Feedback on Exercise Plans
By Lori Mauger, CPDT

As you know, the STAR Puppy program includes a requirement that you submit an exercise plan to your instructor.  The philosophy behind this requirement is to highlight the importance of regular activity in your dog’s life as well as to remind you that one-on-one dog/owner time is a critical necessity for your dog’s overall well being.

The good news is that training your dog counts as exercise—MENTAL exercise.  Dogs need their minds stimulated just as much as they need an outlet for the physical energy in their bodies.  Therefore, those of you who included dog training as part of your exercise plan are to be commended!  By the way, training doesn’t always have to be the “formal” exercises that you learn in class—training includes teaching the dog some tricks such as beg and rollover, and it also includes teaching the dog some games.  In fact, games that are governed by specific rules are the best way to accomplish your total mission:

• To exercise the dog’s mind
• To exercise the dog’s body
• To provide the dog with opportunities to interact and socialize with you

Why are games so important?  Think back to when you were a child.  How did you have fun?  You played games, of course!  Whether it was baseball or basketball, you got together with your friends and played games that had specific rules.  Dogs, like people, are extremely social beings.  Therefore, there’s nothing they enjoy more than to play games with you.  So how do you play organized games with a dog?

• First, you teach them the rules (training)
• Then, you enforce the rules (sportsmanship/good behavior)
• Finally, you have fun! (exercise and socialization)

Games can be anything you dream up.  For example, maybe you already play fetch with your dog, but the only criteria for the game are that you throw the toy, and the dog brings it back.  So how about modifying the fetch game with some simple rules?  First, have the dog sit while you pick up the toy.  If the dog breaks the sit when you reach for the toy, then don’t pick it up!  Start again, and remember to only pick up the toy if the dog remains in a sit.  Next, hold the dog’s collar while you throw the toy (just like we do when the “wait” exercise is introduced using the dog’s food bowl to teach him about self control).  When the dog stops straining against his collar, release him to run and get the toy.  While the dog runs to the toy, you run the other way and hide!  When the dog realizes you’re gone, allow him to briefly search for you (be quiet as he does so).  If he finds you—hooray!!  His reward is another game.  However, if the dog doesn’t fi!
nd you, then peek out from your hiding spot and call his name (which also reinforces the “name game” exercise).  When he gets to you, either reward him with a treat, or start the game again.  Remember, the game itself is rewarding for the dog, so food probably isn’t necessary.  Each time you play, try to pick a different hiding spot to keep it interesting for the dog.  I can’t stress it enough:  dogs LOVE this type of play!  I hope that game playing becomes a top priority in your exercise plan.

©2009 Lori Mauger, CPDT
hipraise@optonline.net
Permission to reprint with credit to author noted

The best thing to do in order to handle this situation is to train them what they can and cannot chew. Keep your belongings out of your pet’s reach. Shoes, socks, books and other things you do not want destroyed should not be left lying around. Even old shoes, clothing and socks should not be given to dogs to chew on because they cannot tell the difference between the old and new.

Since it is not right to totally curtail a dog’s instinct to gnaw on things, direct his attention to things that you want him to chew such as chew toys. Your dog should have lots of it and must be appealing in order to keep him interested. If your dog is fond of chewing things with your scent on them, leave the toy in your laundry hamper for days before giving them to your dog. You may also want to rub something tasty or stuff the toy with anything your dog finds rewarding. When you feel like your dog is up to something, remove the item and give him chew toys instead to divert his attention.

When shopping for dog toys, choose toys that are safe for your pet. Toys that are easily broken or with small parts can be dangerous to your pet so beware of these items. There are also washable toys available.

And just like other behavior problems, the desire to chew can be minimized with regular exercise. Dogs that are physically and mentally stimulated are less likely to get bored thus they are also less likely to chew and become destructive.

About The Author

Richard Cusson is a dog enthusiast and has been writing training tips.

Survey Results

• 40% Chews on everything
• 13% Jumps on people
• 41% Won’t come when called
• 6%  pees & poops in house.

A special Thank You to all of you who took the time to participate.  Keep watching for more opportunities to give your input.

Table Of Contents
The Best Time To Feed Your New Puppy . . .. . 2
Dog Foods Effect On Potty Training . . . . . . . . .2
The Warning Signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . … . 3
Stay In Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . …. ..3
Naps and Play Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . …. . . . 4
About the Author . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . …. . . 5

The Best Time To Feed Your New Puppy

I advise people, with new puppies, to not feed their puppy breakfast and then jump in the shower. If you do, there will be a surprise waiting for you when you get out. Likewise, I tell people not to feed their puppy dinner and then sit down at the computer to answer e-mail, surf the net or other computer activities. Computers are like a black hold, one that sucks your time away, and before you know it your puppy has had an accident.
Becoming distracted, after feeding your puppy, can lead to accidents and feelings of failure. It is best to only feed your puppy when you can give him/her your full attention. Plan on donating 15 – 30 minutes to potty training each time your puppy is fed. Pick a routine that works best with your schedule and keep to it. The two most important things to remember in potty training and feeding are: discipline and consistency.

