 Are you ready to embark on the adventure of potty training your new furry family member? 🐾 While it may seem daunting, avoiding some common mistakes can make the process smoother for both you and your pup. Let's dive into the top five blunders and how to steer clear of them!
Lack of Supervision: One of the biggest mistakes in potty training is not keeping a close eye on your puppy. Accidents can happen in the blink of an eye, especially during the early stages of training. Remember, pups have tiny bladders and may need to go out frequently, so keep a watchful eye to prevent accidents indoors. And even if you get an older pup, that pup is not potty trained to your specific environment and should not be trusted. Too much freedom = disaster. It is now your job to teach the pup the rules of your house, and how can that be done if you are not present with them? So, stay close and let the communication begin. Inconsistent Schedule: Dogs thrive on routine, and inconsistency can confuse them during potty training...even inconsistent rules between people. Stick to a regular schedule for feeding, watering, and bathroom breaks. Consistency reinforces good habits and helps your pup understand when it's time to go potty. And remember to make sure everyone in the household knows the schedule and is on the same page. Punishment-based Training: Punishing your puppy for accidents can do more harm than good. Why? Because bonds are based on trust...and trust is gained when you become predicable and consistent. If your emotional state is inconsistent, you have now built a barrier between you and your pup's communication. What they have learned is that they cannot be in vulnerable with you. That fear will translate into hiding while going to the bathroom and you will then have a longer potty training experience. Instead of teaching them the desired behavior, it can lead to fear, anxiety, and confusion. Positive reinforcement, such as praise and treats for going potty outside, is much more effective in shaping their behavior. Failure to Recognize Signs: Dogs communicate in subtle ways, and it's essential to recognize the signs that they need to go potty. Sniffing, circling, whining, pacing, or heading to the door are all common indicators that your pup needs to relieve themselves. Paying attention to these cues can help you act quickly and prevent accidents. Remember, the job of figuring out your pup's cues...is yours. So get your detective brain on and figure it out. Unrealistic Expectations: Remember, Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither is potty training! Unrealistic expectations can lead to frustration for both you and your pup. Understand that accidents are part of the learning process, and it takes time for puppies to grasp the concept fully. Be patient and consistent, and you'll see progress over time. Also, remember that pups aren't capable of overgeneralizing rules at very young ages either...so just because they are house trained at your house, doesn't mean they will be at grandma's...or the neighbor's! It's crucial to understand that full potty training mastery takes time and patience. Dogs cannot be fully reliable until their brain development is complete, typically around 1 1/2 to 2 years old. Until then, accidents may happen, but with consistent training and positive reinforcement, your pup will learn the ropes of proper potty etiquette. 🌟🐶 By avoiding these common pitfalls and approaching potty training with patience and positivity, you'll set your puppy up for success and strengthen the bond between you. Cheers to happy, accident-free days ahead! 🎉
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 Tired of your furry friend's enthusiastic greetings that involve a bit too much jumping? Let's tackle that together! 🐶💪
Did you know that your pup communicates mainly through body language? That's right! When you back away from them as they jump up, you're actually inviting them into your space. 😅 But fear not! There's a simple solution to redirect this behavior and teach them some paw-sitive manners.
Don't forget to follow us on Instagram here: Lake Mountain Doodle on Instagram Visit Our Website To See Current Litters Here: Lake Mountain Doodle Apply for your Perfectly Socialized Puppy Here: Amazing Puppy Application Follow us on Facebook Here https://m.facebook.com/lakemountaindoodle/  Hey there, proud puppy parents! Today, we're diving into a topic that'll have your furry friend looking forward to grooming sessions instead of running for the hills – desensitization. If you've ever struggled with getting your pup to sit still for a nail trim or brush, you're in for a treat! Let's unleash these golden nuggets of wisdom:
1. Do it Daily Consistency is key when it comes to desensitizing your pup to grooming. Make it a part of your daily routine, even if it's just for a few minutes. This helps your pup become familiar with the process and reduces anxiety over time. It also helps your pup get used to and submissive to handling that feels a bit unnatural at first....so don't worry if they aren't the Grooming Divas you desire instantly. 2. Use Classical Conditioning Turn grooming into a positive experience by pairing it with something your pup loves, like treats or praise. This classical conditioning helps create positive associations with grooming, making it a paw-sitive experience for your furry friend. 3. Turn on Your Blow Dryer While Grooming Introduce your pup to common grooming tools like the blow dryer gradually. Start by turning it on in the same room while you groom your pup with something they enjoy, like brushing or gentle massages. This helps them get used to the sound and prevents fear or anxiety during actual grooming sessions. 4. Make it a Pattern in Your Day Incorporate grooming into your daily routine at the same time each day. This consistency helps your pup feel more at ease since they know what to expect, reducing stress and anxiety associated with grooming. I like to take time every night to groom my dogs, so it's not just a training pattern that they are used to, but a part of their nighttime ritual that actually makes them a bit sleepy and is a relaxing part of their day. 5. Touch Every Part a Groomer Would Get your pup accustomed to being touched all over their body, just like a groomer would. This includes sensitive areas like their ears, paws, and tail - and DON'T FORGET those unmentionables. Start with gentle touches and gradually increase pressure to mimic grooming procedures. 