Having Trouble Training your New Puppy?, Your New Rescue? or Just a Dog that needs a Refresher? -  To  Let You know when they have to Go!

 

Why Not Give Poochie Bells a Chance!

RING RING - GOTTA GO!

 

 

Teach your dog to communicate with you. Poochie Bells can be a helpful tool. They are a dog training bell system on a ribbon that you hang by your door. Teach them to ring them and you're (and your dog) are good to GO!

 

PoochieBells have handy guide on their site but I will share their info with you here on my blog page.

 

1. First you need to INTRODUCE your dog to the bells

 

Hang PoochieBells inside the house on a doorknob or hook next to the door your dog exits to go out and leave it there so it is accessible at all times for your dog to ring

 

 

2. ASSOCIATE going out with the Bells - But be CLEAR

Every time you let your dog out to potty, bring the dog to the bells to sniff, ring them, and state a command such as “Outside, ring your bells!”, praise the dog, then take him/her out to potty. We do not recommend playing with or giving the dog a treat at that time. You want him/her to associate ringing the bells with potty time only.

3. PRAISE and REPEAT & Be Consistent

 

Throughout the training, continue your command, be consistent and praise your dog for their attention and wanted behavior. Consistency is key.

 

Repeat this training method until your dog begins to ring the bells on their own. - AND they Will!  Make sure to praise your dog on their newly learned behavior to reinforce the action.

 

I have sold a lot of them through the years and the feedback has been great but as mentioned above, consistency and praise are essential and you have to associate the bells with going out to do their business - not play or treat time.  The bells come on ribbons - you can choose a color to match your décor.  If you have a house with a front and back door we often suggest you get two to make it easier for your dog and you.

 

They also make great gifts for new dog owners - doesn't matter if they are a puppy, a new rescue or an older adopted dog.

 

 

 



 

Socializing Your Pets - Yappy Hour/Ask the Trainer

Socialization of Dogs is very important - especially puppies.  Puppies need to meet people - all kinds - and other dogs - young and old. The ultimate goal is for them to avoid displaying fear or aggression. There are a number of different ways you can accomplish this - one is to find a situation where they can meet lots of people and other dogs.

One option is something like the Yappy Hours we hold at Cause to Paws. We push aside the displays and make room for the dogs (and people) to interact and socialize. These supervised sessions with other dogs is a good idea - you need to make sure to do this only after your puppy has received its full set of vaccinations.  We also have a couch area where you can sit with your puppy in a more private way,  where you and others can handle and pet the puppy/dog or allow them to "retreat" to an area where they can rest in case they get tired from playing with the other dogs. And it is fun. We test out new treats (for people and pets), toys and talk about our dogs - doesn't get much better than that.

Training your Pet - You can also attend socialization classes or a variety of training options - that go beyond just Puppy training.  Many trainers offer a variety of classes including Agility, Dog Park Behavior, Canine Good Citizen Training, and much more. At Cause to Paws we often have trainers come in to give free talks - including "Ask the Trainer" - where you can meet a trainer and ask questions (and remember no question is a stupid one) - about your dog's behavior, training or any concerns you might be having. It's a good way to know what is available before making a commitment . We have a new session coming up on Sunday, June 19th starting at 3 PM with Vera Wilkinson, from The Cooperative Dog.

In addition to classes - walk the streets, bring them to a park and spend as much time as necessary to ensure that you have a well trained, socialized and happy puppy/dog.  It is well worth the effort.