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Main Street Pet Spa

Questions and Answers

As both a groomer and trainer, many of my clients ask questions that I would like to share with you.

Q. — What is your opinion of crate training?

A. — I firmly believe in crate training your new puppy. Many people feel the crate is the equivilant to putting the puppy in jail. This is just not true. The crate allows the puppy to have a safe and secure place to call his own. It keeps the puppy safe, out of trouble and allows you to go on with your daily routine without worrying if your new family member is peeing and pooping all over your home as well as destroying your furniture. The crate should be 1 1/2 the size of what the dog will be when he becomes an adult. This allows the dog to move around and grow without you having to purchase a new crate. Most crates come with dividers so you can limit the puppy's space during the housebreaking process.

Please remember, the crate should NEVER be used as punishment. Give your dog treats whenever you are putting him in the crate and make it a pleasant and fun experience for him and before long, the dog will be going in on his own.

Q. — When can I give my dog run of the house ?

A. — Your dog needs to behave 100% of the time in front of you and be housebroken. Do not expect this to happen until the puppy is at least 1 year old and possibly later. When you are ready to attempt to leave the dog alone in the house out of his crate, try short periods, 10 minutes the first time, 20 minutes the 2nd and gradually increase the time.

Q. — What training method do you use and do you use treats when training?

A. — The method I use for training is called Positive Reinforcemcent with Corrections. This means that once the dog does what is expected of him, he gets lots of love and praise, but at the same time he also learns that it is unacceptable to not execute the command. The correction can be a firm "NO" or a leash correction which is a slight tug on the leash in conjunction with the word "NO" Your dog will challenge you as it's leader thoughout its life and must understand you are the leader of the pack. The important thing to remember is to be firm but fair.

I use treats when I am training a new exercise and periodically during a training session, however, the dog should respond to your commands because you are the leader and not only because there is a treat at the end of the command. You should be able to tell your dog and he should sit even if there is no treat involved.

 

50 W. Main Street, Rockaway NJ 07866

Plenty of parking and Drop-off & Pick-up located
in the rear of our building

862-209-1565
info@mainstreetpetspa.com