grebo = gbe
• Greek = skylos
• Gujarati = kutto
• Haitian Creole = chen
• Hawaiian = ilio, ‘iilio
• Hebrew = kelev
• Hindi = kuttA or shvAna
• Hungarian = kutya
• Icelandic = hond
• Igbo = nkita
• Indonesian = anjing
• Interlingua = can
• Inuktitut = qimmiq
• Irish = madra
• Italian = cane
• Japanese = Inu
• Kobon = kain
• Komi-Permyak = pon
• Kongo = mbwa
• Korean = gae (개)
• Kurdish = seg, fendo, kelb, kûçik
• Kyrgyz = it
• Láadan = lanemid
• Latin = canis
• Latvian = suns
• Lingala = mbwa
• Lithuanian = sunis
• Loglan = kangu
• Lojban = gerku
• Macedonian = kuche, pes
• Malayalam = pa tti
• Maltese = kelb
• Malay = anjing
• Mandinka = wulo
• Manx = moddey
• Mohawk = erhar
• Moldavian = kyne
• Mongolian = noqai, nohoj
• Navajo = lha-cha-eh
• Nepali = kukur
• Nivkh = qan
• Norwegian = hund
• Ojibwe = animosh
• Pahlavi = en
• Papago-Pima = gogs
• Pashto = spay
• Persian, Farsi = sag
• Pidgin = dok
• Pilipino = aso
• Polish = pies
• Portuguese = cão or cachorros
• Pulaar = rawaandu
• Pushtu = spay
• Romanian = cîine
• Romany = rikono
• Roviana = siki
• Ruanda = inbwa
• Russian = sobaka (собака)
• Samoan = maile
• Sanskrit = sarameyah
• Sardinian = cane
• Scottish = cù
• Sepedi = mpaa
• Serbian = ker
• Shona = imbwá
• Sicilian = cani
• Slovak = pes
• Slovene = pes
• Somali = eey
• Sorbian, Wendish, Upper Lusatian = pos, psyk
• Sotho, Southern; Sesotho, Sesuto = ntja
• Spanish = perro
• Swahili = mbwa
• Swedish = hund
• Tagalog = áso
• Taiwanese = kao and kaẃ ar
• Tatar = et
• Tiano = ao ́n
• Thai = ёáò, mah, soonahk
• Tibetan = khyi
• Tocharian = ku
• Turkish = köpek
• Twi, Akan = okeraman
• Ukrainian = sobaka, pes
• Urdu = kutta
• Uzbek = it
• Vietnamese = chó
• Welsh = ci
• Wolof = hatch, xaj
• Yakut = yt
• Yiddish = kelef or hunt
• Yoeme = chuu’u
• Yoruba = aja
• Yucatec = peḱ
• Yup’ik = qimugta
• Zarma = hansi
• Zulu = inja

Common Canine Commands in Different Languages

Resource: http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/languages.htm

Popularity: 7% [?]

Choosing to bring a new pet into your home is a huge decision. Once you have decided on the type of animal you want, there are still lots of additional things to consider. Dogs are one of the most popular pets to have because they provide companionship and tons of affection. This is why they are man’s best friend! When it comes to bringing a new dog into your home, here are a few key things to consider.

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For starters, where should you purchase your new dog? Adopting from a local animal shelters or SPCA is a great way to save an otherwise homeless animal. Not only do you find a loving pet, but you also help control the pet population. Most SPCAs and animal shelters include spaying/neutering and the first round of an animal’s shots and vaccinations is included in their purchase price. Best of all, the cost usually remains around $100. However, some animal shelters require a pretty rigorous application process so be prepared to wait a few weeks for approval.Some people prefer to buy a very specific breed of dog. Full-bred dogs are usually hard to find at animal shelters and so you have to seek out breeders. The cost for a full-bred dog can range from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand, depending on the desired breed. One of the easiest ways to find a breeder near you is through online directories. Depending on the availability of the breed you want, you may have to wait a few weeks, or even months, for an available litter.

