Potty Training may be one of the most frustrating, yet common challenges you will face when introducing a puppy into your home.  Let’s start by discussing things pet owners should not do.  Try to avoid using newspaper or puppy pads, which can mislead your dog into believing it is okay to relieve himself inside your home.  Secondly, DO NOT punish the dog for pottying in the wrong place and never rub the dog’s nose in it. If you are going to be away from home for long periods of time, it is important to be consistent in following these simple steps.

Step #1—Management System

One of the first things you should do is establish a management system or “Den Space”.  (A crate or kennel is usually the best type)  The crate or kennel should be just large enough for your dog to easily stand up and turn around.  A crate that is too big or using a large crate without a divider will give your puppy the opportunity to relieve himself in the crate.  A crate with a removable divider, allowing the interior of the crate to grow as your puppy matures, will be the best solution.   A playpen or even a small bathroom, are also options for a “Den Space”.  If you choose either of these den spaces, make sure they are “puppy-proof,” or free of objects or materials that dogs can chew or destroy.

Step #2—Routine

Every time your dog comes out of his “Den Space,” you should take him to the designated “Potty” area.  In the early stages of training, it is important to make both the exit door and the “Potty” area consistent.

Next, select a word or phrase to use as a command each time you take your dog outdoors to relieve himself.  The word “Potty” is most commonly used and may be the best choice. Another phrase you might consider is, “Do your business.” An important step in this training is to use your word or phrase repeatedly, beginning the moment your dog is released from his “Den Space.” This will begin to teach your dog what exit to approach when he has to go.  Once your dog is outside, keep repeating your word or phrase.  Do not yell or use a questioning tone of voice, instead use a motivating voice.  When your dog begins to relieve himself, immediately start to praise him.  Do not wait until he is finished before giving him the positive reinforcement he deserves for going in the correct place.

A Word About Feeding:

An important part of defining your routine includes establishing a consistent feeding schedule.  Ideally you should feed your dog two times a day (For puppies: two to three times a day). Leave the food down for only 15 to 20 minutes per feeding.  If your dog doesn’t eat within that period of time, remove the food until the next meal.  Don’t worry if your dog skips a feeding, he will eat when he needs to and within a couple of days he will be eating at mealtime.  If you don’t know when food goes in, you won’t know when it is ready to come out!

Step #3—Supervision

While your dog is out of his “Den Space” it is important to supervise him.  Always be on the lookout for signs that your dog has to relieve himself, such as sniffing around or circling in place.   One fatal yet common mistake is giving your puppy too much freedom, too quickly.

Initially: 100% Supervision

When you first start potty training, don’t let the dog out of your sight, no matter where he is within your home.  You need to catch him in the act of relieving himself, in the wrong place, every time.  Supervision will eliminate unseen accidents and reinforce the rules of housebreaking.

Managing Supervision

If you can’t give your dog 100 percent supervision, tether him to a table or a chair with a leash.  This is ideal if you are eating a meal or just relaxing and watching television.  If you are preoccupied and cannot watch your puppy, keep him in his “Den Space”.

When Accidents Happen…

If you catch your puppy making a mistake, immediately take him to the “potty” area.  It isn’t necessary to correct or scold your dog when you catch him going in the wrong place.  If you find an accident after the fact, just clean it up and refer to your rules of supervision. Within these three steps, you will soon discover that the key to successfully housebreaking your puppy, comes down to one principal… Be Consistent!

Sit Means Sit Dog Training Temecula would like you to have a safe and happy holiday season! We found these tips on the ASPCA website and wanted to share them with you:

‘Tis the season for friends, family and holiday feasts—but also for possible distress for our animal companions. Pets won’t be so thankful if they munch on undercooked turkey or a pet-unfriendly floral arrangement, or if they stumble upon an unattended alcoholic drink.

Check out the following tips from ASPCA experts for a fulfilling Thanksgiving that your pets can enjoy, too.

