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Ask Inger: How Do I Introduce My NEW Dog To My Cat?

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 07:30:00 GMT

Hi Inger!

My puppy, Hanni, is a 9-month-old Jack Russell mix, and we've had her about 6 weeks now. She has mainly been in in the kitchen since her arrival and we crate her at bedtime. We also have a 4 year old cat, India. India has basically been hibernating upstairs in the bedrooms and only comes downstairs to use the litter box and eat. We're beginning to introduce Hanni to other parts of the house, and now India is hiding in closets, under beds, etc. My kids and I fear that she'll remain in isolation forever! We feel badly for India because we don't want her to feel unloved and replaced. Hanni hasn't been aggressive with India, just excited and very curious. What do we do? Should we have puppy/kitty dates where we introduce them slowly?

Best regards,
Ellen C.

Dear Ellen,

First of all, great job on beginning crate training! That said, I have a few suggestions for you to try:

1. Hanni's crate needs to be moved around the house at different times of the day. Use a corral, or exercise pen, to give her an area where she can relax and chill out in different areas of the house and put the crate inside this area so that she can go in and out as she pleases. Make sure you put soft music on and give her water and a chew bone. This way she is being socialized to the different sights, sounds and smells of your daily life in different parts of your house without your cat being in danger.

2. Move Hanni's crate up to your bedroom at night so that she becomes part of the bedtime ritual. Take her outside on a leash to potty and then back upstairs and into her crate for the night. Routine and structure is essential.

3. India should be allowed to be socialized to Hanni at her own pace. It may take time, but implementing corrals and baby gates in your home allow her to feel safe while your cat and dog can still see and smell each other. These gated areas keep curious and excited Hanni in check, while India has the choice to jump over and visit if she wants to! Don't force the integration process by having puppy/kitty dates, as this could exacerbate India's stress and fear.

Good Luck!
Inger

You Can Now Get A TIcket If Your Dog Barks. Here Are Some Basic Tips To Help

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 19:43:00 GMT

Does your dog bark at door bells, people passing on the street and from the yard? Most dogs will and do! In Los Angeles you can now get a "dog barking ticket" starting $250.00.

Yesterday, the city of Los Angeles approved new guidelines stating that if a dog barks for more than 10 minutes non stop or for 30 minutes within a 3 hour period owners could get a ticket.

Those of you who have a "chronic barker" CAN do something about it. Listen up, many dogs can get into bad habits of barking when owners aren't home. Hence, a bark-a-holic behavior develops. This to a degree is a dog owner issue. Sure, there are breeds that tend to bark more than others but in general it can be managed within your daily routine with your dog. That may be where the problem is and the solution begins.

Here's some basic tips to paws for a minute... and ponder over.

1. Pay attention to the time of day when you leave your dog in the yard. Late afternoon's are when major barking can occur. It's cooler out and people come home from work and kids from school. Better to do a quick potty break and play fetch until you can go for a walk. I know this is basic advice, but it works.

2. I am not a fan of bark collars. This type of collar is usually not the solution. Barking is a behavior that can be fixed by adjusting a few things in your daily life and routine with your dog.

3. If you have a window that your dog looks out of all day long (when your not home) may indicate that you need to establish a new area for your dog to hangout, while your not home. This spot can usually a temporary space to establish a den space with in your house. You can easily create a space with a baby gate that allows your dog to see out. Never Shut a dog in a room with the door closed. This creates anxiety for young dogs, hence baby gate concept. Use a gate when you are home initially to get your dog used to it and also so you can correct any behaviors. Once this new space becomes a cozy space for your dog, it can get rid of the hobby of barking! Music helps a lot too!

I know these tips can sound well, duh!... basic. But, well...so is barking. Could the solution be so simple? In many cases, yes.

A Parent and Dog Owner's Dream

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 17:44:00 GMT

Pure happiness! If you don't own one of these fancy contraptions, read my blog on Fetch!

My Seven Breeds of Dog Owners. Here's Number One. Which One Are You?

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 08:04:00 GMT

After many years of teaching people and their dogs, I came to recognize personality traits in owners that fell into 7 distinct groups. These breed's of owners, as I called them help them realize how large a role they play in their dogs training success. The first breed of dog owner I labeled "the coaxer." Not you? Well here are a few questions to see if you fit into this breed.