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Before contacting a breeder, it is important to consider exactly what kind of dog is best for you and your situation. Do you live in a smaller-sized apartment, or do you have a house with lots of space, including a backyard? Generally, smaller-sized dogs are best for smaller spaces. Bull dogs, for instance, are small to medium-sized dogs that require light physical activity. They are very mild mannered and will do okay living in a place without a yard. However, just because you live in an apartment without a yard doesn’t necessarily mean you have to get a lap dog. Some larger breeds, like Great Danes, are known for their calm and lazy demeanor, therefore making them great apartment dogs too.If you are looking for a dog and have a fenced-in yard, you have a lot more flexibility in choosing a breed. Golden retrievers and Labradors are two of the most popular family-friendly breeds. These larger sized dogs love physical activity and benefit from having a lot of space to exercise. Field dogs, such as Irish Setters and Field Setters, are smaller in size but high energy dogs that love running around and jumping. For this reason, they are not recommended for apartments.

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Another consideration when buying a dog is whether or not you have children. Often times, people only think about the size of the dog, or how cute it is, instead of its demeanor. As mentioned before, most breeds have distinct “personalities,” so to speak. Beagles and Collies are known for being very patient and child-friendly. More aggressive dogs, like Pit Bulls and Rottweilers are not recommended for homes with small children. Young children may accidently agitate these extremely protective and defensive breeds. When introducing any new dog into your home (regardless of its breed), never leave young children—especially toddler-aged kids—alone with the new dog until you are sure that the new dog is completely comfortable in its new space. This phase may take several months.One of the most overlooked things to consider is your pre-existing pets! Cats and dogs are notoriously known for not getting along, but this stereotype isn’t necessarily true. Dogs that have been raised around cats at an early age usually adjust quite well to new cats. Breeds that have been traditionally bred for hunting, like terriers, may not be well-suited to cohabitate with cats or any small animal. These dogs are instinctively bred to hunt small animals. If you already have a cat and are planning to get a dog, its best to choose a dog that is young in age and has a calm demeanor.

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Before purchasing a new dog, be sure to do a little research and read about the different tendencies and personalities of each breed. Consider your overall living space, including the size of your home, the size of your yard, and the rest of your family, including pets. The transition to a new home requires a bit of time both for the family and the new pet, so be patient. If you’ve done your homework and patiently sought out the right dog for you and your family, it will be a smooth transition!

Popularity: 10% [?]

Looking to spend some quality time with man’s best friend? All dogs look forward to spending time accompanying their owners outdoors. A simple walk or quick jog can provide that necessary physical outlet your pet craves and the one on one connection you seek. However, for an enjoyable change of pace, you may wish to consider excursions other than your usual routine around the neighborhood.Dog parks are an increasingly popular alternative that not only allow for mutual exercise, but meet social needs and provide a natural opportunity for various pet training experiences. Many larger canine parks offer different sections to separate smaller from larger dogs for your comfort. General offerings include the chance for pet owners to accompany their dogs on scenic hikes featuring natural landscapes of the region. A number of outdoor sites work great if you need a large, open field for playing a relaxing round of catch with your pet.  These facilities usually offer doggie litter bags for your convenience. Most importantly, dog parks offer the chance for canines to enjoy each other’s company.Different critics have chosen what they believe to be the best dog parks in the nation, allowing you and your special pet an invigorating experience you won’t soon forget. Think of the activities you and your four-legged friend would enjoy most in a dog park prior to visiting one of the best.  If any of these are near enough to you, it’s time to grab that leash and treat your pet to a bit of doggie heaven while providing a natural, safe setting to enjoy along the way.

1. Dogwood Park – Jacksonville, Florida

For those canines with behavioral concerns, obedience training courses are offered at this location. Owners can register for courses that teach dogs the basic commands, as well as etiquette. Agility classes are available for your dog to learn new tricks while experiencing a fun outlet along the way. This park also features bathing services for your dogs and swimming at “Lake Bow Wow” – a lake designed specifically for canines.

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2. Millie Bush Bark Park – Houston, Texas

For those that seek water play, this highly rated facility offers three small ponds amongst its many acres for visitors and their canine companions to enjoy.  Dogs are separated by size and can take advantage of the washing stations if needed. The secluded, scenic environment makes for a delightful getaway from busy life.

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3. Howard and Erna Soldan Park – Lansing, Michigan

A large open field awaits those seeking space in which to let their pets run, play Frisbee, or retrieve balls. In addition, separate drinking fountains for owners and their pets, as well as a scenic pond are included to accommodate you.

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4. Happy Trails Dog Park – Dunedin, Florida

This park rates as a top notch destination with dog drinking fountains, as well as picnic grounds and shady, cooler areas. Dog exercise and training equipment is available for pet use. A refreshing, low key day awaits animal lovers visiting here.