Talkin’ Turkey
If you decide to feed your pet a little nibble of turkey, make sure it’s boneless and well-cooked. Don’t offer her raw or undercooked turkey, which may contain salmonella bacteria.

Sage Advice
Sage can make your Thanksgiving stuffing taste delish, but it and many other herbs contain essential oils and resins that can cause gastrointestinal upset and central nervous system depression to pets if eaten in large quantities. Cats are especially sensitive to the effects of certain essential oils.

No Bread Dough
Don’t spoil your pet’s holiday by giving him raw bread dough. According to ASPCA experts, when raw bread dough is ingested, an animal’s body heat causes the dough to rise in his stomach. As it expands, the pet may experience vomiting, severe abdominal pain and bloating, which could become a life-threatening emergency, requiring surgery.

Don’t Let Them Eat Cake
If you’re baking up Thanksgiving cakes, be sure your pets keep their noses out of the batter, especially if it includes raw eggs—they could contain salmonella bacteria that may lead to food poisoning.

Too Much of a Good Thing
A few small boneless pieces of cooked turkey, a taste of mashed potato or even a lick of pumpkin pie shouldn’t pose a problem. However, don’t allow your pets to overindulge, as they could wind up with a case of stomach upset, diarrhea or even worse—an inflammatory condition of the pancreas known as pancreatitis. In fact, it’s best keep pets on their regular diets during the holidays.

A Feast Fit for a Kong
While the humans are chowing down, give your cat and dog their own little feast. Offer them Nylabones or made-for-pet chew bones. Or stuff their usual dinner—perhaps with a few added tidbits of turkey, vegetables (try sweet potato or green beans) and dribbles of gravy—inside a Kong toy. They’ll be happily occupied for awhile, working hard to extract their dinner from the toy.

Ryan McGuire
Owner/Operator
SIT MEANS SIT Dog Training Temecula
Sorry, We Don’t Train Husbands, Wives, or Kids!

(951) 246-8223

temecula@sitmeanssit.com

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A popular misconception is that dogs age 7 years for each calendar year. In fact, canine aging is much more rapid during the first 2 years of a dog’s life. After the first 2 years the ratio settles down to 5 to 1 for small and medium breeds. For large breeds the rate is 6 to 1, and for giant breeds the rate is 7 to 1. Thus, at 10 years of age a Great Dane would be 80 years old while a pug would only be 64.

How to Tell a Dog’s Age

If you’ve taken in a dog whose age is unknown, there are some ways to determine his age. Here are some things vets check to get a general sense of how old a dog is:

The Teeth: Dogs usually have a set of permanent teeth by their seventh month, so if you’ve come across a dog with clean pearly whites, he is likely a year old or thereabouts. Yellowing on a dog’s back teeth may put the dog between one and two years of age, while tartar build-up at a minimal level could mean you have a dog between 3 and 5. Missing teeth or severe wear usually means the dog is a senior and could use some special dental care.

Muscle Tone: Younger dogs are more likely to have some muscle definition from their higher activity level. Older dogs are usually either a tad bonier or a little fatter from decreased activity.

The Coat: A younger dog usually has a soft, fine coat, whereas an older dog tends to have thicker, coarser (and sometimes oilier) fur. A senior dog may display grays or patches of white, particularly around the snout.

The Eyes: Bright, clear eyes without tearing or discharge are common in younger dogs. Cloudy or opaque eyes may mean an older dog.

Use this chart to calculate your dog’s age:

Old Age in Dogs

The age at which a dog can be considered elderly varies widely among models. In general, the larger the dog, the more quickly it declines. For instance, a Great Dane could be considered “senior” at age 5, while a smaller toy poodle would still be spry at twice that age. Remember, however, that just because a dog is chronologically old doesn’t mean that an endless series of malfunctions is in store. In many cases an elderly dog can enjoy many healthy, active, pain-free years.