Do you feel if you repeat a command often enough, sooner or later your dog will catch on? Are your favorite words “Come on!”? Or do you call your dog’s name a zillion times hoping the dog will pay attention? If your actions fit this breed of dog owner, your dog is on his way to teaching you to beg!

Chew on this: If your dog could talk, his first words would be “WHAT?”

Identifying features: This personality type of owner gets an A for effort, but is carrying the philosophy of repetition in dog training too far. The Coaxer comes in many different shapes and sizes. A fundamental problem arises from endless repeating of your dog's name without addressing what you want your dog to do. Actions prove louder than words. Actions, such as using movement and the command "Let’s go!" motivates your dog to follow. Training basic commands on a leash creates eye contact and makes the process fun for your dog. The habit of coaxing your dog can produce aloof behavior and mar the training process. Human behaviors can create automatic misbehaviors in your dog!

More to come...

Dog Safety Tips For Halloween

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 07:45:00 GMT

A few tips that might help keep everyone safe!

1. Exercise your dog before the trick or treat begins. If you're short on time, a 10 minute fetch game will help too.

2. Know your dog. It's better to be safe then sorry. Think in advance. Think about what you are going to do this evening with your dog. If your dog is hyperactive, older, a young teething puppy or very introverted then it’s probably best to gate your dog. Putting your dog in a room with the door shut can create separation anxiety. So baby-gating your dog within a room is best. Music is key. This will mellow your dog and set the tone to a calmer mood. Then you can treat your dog to his favorite chew bone.

3. Never leave your dog outdoors in the yard on Halloween! This is a bad thing to do. No matter what size your dog is, this is teaching your dog to protect your territory and potentially get teased or hurt. They could even hurt a child who may open the gate by mistake. All animals should be indoors on Halloween.

4. If you want your dog to be apart of the party, do it safely. Have your dog on a leash with you. Yes, even in the house for an hour. That way you can answer the door and guide your dog to sit and stay as a trick and then treated! Teach your dog to sit and stay at the front door on a leash. Use it as a great training opportunity!

5. No chocolate or candy allowed.

Oh, and keep cats inside tonight. Happy Halloween!

So, You Don't Need A Doorbell Because Your Dog Barks His Head Off. Learn How To Stop It

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 22:16:00 GMT

If pictures speak a thousand words, then most dog owners know these words… "No!" "Quiet!" "Enough!" This is such a great photo of a very common problem. It was taken by my friend and pet photographer Jim Dratfield. I asked to use it to help give some relief to dog owners who love having the three musketeers without the constant sound effects. Dog owners with multiple dogs know exactly what this picture sounds like live and in living color. Oh, and so do your neighbors! The holidays are coming and so are the guests. I have some lifestyle training tips that can help prepare you for preventing the BARKFEST.

Photo credit: Jim Dratfield

O.k., so how do you get this behavior of barking at every passer-by and car door slamming to stop? Obviously, having two or more dogs creates a competition between them and barking in itself is really normal. It is annoying though, if barking and rushing to look out the window becomes their obsession and daily hobby. I have a number of suggestions and solutions. Usually during the day there are busier times than others on the street. Meaning that you should pay attention to the time of day your dogs bark. Write down the hours. Generally when people go to work and come home is when it becomes a bark-fest. Therefore, you could break up the pack during those times.

4 Things That Can Help: Paws For A Minute® Lifestyle Dog Training

Tips To Help Barking At The Front Door

Everyone should note: If your dog is barking his head off all day long, that is what's called boredom barking and it's up to you, as owners, to make sure all exercise needs are met! So before you do any corrections get on your running shoes and warm up your throwing arm. Ultimately, a tired dog is a good dog! Hello, get off the couch! .... so if you have exercised your dog daily and barking is still an annoying sound effect, the below may help.

1. One option is to create a bone chewing time by using a baby gate. Gate one or two of the dogs in a kitchen or hallway for bone chewing time. Breaking up the pack can stop the trigger of one dog instigating the barking. Doing so will help train your dog over time out of the pattern of scouting for the person, noise or action to bark at. Music is key, to soothe the beast during this peaceful time. Remember, this is NOT meant to be a punishment place! AND implementing this 20 minute space a few times a day should be done when you are home.

2. Another option is to know when the barking happens is to put music on in advance. Sounds crazy, but this will really break up the pattern of being alert to outside noises. It also sets a tone and a completely different atmosphere to your house. Much less trigger oriented. Not meant to be a cure, but it will help.