6. Start Things Far Away and Bring Them Closer Introduce grooming tools like brushes and nail clippers can be a bit intimidating, so take it slowly. Start by showing them from a distance and gradually bring them closer as your pup becomes more comfortable. You can even add that classical condition skill here and put some treats on the tools themselves to help your pup gain a positive association. This gradual approach prevents overwhelming your furry friend and builds confidence over time. 7. Use Your Crate During Grooming Sessions...Even if Just for a Few Minutes Utilize your pup's crate as a safe space during grooming sessions, even if it's just for a few minutes at a time. This helps them feel secure and reduces the likelihood of them trying to escape or resist grooming. It is also a skill they will need to know when they go to the groomer...so even if you are ANTI-CRATE, you should invest in one, if only for your daily grooming sessions, so your pup will not have an anxiety attack when they actually go to the groomers and get crated. Embrace the Journey Remember, desensitizing your pup to grooming is a journey, not a destination. Be patient, stay consistent, and celebrate small victories along the way. With time and positive reinforcement, you'll have a well-groomed pup who's ready to strut their stuff in no time! Ready to embark on this grooming adventure with your furry friend? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below! Let's paw-ty together as we groom our way to success! 🐾 Don't forget to follow us on Instagram here: Lake Mountain Doodle on Instagram Visit Our Website To See Upcoming Litters Here: Lake Mountain Doodle Apply for your Perfectly Socialized Puppy Here: Amazing Puppy Application Follow us on Facebook Here https://m.facebook.com/lakemountaindoodle/  Hey there, Doodle enthusiasts! Ready for another paw-some blog post? Today, we're diving into a vital topic for all proud pup parents: socialization. Whether your fur baby comes from a top-notch breeder like us at Lake Mountain Doodle or joins your family from another avenue, the socialization journey is crucial for their growth and happiness.
Let me share a little secret with you. When my sister Sheri and I started breeding, we knew that early socialization was key. Our own experiences with our pups taught us just how important it is. Take Angel, for example. When she joined our family, she was a bit unsure and anxious, likely due to her early upbringing. I remember the first time she sat in our family room...completely skittish and insecure. But with patience, love, and lots of socialization, she blossomed into the confident and happy pup she is today. Now, let's talk strategy. For those lucky enough to start with a Doodle pup from a reputable breeder like us, you're already ahead of the game. But don't rest on your laurels! Consistency is key. Keep exposing your pup to new experiences, people, and places. It's like giving them a VIP pass to life's coolest adventures! A big thing you need to be doing while exposing them...is watching their reactions...because exposing them to a situation is not the same as socializing them. I can hear some of you now: what about those who didn't start with us? No worries! Socialization is still within reach. It just takes a bit more TLC. Start slow, introducing your pup to new things gradually. And remember, positive reinforcement is your best friend. Treats, praise, and belly rubs go a long way in building confidence. And timing here is also very important...because a pat when they are having a negative reaction can actually reinforce that behavior instead of building confidence. So remember not to baby your baby, but build them up instead. Pro Tip: Socialization is about confidence. So if your pup seems uneasy...you can keep going. BUT if your pup is completely shut down: tail tucked, ears back, excessive drooling or panting and won't take a treat - it's time to hightail it out of that situation and try again another day. BUT the K E Y word there is "try again". If you stop when your dog is unsuccessful, I guarantee they always will be. An unsuccessful adventure just means you have some extra training to do and then TRY AGAIN! When we take cues from our dog that they don't like something and then stop, we give them the reins in their training and in effect, we let them win. Some dogs who did not come from great situations will have limits, but that does not mean that we cannot broaden their limits and we should. Now, let's talk about our older pups. It's never too late to start the socialization journey. Sure, they might be a bit set in their ways, but with patience and persistence, they'll learn to embrace new experiences like a pro. So, why is socialization so important? It's all about building confidence and trust. We want our Doodles to feel comfortable in their own fur, whether they're meeting new friends or exploring new places. For more insider tips on socialization and all things Doodle, hop over to our blog on lakemountaindoodle.com. And don't forget to join Sheri and me for our Instagram LIVE sessions every Wednesday, where we dish out even more helpful advice and answer your burning questions about dog care, training, and grooming. Until next time, keep socializing, keep smiling, and keep those tails wagging! Don't forget to follow us on Instagram here: Lake Mountain Doodle on Instagram Visit Our Website To See Upcoming Litters Here: Lake Mountain Doodle Apply for your Perfectly Socialized Puppy Here: Amazing Puppy Application Follow us on Facebook Here https://m.facebook.com/lakemountaindoodle/ |
Author.A Note from Heather "I am passionate about creating mental wellness for every client through responsible breeding and training practices. My goal is to provide clients with puppies that are not only a joy to have but also enhance their lives in meaningful ways. I am committed to ensuring that every dog I breed and train is a source of happiness and mental wellness for their owners." Archives
February 2025
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