One of the best ways to prolong the life and improve the functions of an elderly dog is to carefully regulate its fuel intake. Older dogs exercise less and thus need fewer calories. And since age reduces their ability to digest and absorb nutrients, high-quality food specifically formulated for their needs is a necessity. Excessive amounts of protein, phosphorus, and sodium can aggravate kidney and heart problems, so most such foods contain smaller amounts of higher-quality protein, along with reduced quantities of other elements. Levels of vitamins, zinc, fatty acids, and fiber, however, are increased. www.dogster.com

Ryan McGuire
Owner/Operator
SIT MEANS SIT Dog Training Temecula
Sorry, We Don’t Train Husbands, Wives, or Kids!

(951) 246-8223

Temecula Dog Park Sit Means Sit Dog Training Reviews Temecula 951.246.8223 life time dog training unlimited dog training private dog training in home temecula murrieta lake elsinore canyon lake Dog Training private in home Temecula Dog Training Temeula Dog obedience puppy training potty training dogs temecula california temecula valley murrieta menifee lake elsinore wildomar winchester dog training puppy obedience potty training Menifee Dog Park 951.246.8223 landscaping yard plants trees shrubs landscaping hemet perris sun city temecula valley fallbrook Palomar Mountain De Luz Canyon Lake dog training your beautiful yard dog kennel dog crate dog bowl dog training dog friendly dog grass dog leash dog aggression fearful dogs deaf dogs dog aggression timid Dogs old dogs young dogs puppy dogs shy dogs landscaping grass lifetime dog training dog boarding Temecula Doggy Daycare doggie boot camp board and train boarding facility private in home dog training private training obedience pottie training Potty Training puppy puppies puppy management dogs k9 k-9 canine Dock Dogs Dog Trainer Ryan McGuire 92003 92028 92059 92061 92066 92086 92518 92530 92531 92532 92536 9253992543 92544 92545 9254692548 92549 92561 9256292563 92564 92567 92570 92571 92572 92581 92582 92584 92585 92586 92587 92589 92590 92591 92592 92593 92595 92596 92599 92060 92082

A Dog’s Prayer

Treat me kindly, my beloved master, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me.

Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hand between the blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me do.

Speak to me often, for your voice is the world’s sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footsteps falls upon my waiting ear.

When it is cold and wet, please take me inside, for I am now a domesticated animal, no longer used to bitter elements. And I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth. Though had you no home, I would rather follow you through ice and snow than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest home in all the land, for you are my god and I am your devoted worshiper.

Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I should not reproach you were it dry, I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst. Feed me clean food, that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side, and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life should your life be in danger.

And, beloved master, should the great Master see fit to deprive me of my health or sight, do not turn me away from you. Rather hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest – and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands.

~Beth Norman Harris

Power Pooch Smoothies

Recipe courtesy Rachael Ray from Every Day with Rachael Ray, August 2007 issue.

Ingredients

• 1 (8-ounce) container plain yogurt
• 1 cup blackberries or raspberries or 5 large, hulled strawberries
• 1 mango, sliced
• 1 very ripe banana
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 cup ice water

Directions

Process all ingredients in a blender at high speed until smooth. Pour pooch smoothies into small bowls and freeze. Remove from the freezer, set on the floor and let your pooch lick the treat.

Rachel Ray and her dog, Isaboo.

Ryan McGuire
Owner/Operator
SIT MEANS SIT Dog Training Temecula
Sorry, We Don’t Train Husbands, Wives, or Kids!

(951) 246-8223

Serving these Southern California locations: Temecula, DeLuz, Redhawk, Tenaja, Murrieta, French Valley, La Cresta, Wildomar, Bear Creek, Lake Elsinore, Canyon Lake, Menifee, Sun City, Winchester, Romoland, Perris, Homeland, San Jacinto and Hemet

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Some dogs do not mind the fireworks, while others can be terrified of them. Dogs have very sensitive ears; In fact they are 10 times as sensitive as our own. If you think the fireworks are loud, just think about what your dog is hearing. Also, consider the fact that we have few holidays a year where dogs are exposed to the bright lights and loud noises, which can catch your dog off-guard and confuse him.

