"Average" people and getting puppies

[sammgirl]

I don't think there are many "average" puppy people on this forum.

Most here are educated, or they come here to be educated.

A lady at work just got a "boxador" (yes, I know it's a designer breed, but I don't think the lady cared) at 7 weeks old and now he's 13 weeks old and and they can't seem to get him potty trained.

AND it is completely their fault, IMHO. They don't have him on a schedule, they free feed him, they don't realize that puppies can't hold their bowels for more then 30 minutes at a time, they don't know what "signs" to look for that he is going to the bathroom, they don't use a cleaner that removes phermones...

And they're just now thinking about "caging" him throughout the day because he "can't be trusted in the house."

I really want badly to tell him everything they're doing wrong, but I work with these people and I would feel awkward pointing out all of their errors. This puppy doesn't have a shot in h*ll being potty trained with them.

Does anyone know any good website that are short and to the point regarding potty training or puppy socialization?

I don't want to come across as preachy, but I do want to provide some information that may be helpful.

Also, do you find that most people are very "dog stupid?"

I mean, you wouldn't expect a toddler to be immediately potty trained, so why would you expect a puppy?

 

[xpaeanx]

I don't know any sites off the top of my head.... But to avoid sounding preachy, relating info as a life expierence helps a lot. As in, "when I was potting training y we found doing x, y & z really helped a lot."

but crate training a dog is a good idea for many reasons beyond it being a key tool in house breaking.

 

[Pops2]

yes, most people who own dogs probably shouldn't own a goldfish. between stupidity, ignorance & laziness most people are incompetant to own any dog.

 

[CharlieDog]

Search rufflyspeaking's blog. I'm pretty sure she has some EXCELLENT articles on raising a puppy, as well as potty training them. Also, clickersolutions should have some "user friendly" articles as well.

 

[Fran101]

here is a great site Dog Owner's Guide: Housetraining

 

[sammgirl]

well...

I haven't had a puppy of my own before, so really I have no experience with them and could not give advice from that.

I've just read ALOT and been around the dogs my breeder has- plus she lives 10 minutes from me if I have any questions or whatever.

 

[SuZQuzie]

I would view this situation just as I would viewing training a dog. If my dog is chewing on the couch, I don't say, "No chewing on the couch!" and then leave them be. They would just keeping chewing because they don't see any other way around it. Rather, I would say, "No," and give 'em a nice stinky bully stick. The bully stick is SO much more appetizing than a couch any day!

Same thing here. If you simply tell them, "you are doing this, this, and this wrong," they will revert right back to their old, incorrect methods because that is all they know. Rather, politely say, "Hey, I've been noticing you have been having trouble with potty training. These are some things that worked for my dog." Then, introduce the better methods in a way that doesn't make them feel stupid.

For example, don't say, "you can't expect a puppy to go that long between breaks," but instead, "since a puppy has such a small bladder, they need to be taken out ALOT and on regular intervals. It's a pain, but it will everyone's lives so much easier in the long run."

You sound like you know how to teach a puppy to go outside, now just teach someone else to teach a puppy to go outside.

Also, if they don't have a doggy door, I recommend bell training. To go from 95% potty-trained to 100% is just for the puppy to have an effective means of communication to their people to let them know when the pup needs to go.

 

[sammgirl]

Thanks. I just emailed that to her Fran.

 

[CharlieDog]

Samm, aren't you getting a cardi? Rufflyspeaking is a cardi breeder and there is a TON of interesting stuff on her blog about cardis and really just dogs in general. She is SUPER smart and really well spoken about dogs.

 

[sammgirl]

Gosh, sorry for the confusion.

If you read in my first post, I think that I stated that I was asking for a coworker.

I don't have puppy questions. I have read many books and my breeder is 10 minutes away.

Sorry for any confusion, but if you would re read I think you would understand better.

 

[CharlieDog]

I know you were asking for a coworker, lol. I was telling you about ruffly speaking for both of you

 

[sammgirl]

Oh...