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5. Howlabaloo Dog Park – Edinboro, Pennsylvania

Dog lovers desiring scenic excursions can count on this location for a relaxing walk in the woods along creeks, as well as the exploration of beautiful rolling hills. The park also offers weather shelters for the convenience of visitors during seasons of extreme conditions.

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6. Shaggy Pines Dog Park – Grand Rapid, Michigan

Accommodations here include trails that are lit and plowed during the winter months.  Lucky dogs that visit have the chance to dig and play at a large sand pile known as “Doggy Mountain.” If you so desire, birthday parties are also available for your canine companions.

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7. Freedom Bark Park – Lowell, Indiana

If you are looking for fun group events that your dog can participate in, you can’t go wrong with this choice. Besides a unique pet parade each year, Freedom Bark Park offers a costume contest for your dogs in October, and pictures taken with Santa the following month. Striving to maintain a natural appearance, Freedom Bark Park has made use of fallen trees to create split log benches for visitors to enjoy.

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8. Ossining Dog Park – Ossining, New York

This top pick also deserves an A+ for creativity. Special events such as “Bark in the Park,” a vendor event with various games, offer fun for all.  Park officials currently have plans in the making for a memorial wall with pet names displayed to honor former canine visitors that have passed on.

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9. Dogwood Park – Knoxville, Tennessee

Your pets will be easily entertained with this elaborate dog playground, complete with inclined hills, jumps and tunnels. Pets can drink from their own water fountains after working up a thirst from a day of frolicking through the lush meadows designated just for them.

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10. Alum Creek State Park – Lewis Center, Ohio

If you prefer a camp-like setting, this lakefront locale near Columbus caters to both visitors and their canines. The water keeps pets cool and refreshed, while owners can take advantage of biking trails, boat rentals and camping grounds.Dog lovers should keep in mind that a dog park doesn’t have to be top rated to be fun. With proper research, one can find a park in their own region where they and their pet can build a closer bond.  Every dog park can give you the proper environment in which to enjoy special time outdoors with your pet and make lasting memories along the way.

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Popularity: 8% [?]

House training a puppy is never an easy process. Mistakes and messes will inevitably occur in the first few months, but it doesn’t take long for most dogs to catch on. A new trend that has proven very useful for families is to train your dog to tell you when he has to go by ringing a bell. You can generally implement this after training and weaning your dog from an indoor dog potty, pee-pads, and the like. Once they understand that they need to eliminate outside, they are ready for the bell!

This method is generally used to train guide dogs for the blind and sight-impaired, so you know that it works.  While most of us are able to see when our dog is waiting to go out, it is easy to get wrapped up in work, kids, television, or cooking, and miss the signs. This is when accidents happen. There are a few easy steps and tricks to training your dog to ring a bell, which might remind you of Pavlov’s classical conditioning experiment.

1. Your first step is to hang a string of bells close to the front door, or whichever door you usually take your dog through to go. Make sure it is long enough that your dog will be able to reach it. Put a little treat, such as peanut butter, on the bell closest to his nose height.
2. Get your dog to lick the treat from the bell, which will make the string of bells ring. (Never shake the bells at the dog; he needs to understand that he is the one making the bells ring.) The trick is to get him to associate the treat with the bell and eventually the bell with the door opening and letting him out to do his business.
3. When it is about the time for your dog to go, or you think he is ready to eliminate, put the bells back down and add some more peanut butter or other treat. Make sure you get him to ring the bells before you open the door to let him out every time.
4. When you think your pup is starting to get the hang of it, try a few tests to see if he can figure it out. When you know he has to go, wait near the door with him until he rings the bell, encourage him however you can, and then say, “good boy!” when he rings it. You can also try leaving with the family, by closing the door right in front of your dog. If he rings the bells on the other side, then he’s finally got it!

Before you know it, your dog will touch the bells every time he has to go out, and you have completed your bell potty training. All puppies learn at different rates, so some dogs may get it in a few weeks, while others might not catch on for a month or more. Remember that you should never punish your dog for mistakes, and avoid violent or aggressive behavior when he has done something wrong. He will either feel abused, or merely think you are playing. Reward your pup for good behavior, and always use your tone of voice to determine your pleasure or displeasure with his actions.

Popularity: 48% [?]

There seems to be an overload of information out on the web right now concerning dog house training and housebreaking techniques. If you do a brief Google search on the subject, you’ll be sure to run into thousands of articles and how-to-guides full of information. However, not all of it is actually true. Amid the helpful tips on how to train your pet, you’ll also find plenty of myths that remain unverified and yet continue to be passed on as sound advice. So in order to shed some light on the matter, here is a list of some of the most popular house training myths today and whether or not they hold up to the test.