The day after a night of fireworks, many pet owners find themselves frantically searching for their pets that have run away. Some pets are fortunate enough to be picked up by shelters but often times are not so lucky.

Here are some simple tips to keeping your pet’s safe:

• Leave your pets at home if they show signs that they are frightened or uncomfortable around the fireworks. Some dogs are not afraid of fireworks at all; instead, they think that they are exciting toys and will try to chase or pickup them up – which is also a good reason to leave them indoors.

• Leave them in a small room (preferably with no windows) in a crate where they are less likely to harm themselves, or your home.

• Do not leave your pets outside even if you have a fenced yard. Frightened pets will dig, climb, jump and do just about anything to escape.

• Make sure your pets have their collars and ID tags on in case they do get out. Better yet, micro chip them in case they lose their collars in their frantic attempts to escape.

• Play some music, or leave the TV on to drown out the fireworks.

• Spend some one on one time with your dog a few hours before the fireworks begin or before you leave them alone. Throwing the ball around, or taking him for a long walk can help calm him down and tire him out.

• Make sure your dog gets the chance to relieve himself before all the noise begins – just in case!

• Try giving your dog a relaxing bath using aromatherapy shampoos or a long massage.

•               Add some cooked potato or cooked white rice to his regular meal to help him feel full and sleepy.

• Plan far enough ahead so you can get some dog anxiety medication from your vet.

• Give him a favorite chew toy stuffed with treats (If you freeze it the night before it will take him longer to get the goodies out.) There are many long lasting chew toys you could try, but please remember that your pets should always be supervised.

• DO NOT try to soothe or baby your dog if they begin to show signs of anxiety; it will most likely make the situation worse.. Be cheerful and confident in your tone, and reward your dog for calm behavior.

The 4^th of July is an exciting holiday and is a great time to celebrate with friends and family. Remember that your pets do not always share this excitement. Please forward this important message to all the pet owners in your lives, and stop pet tragedies from happening on this holiday.

Ryan McGuire
Owner/Operator
SIT MEANS SIT Dog Training Temecula
Sorry, We Don’t Train Husbands, Wives, or Kids!

(951) 246-8223

Temecula Dog Park Sit Means Sit Dog Training Reviews Temecula 951.246.8223 life time dog training unlimited dog training private dog training in home temecula murrieta lake elsinore canyon lake Dog Training private in home Temecula Dog Training Temeula Dog obedience puppy training potty training dogs temecula california temecula valley murrieta menifee lake elsinore wildomar winchester dog training puppy obedience potty training Menifee Dog Park 951.246.8223 landscaping yard plants trees shrubs landscaping hemet perris sun city temecula valley fallbrook Palomar Mountain De Luz Canyon Lake dog training your beautiful yard dog kennel dog crate dog bowl dog training dog friendly dog grass dog leash dog aggression fearful dogs deaf dogs dog aggression timid Dogs old dogs young dogs puppy dogs shy dogs landscaping grass lifetime dog training dog boarding Temecula Doggy Daycare doggie boot camp board and train boarding facility private in home dog training private training obedience pottie training Potty Training puppy puppies puppy management dogs k9 k-9 canine Dock Dogs Dog Trainer Ryan McGuire 92003 92028 92059 92061 92066 92086 92518 92530 92531 92532 92536 9253992543 92544 92545 9254692548 92549 92561 9256292563 92564 92567 92570 92571 92572 92581 92582 92584 92585 92586 92587 92589 92590 92591 92592 92593 92595 92596 92599 92060 92082

Seasonal pet health hazards should be considered during the extreme temperatures of both winter and summer. Keeping pets safe during the summer is easiest if you know what the risks are and how to manage them for your dog’s safety.