3. A third option is to correct this barking with a shake of a penny can from out of sight! This tip is not for every dog or owner. So really assess your circumstance carefully. Use your common sense. Not all dogs can handle a loud noise and others can and will respond no problem. The tip here is to not let your dog see you shake the can. It's just really about the sudden, quick sound. This correction is not meant to scare, just make as clear communication that no barking allowed. You should think of this correction more like a police siren pulling a car over for speeding. Know that not all dog temperaments are right for this type of correction. Very timid dogs will respond well to a firm no, that should ban the barking and do the trick. If your dog has a really strong, confident personality the penny can "shake" can be tolerated and send the right signal to s zip it.

Take a coffee can, empty it, then put a handful of pennies in it and the lid back on. As your dogs begin to bark, shake the can once and say "No!" This loud abrupt noise will represent the same boundary as the siren of a police care pulling you over for running a red light. Then back up this quick correction by redirecting your dogs in a positive way! Ask them to "come" to you in a really happy, nice voice. Finish the command by having your dog sit. Then praise, love and maybe even a treat! If you haven't guessed already I'm really training you to be a little smarter than your dog, have foresight to your circumstance and the bad dog behavior will go away. Dogs love to please, they just don’t know how unless you guide them.

Paws For A Minute® Pup Quiz Is a dog right for your family?

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 09:07:00 GMT

Thinking of getting another dog? Sometimes getting a new one may mean a rethink. Here are a few questions to ask yourself before you take the plunge.

1. Have you owned a dog before? Do your research even if you have owned a pet. We can have selective memory as to time, costs and energy going into raising and loving a dog. We often forget what puppyhood was like after having a dog for 15 years. It's good to make sure you can really go the distance with a new family member.

2. Are you an athlete or a couch potato? Like with any relationship, having things in common matters. For example, if you are a mellow person, then get a mellow dog. Yes, of course training can influence a dog's temperament--but this is also an age issue. Great young adult dogs of all breeds can be found in shelters that may fit your bill. If you are an active family or household and want to hike and bike--knock yourself out with a puppy 0r an athletic breed of dog or mutt.

3. Do you want to include your dog in your daily workouts? Maybe I ask this question because many busy people (who want a dog) often go for the athletic high energy breeds. Unfortunately, these high energy dogs often end up at home waiting for their owners to come home from the gym and don't get the exercise needed. The advice I have for a working person, who also goes to the gym more than walking or hiking outdoors should forget the uber working, herding or terrier-like breeds. Stick to the fun middle-of-the-road temperaments and breeds.

4. Do you think small breeds are easier to handle? Well, not always! Some small breed dogs are not easier to train or exercise than larger breeds. For example, a Jack Russell or a Boston Terrier can be quite a handful in terms of exercise needs. Whereas a Great Pyrenees or even a Bull Mastiff are large but can sometimes be mellow and lumbering in disposition. In other words, do your research and don't think that all little breeds are easy. Do your research on your own lifestyle and daily routine to see what size, temperament and age of dog best matches your daily routine and family.

The best place to get an awesome dog? Your local shelter of course! You can find everything from the perfect mutt, pedigree dog (without the papers) and every age under the sun. Have fun!

Dog Trick or Treat?

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 08:39:00 GMT

The trick I use in dog training is to vary when you give your dog a treat. I know, there are so many conflicting views and methods out there in the dog training world. I don’t blame you for being confused. Using treats as a reward is fine sometimes but certainly not the only mode of praise. Your voice can do the trick too.

Giving treats all the time when teaching your dog can often give you a reverse affect. Your dog ends up training you. In the honor of Halloween, I have a little treat for you--a little insight. Many people end up begging, repeating, coaxing and luring their dog to come or sit with treats. Tying to teach your dog exclusively with treats all the time will give you a fast effect, but it may not last. Over time your dog will catch on. So when you don’t have the treat and he is running away from you after a squirrel, then what? Besides, I don’t always want to have a piece of chicken in my hand every time I want my dog to do something. I am all about giving cookies and treats 'just because,' but not all the time. As a trainer I don’t want to rely on treats as a primary source of communication. Hence, I’m not a big fan of clicker training.

