General Discussion & Chat: 2010 Sistahs reunion at Cookies..the memories! #4, 0 by ladydragon5

ladydragon5 wrote:
Since I just went through the puppy thing last year here are a few tips. Put a warm something in the crate with her for the first week or so. It should have your smell on it so no freshly washed stuff and be cuddly. I used an old sweatshirt on mine. Crate only at night or when you absolutely have to during the day (like when you have company). They get used to it and now all I have to say is "bedtime!" and mine goes right to to her crate. Sometimes at night she goes without me if I stay up too late.
Dogs will not go to the bathroom in their crates so when they whine they may have to go out. That small whine is how I know mine wants to go out first thing in the morning. Decide on a way it can tell you when it needs to go; some use a bell at the door, others have them stand at the door. Mine comes to me and looks serious and gives a sharp bark. I ask "do you need to got out" (saying OUT a little louder) and she goes to the door.
Lots of play with kids or other dogs makes them tired and a tired dog is a good dog so see it gets lots of play time.
Talk to the dog..lots! Let it know by your voice when you are pleased and not pleased. They learn very fast. Puppy classes somewhere if you can afford them; if not go to the library and get a book. Good socialization starts from the minute you get them and they will only be as good as you TEACH them to be (just like kids).
Hope you enjoy the dog. I agree that the first few months are the pits! I hate the housebreaking, chewing, running, etc. but it has been a year and I wouldn't be without my girl. She has turned out to be a beautiful, good girl and I love her to death.