Clean up your pet’s bathroom accidents with club soda!

This is one of the most popular myths that people will call upon when discussing ways of housebreaking your dog. Inevitably, there will be some accidents in the beginning, when your pet hasn’t yet learned to go potty outside on its own. However, club soda will only help to a certain point. It may get rid of a small stain or pile, but as far as getting rid of the accompanying odor, it won’t really do much good. To make sure that your pet’s bathroom accidents don’t leave a mark (visible or otherwise), use a high-powered enzymatic cleaner that is made especially for that purpose. It’s important to get rid of the odor, not just because it’s unpleasant to humans but because your dog will recall the odor next time it needs to go, and will return to the same spot again unless you get rid of the smell. On a side note, you’ll also want to avoid using ammonia as a stain cleaner. It gives off a scent that dogs interpret as urine, or in other words, an open invitation to use that spot as a toilet.

If your dog rolls on its back and urinates, the house training isn’t working

This is a common misconception. If your dog rolls onto its back and urinates, it does NOT mean that the housebreaking isn’t working. This kind of behavior is actually a sign that your dog is intimidated or is scared of you. It’s called “submissive urination” and it happens when your dog wants to show respect or deference. How do you fix this problem? Try to be a bit more accommodating and not so intimidating. Don’t scold your dog after it performs this submissive behavior. Leave it alone for a minute and then clean up the mess. Continue with your normal housebreaking routine, but make an effort to crouch down next time you pet your dog so that you are at eye level with it. Don’t look it in the eye, as this may signal that you are trying to enforce your dominance over it. And make sure to give it plenty of love and attention.

Adult-sized crates are best, even for pups

This one is, quite simply, false. The idea of buying an adult-sized crate for your puppy stems from the belief that it’s best to get the puppy used to a bigger crate so that you don’t have to wean it out of the smaller ones gradually (something that is not just time consuming, but also expensive). However, putting a small puppy in a big, adult-sized crate will only accomplish one thing: it will encourage the pup to use one end of the crate to sleep and the other end to eliminate. Nonetheless, it is true that buying a new crate for each stage of your puppy’s development can get quite pricey. The best way to solve this crate training problem is to buy an adult sized crate with a divider that can be moved to adjust the size of the space available to your dog as it grows up.

Do NOT scold your puppy after an accident

This one, surprisingly enough, is true. For a long time people have held to the belief that scolding your puppy and rubbing its nose it its own waste was essential to teaching it not to make a mess where it’s not supposed to. When articles started coming out preaching the exact opposite, many people remained skeptical. But as any professional dog trainer will tell you, scolding your dog is an ineffective training method. Often, it will only serve to frighten and intimidate them, as they probably won’t remember what it is they did to make you so angry. The best way to housebreak your puppy is by taking it out to the yard or designated bathroom area at regular (usually 2-hour) intervals and keeping a close eye on it during its house training period so that you prevent accidents before they happen. And more importantly, reward your dog with affection and treats when it performs the desired behaviors.

Popularity: 43% [?]

Cute, cuddly, sweet little puppies are able to steal the hearts of many in a matter of seconds. However, much like anything else that you love, a puppy is a huge responsibility. It takes lots of time and energy to train, feed, and raise a newborn puppy, and depending on the breed, it may be much more difficult than you anticipate. While parenting manuals are abundant, many could use guidelines on what to expect when you’re expecting a puppy!

Choosing a Puppy

There are thousands of breeds and mixes of canines, each with different personality quirks. If you need to be able to travel a lot with your dog, a Collie or a St. Bernard might not be the best option. Before making any final decisions on what pup to purchase or adopt, make sure you consider your lifestyle. Some dogs do not do well without constant attention, and others just love to be social with other dogs. Be sure to research the many different options before trying to get a dog that will fit in perfectly with your lifestyle. Remember, it is not easy to change dogs; you should plan on changing your lifestyle to fit your dog!