Technically speaking, what the treat does is creates focus. But overusing treats to train your dog will give you limited success. Using voice inflection, movement, and body language also creates focus. For example, when a squirrel runs across the fence it gets your dogs focus, right? So here are a few tips and tricks. Try it, you’ll like it. Next time you're at home, ask your dog to come. Use movement. Take a couple steps backward as you say "come!" in a happy voice, then gesture the letter “J” and say "Sit." You’ll find that your dog came to you and sat in front of you, waiting for your next instructions. Here’s another treat. When you come home form work, walk in the door silently. Zip it. No voice. Crouch down and give your dog a deep, slow massage, silently. This will condition your dog to greet you in a mellow way and you both get some sugar.

Remember, you can show love in many different ways.

Allowing Your Dog To Sleep On Your Bed,Good or Bad?

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 05:53:00 GMT

Should your dog really be sleeping in your bed? Does it send your dog a mixed message of who's the boss? These are some common questions that come up when raising a new puppy or bringing home a rescue dog. As a trainer, I tell my clients, the question is not if but rather when should your dog sleep in the bed.

Even if the goal is to have Lassie become a lounge lizzard and hog the sheets, there are important things to remember, first. It's best to teach a new or young puppy to learn to be housebroken and self soothe by learning to be crated first. This can and should be done in a step-by- step process by using a baby gated area and have the crate within that space.

Paws For A Minute® Quick Dog Training TIp

Leave the crate door open at first, allowing your dog to go in and out of the crate on it's own. Once the crate has become a great safe place you can practice closing the crate door for short periods of time, while home. Once crating is mastered, crate your new dog in the bedroom for a few weeks or month. The duration of time will depend on your dogs age and developmental stage. Teaching your dog to be independent and a housebreaking routine should be established first. Then you have the next 14 years to complain that you have no space in your own bed.

Educating The Recycled Dog

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 18:50:00 GMT

Paws For A Minute ® Tips For The Adopted Dog!

New dog owners, listen up!

Bringing home your new baby does not mean seeing how or what he will do. The number one mistake new dog owners do it they tend to "see" how smart their new dog is rather than guide their new dog-a-ish-is family member through a new process of introducing them to into a "new home." Sometimes that means bringing them back to puppyhood even if just for a few weeks!

I have some awesome tips for people who have just rescued a dog from a shelter.

People training:

1. Remember that puppies that are 5 months and older and even adult dogs that are going into a new home need a transitional space to help them get acclimated to the new environment.

2. Dogs need to get used to their owner's daily patterns of leaving and returning home.

3. Training your new dog to hang out in your home should actually done also when you are home! Using a boundary, such as a baby gate, while your home helps establish a boundary and allows you to correct any separation anxiety behaviors. Doing so for the first few days and for short increments of time helps teach your new dog to self soothe.

I have formulated a quick recipe to insure a successful daily life with your dog.

Get:

Baby Gate.
Clock radio. Soft music is a great trigger, teaching your dog to relax.

Why? Shutting a door on any new dog can sometimes create a lot of anxiety for the dog, not to mention your own anxiety from listening to the sound of your door being redesigned by the dog scratching on it to get out. Before long, this stressful situation escalates until you've developed a full-blown bad habit of physically pushing your dog back and shutting the door in his face. For the dog, the stress of trying to squeeze through a door being closed on him can make him very anxious when you leave. This is one of the main reasons gating is so important. Gating your dog allows him to see you through the gate and not feel shut off by a door closing in his face. The gate reduces stress and creates a nice ritual of sitting and hanging out with you in the same vicinity. Gating any new dog for short periods of time can help establish a routine, teach him to relax, and learn to hold the urge to go potty.

Where? The best place to gate is in a central area of your home, such as a kitchen or hallway that is not too remote and where people are hanging out as well.

How? Always exercise your dog first! Tired dog is a relaxed dog. Then create a nice ritual. Guide him into the gated area on the leash, then take the leash off once the gate is up. Make sure your pup has water, a nice place to chill, a bed and something to chew. Don't make a big deal about it. This is not prison or a punishment. This area is just to designate a safe place and should be initiated while you're home for the first few days for only an hour a few times a day. When letting your dog out of the gated area, lean over the gate and put on the leash, lift up gently on the leash and say "Sit," then the word "Wait." Then open the gate. Repeat "Wait" and then say "OK!" and guide your dog out of the gated area. A great idea would be to go directly outside to go potty before giving your dog free time with you in the house. Always put music on while gating your dog.

When? Begin the gating process while you're home, at first. Do this for an hour, a few times a day. If you can't manage an hour, begin with 5 minutes. Your dog will get used to being gated gradually and not feel abandoned. This gated space helps train your dog to chill out in the house and it teaches both of you to trust. Soon this area will be his hangout space and you can leave the house knowing he is not having a wild party. When you are ready to try leaving the house, always gate him 20 minutes before you leave.

