Archive for the tag 'trianing'

Ask the Trainer - Frenchie Girl Pees in Crate

gollygear May 22nd, 2008

Hi Hope,

I have 2 French bulldogs. One since a puppy and he is a great dog. He is almost 5 yrs. We decided to get another back in February when we saw a posting for a 2 1/2 yr old female who belonged to a breeder, no longer being bred. Needed a good home. She is very sweet and has become good friends with our 1st dog.

However she urinates in her crate almost every night. I take her out last minute before bed and grab her 1st thing 6am to go back out. Usually too late.

She has had very few accidents anywhere in the house. Our other dogs is very good and never messes in the house. Can you give me some idea as to how to help her break this habit.

Thanks so much!

Hope writes -

It is extremely difficult to stop a dog from urinating in her crate if it truly is a habit. My first concern, especially since she has had puppies, is your girl’s medical condition. If you have not addressed the issue of her overnight urination with your veterinarian, please do so right away. There are medications that can help if her problem is health-related.

If she has no medical issues and it truly is a habit, I would first consider the size of her crate. If she’s able to get away from the mess, it may not bother her. Crates should be large enough so that the dog can stand up, turn around, sit, or lie down. That’s it. If the crate is too large and she can escape the consequences of her misbehavior, block off the back. Many crates/cages have a movable partition for this purpose. If yours doesn’t, you can use a box, if she shows no inclination to chew cardboard.

If she was used as a brood bitch in a kennel situation, she may have lived most of her life in a cage and the standard rules of housebreaking may not apply. If she had nowhere else to eliminate, she doesn’t know that dogs are supposed to keep their beds clean. You may need to consult a professional trainer in your area to evaluate your situation and help you find creative ways to train your girl. Your veterinarian may have a recommendation, or you may find a good trainer through the Association of Pet Dog Trainers.

If you do seek professional help - keep in mind that you are your dog’s advocate. Don’t allow anyone to do anything with her or to her that makes you uncomfortable. There are many wonderful trainers out there. Talk to the person you’re considering, try to see them in “action” and be sure their philosophy coincides with your own.

Hope

Tags: , , , , , , ,

Ask the Trainer - Outwitted by a French Bulldog Puppy!

gollygear May 21st, 2008

Hi Hope,


We just brought home our 12 wk old male Frenchie. Our lively little guy, Max is out smarting us at every hop on potty training. I see his signs, the sniffing around and he’s going in the same places.

Thankfully, not carpeted areas! Before I foul this up completely, how best do you potty train a Frenchie?


If you could recommend a particular book that the whole family could read, I would appreciate that just as well as any advice you can lend.

Thank you

Hope writes -

Congratulations on the new member of your family. I love your description of Max - especially “at every hop.” It’s a very Frenchie thing, isn’t it?

There’s a saying in dog training that “every dog is trained to his owner’s level of comfort.” We all may have different opinions about dogs on the furniture, dogs begging at the table, etc. Everyone agrees on one aspect of training - potty training.

It is essential that Max hears one consistent voice on this. Every member of the family has to abide by the rules. If Max is not being actively watched - he’s in his crate. At the first sign of circling, sniffing, etc. - out he goes, on collar and leash. And you stand in the place you’ve chosen for his potty. No playing, no joking around. Tell him “go potty” or another phrase you choose. When he’s accomplished his mission, say “good go potty” and give him a treat. Then you and Max can play.

If you have no luck in 10 minutes - back into the crate he goes. And goes back outside in 15 minutes. Same routine.

As you become familiar with Max’s schedule, you can allow slightly more freedom. Put on his harness or collar and leash and knot the leash to your belt loop. He can follow you around the house as you go through your day, but he’s never out of your sight and never allowed to wander off on his own.

I know that having a puppy can severely crimp your style at first. Many things around the house may not get done while you’re actively paying attention to Max. But it’s well worth it - consider it part of bonding with the baby. The more time and energy you put into training now, the less you’ll have to do later. And you’ll have a wonderful Frenchie companion who will be welcome wherever you go.

We like the book “Outwitting Dogs” by Terry Ryan and Kirsten Mortensen. The authors really seem wonderfully common-sense oriented and the advice is sound.

Best of luck with little Max!

Hope

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,