Housebreaking Your Puppy

This is one of the most difficult parts of training a puppy. It is always best to start early, though it will be difficult for a pup younger than 8 weeks to catch on to housebreaking puppy training. As soon as you have trained your puppy, both of your lives will become significantly better. Most types of dogs have to potty at least once every two hours or so. If you do not have the time and patience to devote to housebreaking a puppy, consider hiring someone or asking a neighbor to let him out throughout the day. Otherwise, it will be almost impossible for you to train your puppy appropriately.There are a few tactics to help you in the process if no one will be around to help. Many people try to use a dog litter box as well as pee pads. These can save you from cleaning up a lot of messes, and help teach dogs that there are appropriate places to urinate and defecate. Another great idea is to use a crate whenever you are not home. Not only will it keep the mess in one place, but it will also teach dogs to hold it. As they get older, they tend to avoid tainting the same area where they may eat or sleep, so they will try to hold it until you come home and let them out. Just be sure to take them outside right away so they get used to it!

Training Your Puppy

Let’s face it; puppies are like training wheels for parents. You have to teach them many things about the world, and do it all without the benefit of language. There will be ruined shoes, damaged couches, and stained rugs if you are unable to train and control your dog (and some of those things will happen regardless). The first step is to teach your dog to listen to you. Using a firm voice rather than a loud or angry voice makes a much bigger impact on the dog. If you yell at them, they will probably not associate whatever you are saying with whatever they did wrong. Affection will increase their loyalty, as well as their ability to understand your tones, and listen to your requests and demands.After you have gotten the important obedience training out of the way, you can start with the fun part! Dogs love attention, and they can tell when they have impressed people. Teaching your dog to jump, sit, and rollover is often as rewarding for them as it is for you. Not only do they get plenty of treats, but they also get much desired love and affection. You can see their enjoyment in the wagging of their tail and the energetic excitement. Using a combination of praise and treats is the best way to train your dog.Regardless of the type of dog you get, it is important to make sure that your lifestyle will support it. Many breeds of dogs are very curious and rough, and may not ever acclimate to a small apartment, or overall indoor living. Dogs are often a 15-year commitment, so make sure you have the time, money, energy, and desire to raise your canine; as well as a large dose of love and affection.

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The task of housebreaking a dog is not for the impatient, or for those that are easily frustrated. It is hard work and requires perseverance, time, lots of patience, and above all, a genuine love and commitment to your pet. Among dog breeds, Shih Tzus, despite their fun and loveable personalities, are some of the hardest puppies to housebreak. They have lots of energy with which to cause trouble; short attention spans, which makes it hard for them to learn desired behaviors, and a friendly and adorable demeanor, which often makes it difficult to owners to discipline them. Add to this the fact that they’re notorious for having a desire to do whatever they please without considering the feelings of their owners, and you have a pretty big housebreaking problem on your hands.Don’t panic just yet, though. While a bit more difficult than most, the Shih Tzu puppy is not impossible to housebreak, and if you know how to go about it, it can be relatively pain free. Here are a few simple and essential Shih Tzu housebreaking guidelines that should help make your task a little easier.

Take Your Shih Tzu Puppy Outside Every 2 hours

Shih Tzus learn better through praise than through punishment. For this reason, you must begin your housebreaking task by catching your Shih Tzu doing the right thing first (i.e. eliminating outside). Take him out every 2 hours to increase your chances of catching him in the act of going potty in the right place. If you’re persistent, your every-2-hours potty breaks will pay off. When you finally catch your Shih Tzu going potty where you want him to, be sure to give him lots of praise.

Verbal Conditioning

When you catch your Shih Tzu urinating outside, say the word “potty” out loud. Continue doing this each time your puppy goes potty outside. The idea here is to begin associating the word with the action. It will take many repetitions, but if you do this early on, after a few months, whenever you say the word “potty” your Shih Tzu will understand the association, and be more inclined to go potty.

Praise Your Shih Tzu Verbally and With Physical Affection

If there’s one thing Shih Tzu puppies crave, it is love and affection. Lots of it. So when your Shih Tzu pup does something you want it to do, praise him with your voice and your touch. Give him a lot of hugs and kind words and he’ll be eager to please you again next time by performing the action that led to your coddling him, i.e. urinating outside instead of on your Persian rug.

Watch for Warning Signs

If your Shih Tzu pup is circling an area or sniffing at it, it could be a sign that it’s about to eliminate there. When your Shih Tzu is indoors, be sure to keep an extremely close watch on him or her. Identifying warning signs before it’s too late will make your job that much easier. Your Shih Tzu will obviously have no clue at first where the “right” place to eliminate is, so you’ll have to keep an eye on him or her for the first few months if you want to avoid having to clean your carpet or hardwood floor every day.