Of course, the end goal is the perfect hanging trustworthy dog loose in your house, just give it a little time and training.

Is Your Dog A Breedist?

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 20:01:00 GMT

Q&A: Paws for a Minute®- Ask Inger

My dog seems to like some breeds and hate others. Is my dog a breedist? Is that even possible?

Like with people, it’s true some dogs dig each other and some just don’t. However, it’s more of an age, temperament, or sometimes a socialization issue or lack thereof, than anything else. Breedist? No, although sometimes it may appear that way. I have seen it all; German Shepherds that are sweet and demure and Chihuahuas who could benefit from anger management classes. The main point to note, my lovely dog owners, is that the way you train, socialize and manage the exercise needs of your pooch will determine your dog’s success at social events. Dominant dogs usually have high energy and prey drives, and they can come in all sizes. Other dogs can react to their energy in either a proactive (wanting to play and party) or a reactive way (barking back) and the way you handle it determines the outcome!

Yes, some breeds can have common “wired for sound energies” that many owners can find challenging to handle. The mixology and the chemistry (love/hate) have less to do with your dog being a breedist and actually have more to do with you the dog owner being perceptive! By being a little more perceptive to the age of the dog that is coming toward you while on a walk and communicating with other dog owners prior to approaching one another, can have the most amazing “peace pipe” effect on a potentially hairy situation. Just paws for a minute and assess the situation is what I always say. Walking by a dog, that your dog does not like, and both dogs appear to be out of control, at the end of the leash, is enough to make anyone drink!

If life get’s ruff. You’re energy flow can show your dog a different way. With just a tail wag and a nod you can avert the whole disagreement and heel thy self over to the sunny side of the street.

Ah, there are SO many factors that make up the canine cocktail of love. Happy walking!

Ask Inger: Do I Really Need to Spay or Neuter my Dog?

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 19:37:00 GMT

Do you really need to spay and neuter your dog? Some people think they have such a cute dog that they want to breed her just once and other owners just wait too long to get their pup spayed or neutered and an accidental litter happens! I know everyone knows that you should spay and neuter their dog, but why then are some not? If you are one of the dog owners who have not done so, why haven't you?

Spaying & neutering your dog is 100% the right thing to do!

Fixing your dog early is better for their health, makes training easier, and allows them to socialize in dog parks without problems. As I trainer, I promise you many behavioral issue's will not form at all if you get your pup fixed early. I think from the sounds of hearing feed back from people who haven't fixed their pet, it's not that they don't realize they should, it's that they either haven't gotten around to it, not sure if they want to, or it's not in the budget yet.

The problem is the longer you wait, the more problems will arise! Behaviors take time to develop. So what you see in your young un-altered dog is not what you are going to get in the long run. Food possessiveness, urinating or marking in the house, wondering, and simply unruly pain in the neck behaviors can begin to emerge. No matter what size your dog is, It's not always a lack of training or a not so bright dog that won't listen. Sometimes it's hormones! Don't wait.

The number of homeless dogs is astronomical. The ASPCA states that it is impossible to determine exactly how many stray dogs and cats live in the United States, but the estimate for cats alone ranges up to 70 million. Do your part to help control this problem by having your dog (and cat!) spayed or neutered. I had no problem with getting my female dog spayed. However, some people project their own issues onto their dogs, and feel they would not want to be spayed or neutered themselves. OK, this I have to say is ridiculous and really kind of hilarious. It's a really easy, simple surgery. Ask your vet.

Having puppies is a lot of work. If you don't believe me, go read a book on how to breed your dog: it isn't pretty. I also suggest going to your local shelter to see some of the thousands of homeless dogs and cats waiting to be killed, due to humans' lack of responsibility. The figures are staggering.

Approximately 6-8 million animals enter shelters across the nation each year, and 3-4 million of these are destroyed.

These numbers are driven by puppy mills and backyard breeding, but are mainly driven by owner irresponsibility and a lack of education.

If you're still not convinced about neutering, ask your vet about the many health risks, such as testicular cancers and a host of behavioral issues, including potential dog aggression, which can develop in un-neutered dogs.

Many people have also asked me if spaying or neutering will make their dog fat and lazy or change his/her personality. I promise you, the only things that will make your dog fat is overfeeding and lack of exercise!