Dog Foods Effect On Potty Training

Over the years I have tried just about every brand of dog food on the market and it is my opinion that unless there is a medical condition that requires a special diet, that most commercial brand dog foods are safe for your new puppy.
To begin with, it is a good idea to talk to your breeder, pet store, or previous puppy owner to find out what they have been feeding the puppy. If possible I suggest that you continue feeding your puppy the same food she has been use to eating. However, if you have strong feelings about feeding your dog a certain diet, or if you puppy has been perviously on a diet of canned or soft food only, then it is a good idea to wean him/her off the old diet and begin a new diet of dry kibble.

A word of warning

Any sudden change in a puppy’s diet can cause diarrhea! There is nothing more frustrating than a untrained puppy that has diarrhea, therefore rather than suddenly changing the brand of food you feed your puppy, it is best to follow the following schedule:

Day One – For each meal – feed your puppy 2/3 of a cup of the food he/she has been use to eating mixed with 1/3 cup of the new food you what to switch him/her too.
Day Two – For each meal – feed your puppy 1/2 of a cup of the food he/she has been use to eating mixed with 1/2 cup on the new food you want to switch him/her too.
Day Three – Now you can eliminate the old food and only feed your puppy the new brand of dog food you have selected for him/her.

The Warning Signs

If you notice your new puppy walking in circles, sniffing at the carpet, and acting like he/she is looking for something – chances are he is. He is, more than likely, looking for a place to potty. Most dogs have little tell-tell signs that show when he need to relieve himself. I once had a pug that wouldn’t go potty in public. We took him on a 2 mile hike, for a fundraiser, and stopped several times during the walk for him to relieve himself. however; true to his nature, he just couldn’t do his “business” in public. He waited until we got home, later that day, to go in his normal spot How the bushes next to our driveway.
Watch your puppy, get to know his tell-tell signs – and he will show you when he needs to relieve himself. the put I mentioned earlier – his tell-tell sign was what I called a, “hitch in his get along”, meaning that he would have a little twitch in his walk that wasn’t there normally (when he didn’t have to relieve himself).

Stay In Control

I always advice my puppy buyers to keep their new puppy on a leash until after they have been trained. Having your puppy on a leash serves several purposes. One purpose is to know where your puppy is – if there is a leash hanging out from the side of your bed, chances are your puppy is under the bed – doing Lord knows what. If your puppy is prone to running out the front door, when it is opened, you probably will have a hard time catching him, but something you can do is step on the leash as it drags behind your fleeing puppy – stopping him in his tracks.

Outside

For the purpose of potty training it is best to keep your puppy on a leash, when he is taken outside, so that he does not become too distracted and forget why is there. It is a big exciting world outside with lots of distractions – sounds, smells, and things to chase. If your puppy is allowed too much freedom, during potty time, he/she will; chase butterflies, eat grass, smell flowers etc and forget all about going potty. Once you take him back inside the house there is a good chance he will settle down and then suddenly remember that he has to potty. I receive a lot of calls from frustrated owners claiming that their dog will relieve himself in the house after being let out.

The Power of Praise

Once your puppy has relieved himself outside, praise him and take him immediately back inside the house. Never let him stay outside to play after he goes potty. If you want to play outside or go for a walk, after your puppy has relieved himself, my advise is to take him back inside the house for a few minutes, after he has relieved himself, then go back outside to play. Following this routine with help your puppy learn the difference between potty time and play time.

Naps and Play Time

All puppies need to relieve themselves after sleeping. Most new puppies sleep for 1-1/2 – 2 hrs for every 20 – 30 minutes of being awake. As soon as your puppy wakes up from one of these naps, he/she will need to be taken outside. It is also a good idea to take your puppy outside to relieve himself after vigorous play. Most puppies can hold their bladder for 1 hr for every month of their age. With this in mind, an 8 week (2 month) old puppy should be able to hold their bladder for no more than 2 hrs.

Teething puppies need to chew.  One trick I have found to help your new puppy to become interested in chew toys instead of your furniture is to dip their toy in low sodium chicken broth and allow to dry.

When training your puppy to Sit – never say, “sit down”.  These are two different comands and will confuse your puppy.