Cut Back on Outdoor Visits Gradually

Continue the routine described in the above steps for a good six weeks or until your Shih Tzu has no more accidents inside. You can then start cutting back on the frequency of outdoor visits. If you’ve done your job right, your Shih Tzu will start letting you know when it needs to go potty by standing next to the patio door and whimpering.

Accessories

Many people use synthetic grass as a way of encouraging familiarity with the appropriate places to eliminate, while others believe that puppy pads do the trick. Synthetic grass is generally a terrible idea because it creates more of a mess, with wet and stinky paws to clean, as well. While you can certainly lie things such as puppy pads down as protection, these accessories do not normally aid in the housebreaking and training procedure.

Remember That Punishment is Not as Effective as Praise

Punishment is definitely NOT something you want to use when housebreaking a dog, and especially not when housebreaking a Shih Tzu pup. Shih Tzus don’t react well to punishment. As was mentioned before, they have short attention spans. They won’t be able to remember why they were being punished. And if anything, they’ll just hide it from you next time they potty inside. Praise is a much more effective and (in the long run) a much easier method.

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Yorkshire terriers are notoriously hard to housebreak. Any yorkie owner will tell you that training a yorkie not to pee in the house is the hardest hurdle to jump. However, as you’re working to housebreak your yorkie, it’s good to keep in mind that your dog is not trying to purposefully infuriate you, even if their misbehavior seems insistent or stubborn. With the right training, most yorkies will catch on, even if it takes a while. The trick here is to have patience and to give your Yorkshire Terrier lots of love and care. Here are some helpful tips that should make it easier for you to get your yorkie to do what you want it to.

Be Consistent with Outside Potty Times

The first thing you need to do is to set up a consistent schedule of potty times for your dog. If you are only taking your yorkie out to relieve himself 2 or 3 times a day, don’t expect him/her to stop peeing inside. Take your yorkie out as soon as it wakes up and right before it goes to bed. Throughout the day, you should try to take him/her out every two hours. Hire a dog sitter if you have to during this initial training period. Again, you must be consistent with this in order for it to work. Soon, your yorkie will start catching on to the schedule. Once you see him/her going out on their own, it means s/he’s used to the routine. At this point, you can start gradually increasing the time intervals.

Give Him Praise for Good Behavior

If you are outside with your yorkie terrier, either in the backyard playing fetch or on a walk, remember to praise and show affection to your dog when s/he relieves him/herself in an appropriate place. You might want to give him/her a treat as a kind of reward that s/he can associate with their good behavior. This is all part of the process that will train him/her to pee and poop outside. It will let him/her know that outside is the place to go.

Chastising Your Yorkshire Terrier

If you’re inside and you catch your yorkie doing his business on your floor or furniture, say “NO!” firmly and loudly, pick him/her up, and take him/her outside immediately. Do not chastise him/her for mistakes unless you catch him/her in the act, otherwise s/he will not make the connection between his/her actions and your anger.

Crate Training

Crate training your Yorkshire Terrier can help in the process of housebreaking a puppy. The crate will become your yorkie’s private den, and will keep him/her from running rampant around your house while you’re gone or not looking. If a yorkie gets used to the crate, it will help alleviate their anxiety and make the whole housebreaking process easier on both of you.

Don’t Rub Your Dog’s Nose in the Mess

This is one of the biggest mistakes that people make while they’re trying to housebreak dogs. DO NOT rub your yorkie’s nose in the mess when they make one, even if it’s on your favorite Italian leather couch. This kind of abuse has absolutely no positive effects for your efforts. It will only increase your dog’s anxiety and make the whole process of housebreaking him/her much more difficult.

Clean the Mess Thoroughly When it Happens

If your yorkie keeps urinating or defecating in the same spot of your house, it could be because there is still some smell remaining from a previous time. Dogs are attracted to the smell of the same spot where they did their business before. Removing all traces of odor will make it so that they don’t have a particular spot indoors for their business.

Consult with Your Veterinarian

If the training methods you’re using are just simply not working, it could be that your yorkie has some kind of medical condition that makes it hard for him/her to control their bowels or urinary tract. If you’re housebreaking training isn’t doing the trick, try taking your dog to the vet and see what the doctor has to say.Above all, make sure that you are loving and attentive. Stay consistent in your housebreaking methods and be patient. Yorkies are intelligent and loving animals, and even though it can be difficult to deal with their initial training, anyone can do it provided they stick to the plan.

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