It just seemed that you were confused because you asked if I was getting a Cardigan, which didn't have anything to do with what I posted. My coworker has the boxador, and I thought maybe that you got things twisted around.

But, no, I'm good. If I have questions I'll post, but more likely I'll be leaning on the breeder b/c she knows her dogs.

Thanks for the resource. I love looking at other people's cardi blogs. My good friend kate has a fun cardi blog, too.

Maybe once I get Harper I can start my own.

 

[Dreeza]

I always think its easier to give people advice by sharing your own mistakes (even if its not really true, lol)

So, if I were in your position, I would say something like "omg, I totally know how you feel...it was a nightmare training my pup...I just had NO idea what to do & was sooo frustrated until my good friend directed me to this *insert site*...it was a lifesaver!!!"

Not really sure if its the best way to get people to listen to you, but its basically the only way that i avoid getting preachy (cause I KNOW i do, LOL)

 

[sillysally]

Also, do you find that most people are very "dog stupid?"

I know I was--lol. When we first took in Sally I knew nothing about dogs--I was burning up google trying to figure out housetraining and even how to teach her to sit.....

 

[ACooper]

Also, do you find that most people are very "dog stupid?"

Yes, but the thing with that is, 99% of ALL dog owners were "dog stupid" at one time, that time being before and right after they got their FIRST dog, LOL

The ones who care and actually love their dog are willing to do what it takes to LEARN. If she is bringing this up to you, it might be her first step in reaching out TO learn

You know her, you can probably tell her reactions to sharing info and/or links with her. Just feel your way through and do what you can, hopefully this little Boxador will benefit from anything you share with her

 

[sammgirl]

Well,

I haven't heard anything back yet. I used the link that Fran suggested and sent it to her.

It was a reputable source (canismajor, I think) and the advice was pretty straight forward.

She hasn't said anything since I sent it.

If she seems receptive, I will likely steer her towards Dr. Ian Dunbar's puppy book. I can say that is good from personal experience.

Thanks for the advice. I will let you know if she says anything about it. I hope she does.

 

[PoodleMommy]

Yes, most people who get dogs know nothing about them or how to train them. But many of the people on dog forums were the same way and only found dog forums in their search to learn what to do better. When I meet someone with a new puppy who is having a hard time... even if they made a dumb choice about where/when to get the puppy... I try to help them, give them little pointers and not be judgmental. Everyone starts somewhere. And yes, it would be nice if everyone researched to death before they got a new puppy but it doesnt always happen, actually it doesnt happen most of the time and many of those people turn into great pet owners and the dogs live happy lives. Lots of people on this very forum made mistakes with their first dog(s)... it doesnt mean they arent fit to be a dog owner.

 

[dogsarebetter]

I got Ruckus on the spur of the moment. I didnt know much about shelties, i actually didnt like dogs very much at the time.
Ruckus was going to be an outdoor dog, eat purina, and stay out in the yard.
LOL
my how things have changed.

 

[sammgirl]

I guess I have offended lol I'm really good at doing that here on Chaz.

Maybe not everyone researches, but they really should. Most new parents read a "baby" book or two- raising a dog is no less of a committment.

I don't really know if that makes them "fit" or not to be pet owners. I can't really make that call. I'm sure that most people can muddle through pet ownership just fine.

I can,however, tell you that these people would be enjoying their new addition MORE if they had bothered to pick up a book and learn how to house train.

As it stands, they're frustrated with an energetic large breed puppy that they expect to train itself. *shrugs*

 

[PoodleMommy]

I havent seen anyone who is offended in this thread... people are just trying to answer your questions and explain another way to look at the situation. Its easy to say that these people are stupid and shouldnt have a dog... but it doesnt change the situation at all... giving them helpful hints might help them... because everyone needs help with something at some point. Even the best pet owners encounter things they dont know about and need help.