I urge you to please take responsibility and get your dog fixed. Don't have the cash? Google low cost spay and neuter clinics! They will give a list of them in your area. Please share this information with the doggedly challenged!

It's a rough day at work for this dog

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 16:40:00 GMT

Think your boss is tough? Check this out...

Pregnancy and dog ownership. Is your dog ready for Baby?

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 06:30:00 GMT

Getting ready for baby may go beyond getting the perfect crib and proper car seat. Getting your babe with big ears and a tail ready for the big day also has some steps to the process. Most new mom's to-be can have some concerns with how their dog is going to adjust.

Concerns range from wanting to teach their dog not to go into the new baby's room, wanting to fix preexisting problems before the baby arrives so that everything is perfect. Mainly the goal becomes just wanting the home coming with your new baby to be problem free.

The key element to initially address in getting your dog ready for baby is to create a routine for your dog. A routine or sometimes "new" routine helps organize you and your dog to change. The baby's arrival means nighttime feedings, many new people coming over to say hello to the baby and a basic adjustment in the rules to the house.

The best place to start is to begin with making a list of what you envision as to the new rules. Is your dog totally housebroken, or have a jumping up on people problem, neutered or spayed, have any issues around food bowls or allowed on the couch? A good project is to begin addressing one issue at a time before the baby is born and comes home. That's why I created this blog to help create awareness and tips to help solve basic lifestyle and daily dog issues. More to come on this topic in the coming weeks!

Teach your dog to use the bathroom on command!

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 06:58:00 GMT

Is it really possible to get your dog to potty on command? Yes, it is! People, listen up. Housebreaking a dog happens in stages. There are many tips to housebreaking surrounding different issues within getting your dog to hold the urge to go. The issues involve how you feed your dog, age, stage of development, your routine, etc, etc. That's why I created this blog, to help navigate you through all the phases of dog ownership.

A perfect way to incorporate my method of dog training I call Feng Shui with Fido™ into your lifestyle is to create a potty area in your yard and teach your dog to go to the bathroom on command! Yup, on command! This techniques is for homes with yards, but it can work even if you live in an apartment. Just apply the below technique to a spot out side of your walk or building, and designate that your dog as a potty spot. You may not be able to gravel it, but you can at least designate it for your dog.

By the way, age of your dog does not matter for this quick tip, it's you I'm training!

With fall and winter and not so great weather on it's way, I thought I'd recommend how to teach a quick potty break rather than walking blocks and blocks in order to get your dog to just get busy. Many of my celebrity clients have all used this technique to save their lawns and make potty pickups easier.

Get:

Pea gravel, synthetic grass or wood chips
Material to border the area off with

*Note: Young puppies may go through a phase of trying to eat the pea gravel, however, this does not mean that the gravel will not work for you in the long run. Synthetic grass may be the best choice for puppies 8 to 18 weeks old.

Where: Pick a spot in your yard that's not too remote and large enough that you can walk 3 or 4 steps back and forth. Be aware of where sprinklers are located on your lawn and don't build the area too close.

How: Border the area off and fill it with the material of your choice. Spruce it up by planting flowers or shrubbery around the edges.

Teach your dog to potty on command: Instead of just letting your puppy outdoors to go potty, guide him on a leash to the area saying the word “Outside”. Keep repeating the word “Outside” until he goes.

When: At first, 5 times a day. First thing in the morning, before you leave the house and when you come home and of course, before you go to sleep. These are rough suggestions give or take. Remember, just 2 or 3 minutes should be spent outdoors. Do this for several weeks. I know it's an investment, but with a huge pay off for the next 10 years. Yes, I know he may not get it at first and have a mistake when you take him inside. That is a part of the process. Then you get to properly make it clear, where to go.

If you see him having a mistake indoors, don't yell or say anything. Rather get the leash and silently put the leash on your dog. Yes, silently, Then get a paper towel. Guide him, on leash, over to the mistake and say NO. Then guide him outside to the potty spot. Then say the word o.k! Even though he has already gone. this part of the communication is all about consistency and positive reinforcement.

Remember, the key here is to initiate the quick 2 minute bathroom break, only. Exercise walks and party time are different. Sure if they go potty on the exercise walk no big deal. You just need to get a new routine going for the quick potty breaks. Once your dog gets into that groove of going on command you at least have a choice! Walk or quick potty. How fabulous is that!