Puppy barking is totally normal for dogs. It is normal that puppies bark, whine, and at times howl, just like it is normal for birds to sing. If you own a dog, you realize that it is inevitable that there will be times when your dog will bark, whine and howl. Don't even think to train your puppy not to bark as it will never work. It is best for all, including your dog, if the barking can be controlled.

Why dogs start barking

Dogs that do not get a lot of socializing or that are spending most of their time alone need something to do to spend all that saved up energy. If there is nobody with your dog all day, then they may bark just to hear itself and nobody tells them to stop. It won't be long before barking becomes part of his or her daily routine. For a lot of dogs they continue to bark because they like it and think it is fun.

Unintentionally, you may have trained your dog to bark excessively. When your dog speaks, you go up and obey. "Woof" and you open the door to let them out, another "woof" and you open it again to let them in. Barking gets them a treat, they bark and they get a tummy rub. Puppy barking gets your attention and so they easily fall into this trap because the very nature of it gets your attention and they get what they want. And sometimes, it is very easy to forget to provide positive reinforcement such as praises and treats for your dog when they are not barking.

Barking and Exercises

It is important to realize that when your puppy barks there are many reasons for this, like boredom, being lonely, mad, or scared. Things will greatly improve when you spend time with your puppy. While you are away, a puppy will generally spend most of the day sleeping as long as it is content and well-exercised. Be sure to give your dog some of your time. He needs your attention and the benefit of training, exercise, and play.

Puppy obedience training is just as boring mentally for dogs as it is for their owners. "Come here", "sit", "heel", and "stay" all make enjoyable games for your dog. Why not make it even more fun by rewarding good performance with treats, hugs and praise. Remember that dogs and puppies like a quick pace and high energy! Try to think of new training ideas for your puppy so it won't get bored.

For dogs living in the backyard for the majority of the time, they probably need some "social" exercises. You may need to walk them around your neighborhood to minimize the puppy barking. Daily walks will be an adventure for them to investigate and find out about those sounds and smells that excite them while they are in the yard. Pet dogs and puppies may dash madly around your backyard but this is not a form of puppy exercise. What they are doing is equivalent to the human's pacing and fidgeting as well as other nervous activities. Give your puppies fun things to play with and occupy themselves with such as chew toys for puppy biting and a digging pit for dogs.

Dogs, like humans, are naturally social animals. Dogs are much like their human owners in that they enjoy companionship. Socialize your dog by making a weekly trip to a dog park where he can interact with other dogs. They will sleep great after a good hard day of playing and exercising.

Posted under Dogs

Most new dog owners don't look forward to the task of house training a puppy. It can be pretty confusing when you hear different advice from almost everyone you talk to.

Don't despair. I've got six tips that you can use to make the house training process a lot easier on you and your new puppy.

Tip #1: Have A Regular Feeding Schedule For Your Puppy

Some dog owners like the idea of free feeding their dogs. This means they leave a bowl of food out all day, letting their dog eat whenever he's hungry. While free feeding is convenient for you as a dog owner, it can create a problem when you're housebreaking a new dog. It's much easier to potty train a dog if you follow a schedule and feed him at the same time each day.

Dogs are like us. After eating, they usually need to go potty. With a consistent meal schedule, you'll have a lot more control over when he needs to go potty. This means a lot fewer accidents for your new puppy.

Tip #2: Follow A Consistent Potty Schedule

Even though your puppy will be going potty after his meals, you will also need to take him outside as often as you can throughout the day. Create a potty schedule above and beyond meal time, and follow it - taking your puppy out at the same time each day.

By following a potty break schedule, you'll remember to get your new puppy outside during the day. Puppies thrive on schedules because they give them a real sense of security. When they don't know what to expect from day to day, puppies become anxious. This anxiety can easily lead to digestive problems - and that makes the whole house training process much harder.

Tip #3: Pick a "Potty" Command To Use - Then Use It Every Time He Goes Potty

Pick a command word that you are comfortable using -- no matter where you are or who you're with. Here are a few common commands: "potty" "go potty" "go peepee" and "tinkle."

Once you decide on a command to use, you should say it every time you want your puppy to go potty. At first, don't ever say it until you are in the exact spot you want him to go. As he gets older, you'll be able to open the door and say "go potty" - or whatever command you are using- and he'll run over to the right place and go potty all by himself.

Tip #4: Never Scold Your Dog for Having An Accident

Almost every puppy has an accident while house training - some more than others. When this happens, always remain calm. Don't scold him - and whatever you do, never rub his nose in it. This is not just outdated advice it's also completely ineffective.

As with all dog training, positive reinforcement is much more effective than negative. Making your puppy feel bad when he makes a mistake doesn't work. You want to teach him that good things happen when he goes potty in the right place. Which brings us to the next potty training tip

Tip #5: Praise and Reward Him When He Gets It Right

Just as you would reward your puppy for sitting when you say "sit" - you should always reward him when he goes potty outside in the right place.

It's a good habit to combine sincere praise with some kind of reward. Rewards can be showing him love and affection, giving him a tasty treat, or spending a few minutes playing with him. Whatever you choose, it's vital that your puppy is rewarded immediately so he remembers that going potty means getting a reward.

To start, be sure to praise him verbally while he's actually going potty. Use a friendly, happy voice and say "Good boy! Good potty!" As soon as he's finished, immediately give him the reward. You can toss his favorite ball for a game of fetch, or if you're on a walk, bounce it and let him catch it. You could also give him a treat or belly rub.

Again, be sure to reward him immediately. Praise combined with affection, treats or play will make your puppy happy - and he'll soon associate going potty at the right time and place with happiness and joy.

Tip #6: Crate Training Your Puppy Means Less Accidents

Crate training is a topic all on it's own, but here is why you'd be smart to consider it when house breaking your puppy

When you crate train your puppy, you're able to kennel him when you can't watch him yourself. Dogs are den animals, and they don't like to soil their dens. This means your puppy will "naturally" wait until you've taken him out of his crate before he goes potty.

The key is to never leave your puppy in his crate for long periods of time - and to take him out to go potty immediately when you let him out. What's great is he will usually have to go potty when you let him out - and by taking him outside, he'll be doing it when and where you want him to!

Your new puppy will love you as much as you love him - maybe even more. These six potty training tips will help you quickly housebreak your new puppy. By giving him the proper training, he'll become a dog everyone will love being around.

Posted under Dogs