Pug Training Using a Crate and a Leash

by Michelle E. Arthur

For most Pugs, the opportunity to run around in a big yard just can't happen. Pugs are more likely to spend their days cooped up in the house while their owner or family goes out. This makes creating a potty schedule difficult.

A combination of crate and leash training works for some Pugs. If the adult Pug is new to your family or returning home after time in a kennel while you were away, you may have to reinforce his potty training.

One way to train is by using a crate during the day and incorporate a leash that isn't too restricting when you are at home with your Pug. Keeping your Pug locked up and unable to roam around all day is not really the best answer - but it is a part of the training process.

Start as you would with a puppy and set up regular potty breaks. Make sure that you time the elimination breaks with enough time after feeding so the Pug can do something meaningful on the trip outside.

Take time off or spend a weekend carefully watching your Pug and make note of any signs that he needs to use the bathroom. Typically, a Pug will shake, act antsy or even begin to squat. These signs mean that you need to quit whatever you are doing and lead your Pug to a safe spot to do his business.

If your Pug does a good job and uses the bathroom the way you have hoped for, be sure to praise him for his efforts. This type of positive reinforcement helps your puppy learn exactly what to do to make you happy.

If, during your absence, your Pug stayed in a kennel where he eliminated, ate and slept in the same area, then he may have lost his earlier training. He's also probably very depressed and dejected.

Pugs don't like to mix potty with living space anymore than you want to eliminate on the floor in your kitchen. So he needs to start again and build up confidence in his potty skills and in the willingness of the adult on duty to take him out when he needs to go.

An older Pug probably has better bladder control than a puppy, so he can usually go longer periods between potty breaks. However, your Pug may have a urinary tract infection, diarrhea or other medical problem that's the real cause of his accidents.

If you notice a sudden or drastic change in your Pug's potty habits it is a good idea to take him to the vet for safe measure. Potty problems can be a sign of something much more serious.

If it turns out that your puppy has a medical condition, take it easy with the potty training. Your Pug needs lots of love and affection and may not be able to control his urges or be able to focus on them. Keep your Pug on a leash when he's not in the crate and keep a close eye on him for signs that he needs to potty while he is recovering.



Author's Resource:

Watch free videos on Pug house training, Pug audio and Pug health advice by the Pug trainers of UltimatePug.com.

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Dress Up Your Dog

By : Shelley Ontis
Few things look more adorable than a dog dressed in boots, a sweater and a pom-pom hat, or a dog in a cute or clever costume for Halloween. But there are many reasons to dress your dog besides how precious he or she will look in a fashionable ensemble!

• Some dogs, particularly small breeds, feel the cold more acutely than most people realize. And small dogs tend to get cold faster than larger breeds. A sweater or coat on a cold day can make outdoor time more pleasant for your pet. If you’re shivering in the cold, chances are your dog feels it, too.

• Raincoats aren't just fashionable springtime wear, they protect your dog. Animal fur does protect dogs against water, but it can only protect them so much. Once the dog’s fur gets wet enough to soak through to the skin, the dog can grow cold more quickly than if his or her skin stayed dry. Short-haired breeds are more susceptible to rain and wet conditions than long-haired dogs.

• Snow and ice can damage a dog's pads, so dog boots, while cute, do more than make people giggle. They protect your dog’s feet from the harsh elements. Dogs that walk and run over rugged terrain, like dogs used for hunting or tracking, can benefit from rugged boots designed for rough landscapes. Even the tiniest dogs can be made more comfortable with boots, especially in the winter when it’s necessary to walk on ice, snow and salt. Cracked pads are painful, but prevention in the form of boots can save your doggie’s paws.

• Dogs can sunburn, too. Clothing, whether light garments in the summer or warm coats in the winter, protect your dog from the sun. Dogs with light hair and pink skin are especially sensitive to the sun’s rays, just as we are. You’ve got another reason to dress your pooch in that sassy T-shirt for a day at the park—sun protection! And consider putting sunscreen on your dog’s ears, nose and stomach if you’re planning much time in the sun. Your vet can recommend a brand that will work well on your dog.

Before you write off the idea of dog clothing as something cutesy and unnecessary, consider how you feel when you go from a nice warm house to the cold outdoors. If your dog lives indoors with you, your pet is used to the same toasty, warm environment. You wouldn’t go outside in mid-winter for any length of time wearing only your regular clothes and a pair of thin slippers! So, bundle up your pup against the weather, and make sure outside time is comfortable and fun.

If you love dressing up your pets, check out some of the pet costumes you can find online. You know what is even better? You and your pet dressing up together! Why not find adult costumes that compliment the ones you buy for your pet. Start a new fashion trend with matching costumes and watch the masses turn and stare. It's fun to make you and your pet the center of attention sometimes.



Author's Resource:

Shelley Ontis is a freelance writer who writes for Remmeer. Remmeer offers a wide variety of dog gifts and dog lover gifts, including dog coats and sweaters.

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Are Invisible Dog Fences Good For Your Dog?

By : Scott Lawson
Invisible dog fences fall into two basic categories. Those that are considered underground invisible dog fences require an actual copper wire to be buried around the perimeter of the area you wish to use to contain the dog. The other type of electric or wireless dog fence uses a radio frequency instead of an actual copper wire like the underground dog fence. Both of these types of invisible dog fences have the same basic use.

You equip your dog with a collar that will give them a warning when they are approaching their limits. If the dog ignores the warning sounds emitted by the dog collar and gets too close to the boundaries of the then they receive a small shock to stop them in their tracks. Proper use of either of these types of invisible dog fences require some training with your dog so they know exactly where they can go.

The big controversy over the invisible dog fence is because of the electric shock the dog receives. When dogs go to close to the boundaries of the containment area. One opinion is that any negative reinforcement is bad and basically constitutes animal cruelty. The other opinion on the invisible dog fence is that with proper training the dog will not endure any pain and will be kept safe by not leaving the safe haven of the yard. I can understand both sides of this argument and realize that there is a give and take with an invisible dog fence. If your using an invisible dog fence just because you're lazy and don't want to train your dog, then this is definitely not the way to contain your dog. If you take the time to properly train your dog and use the invisible dog fence as an added tool to keep them from the harms of a busy road then I personally think it's OK. I would much rather my dog got a small shock from the invisible dog fence than get hit by a car.

There are plenty of videos out there that show you how to train your dog properly when using an invisible dog fence and any new dog owner should view them before ever considering either a wireless dog fence or the underground dog fence. I do agree that negative reinforcement isn't the best way to train your dog but if you use your invisible dog fence properly the dog shouldn't experience any shock unless it's to save his life. I'll try to cover more on invisible dog fences including training and installation in future articles.



Author's Resource:

Electric Dog fence
Wireless Dog Fences
Dog Doors And More

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