Remember, GSD training is an important part of owning your dog. As a German Shepherd owner, you own one of the greatest potential athletes in the dog world. Well rounded, these dogs were created on the premise that the dog be versatile, athletic, courageous and mentally sound to excel in any activity in which they participated. Before taking your dog to the next level however, it is best to first make sure that your dog is physically fit by your veterinarian. Your vet will check your dog’s overall health and well being as well as it’s lungs, heart and joints for any potential problems.

Once you get a good bill of health from your veterinarian, the next thing to do is to start a GSD training routine with your dog. Start slowly with short exercise periods a few times daily. There are many excellent ways to build up your German Shepherd’s endurance – swimming, walking and playing fetch are all good ways to start. If your dog stops frequently, pants heavily, limps or shows any sign of pain then take heed, these are all clues that your dog is not yet ready for more vigorous activity.

There are many different types of activities and training which are available for you and your GSD to participate in. In the links below we will attempt to briefly examine and explain what each activity is and also what is involved in participating in each.

Remember, of all breeds, the German Shepherd is the most versatile. He can do it all and do it all well. Often it is the owner who must check his own limitations versus that of the GSD. Of all the various types of GSD training available, you are sure to find one or more that is right for both you and your German Shepherd.

Advanced Training and other Activities for your German Shepherd Dog

Herding and the GSD
Conformation Dog Shows and the GSD
Schutzhund Training and the GSD
Routine Boredom and Stress
GSD Obedience Training
GSD Beginning Agility

The author, a lifelong dog lover and German Shepherd owner, has been a German Shepherd breeder for over to 15 years. For more information and articles covering other German Shepherd related topics, feel free to visit: total-german-shepherd.com

Interested in other purebred dog breeds? Visit: pedigreedpups.com

Canine Diabetes: A Serious Dog Disease That is Completely Manageable

Canine diabetes is a serious disease that causes there to be too much glucose in the blood. If your pet has any of the signs, a dog health exam will help you find out with certainty. Canine diabetes symptoms usually include the following:

- drinking excessive amounts of water
– frequent urination
– weight gain (or weight loss in some cases)
– increased lethargy during the day

A simple blood test can tell the vet if the glucose counts look suspicious. You should have a full physical exam done on your dog annually, even if he seems perfectly healthy. Be sure to ask your vet to include a full blood work-up, to rule out diabetes (as well as many other diseases). It?s well worth the added cost!

If your pet has been diagnosed with canine diabetes, don?t panic. While it is a ?special needs? issue that will influence many daily decisions, it is a manageable disease in dogs. You just have to learn some simple steps and stick to a schedule.

The first goal after a canine diabetes diagnosis is to get the glucose levels down to a normal (or only slightly elevated) level. This will not require thorough dog health exams like the original blood test. The vet can draw some blood and test the levels fairly quickly, with minimal cost to you.

Canine diabetes means someone must administer insulin injections (in most cases). They are easy to do and will quickly become routine. One person in the family should be responsible for the shots, but everyone should know how to give them (age teen and up) in case of a dog health emergency. I highly recommend posting a printout of how to give the injection to your pet in every room in your house, just in case.

In our house, where we have a diabetic dog, we made a canine diabetes ?Dog Health Cheat Sheet? for potential problems, like these:

- too much insulin is accidentally injected
– the needle breaks off while in the dog
– there?s a seizure (not common, but can happen occasionally)

The cheat sheet includes the vet?s emergency number and some basic actions to take in each scenario. We made several copies to be posted all over the house, but especially by the phone, the fridge (where the insulin is kept), and the bed (where our dog hangs out a lot).

The other goal with canine diabetes is to maintain the glucose level (with your vet?s help). It is crucial to take your pet periodically to the vet for a whole day (8-hour period at least) so they can check blood sugar levels throughout the day. Just as in humans, blood sugar levels fluctuate in your pet throughout the day. Having your vet monitor and take several blood readings during a longer stretch of time helps ensure that your diabetes treatments are actually working as intended.

It?s a little more work to care for diabetic dogs, no doubt about it. But our pets are family members and we love them dearly. Right? They give us their devotion, protection, and love, so the least we can do in return is give them proper health care, especially if they have problems like canine diabetes. Going the extra mile for them will help them live happier lives with less pain and more enjoyment. Can there be a nobler goal?

John Schwartz is a freelance writer, webmaster, and dog lover. He has written many published articles on subjects that include shopping for dog supplies, improving pet health, and good dog training practices. Please visit my dog supplies website at http://www.puppies-dogs-supplies.com for more dog and puppy tips.

This medium sized breed weighs between 50-65 pounds and reaches between 22 to 26 in height. Their name is pronounced LAK-in-wah. The Belgian Laekenois is the rarest of four Belgian Sheepdogs. Bred to herd sheep, this breed remains a working breed today.

The AKC recognizes three of the Belgian Sheepdogs but does not recognize the Belgian Laekenois. Their color ranges from red to fawn and mahogany to gray. They may or may not have a dark masking on their face. Their harsh, rough, wiry coat is over 2 in length and gives them an unkempt or tousled appearance. Their coat is waterproofed and they should not be bathed on a regular basis. They only require minimal grooming and should never be clipped to closely.

This energetic, protective and intelligent breed is more of a working dog than family companion. The Belgian Laekenois loves to work and is happiest when they have a job to do. They are excellent farm dogs, herding dogs and watchdogs. They can also make an good family pets for active families. The Belgian Laekenois has an abundance of energy and loves to be on the go. They are not meant to be indoors all day and are happiest when they have plenty of room to run and play. Early socialization is a must for other pets, dogs and children. Early training is also recommended. They have a herding instinct and will herd family and pets alike.

The Belgian Laekenois originated in Belgium. It is one of four Belgian Sheepdogs. They are often recognized as distinct breeds, but in some countries they are actually all considered to be one breed. Originally bred to watch over linen bleaching fields, they were later used to watch over sheep. They are now used for herding and as guard dogs.

Work, work and more work is the Belgian Laekenois’ motto. They love to have a job to do and are not a lazy breed by any means. To have a happy Belgian Laekenois, they need a family that will recognize their energy level and work instinct and make sure that both those needs are met. If you are a family that likes to relax inside all the time, then the Belgian Laekenois is probably not for you.

Learn more about the Belgian Laekenois or discuss Dogs with other dog lovers at http://www.deardoggy.com

You know how annoying it can be when you have an itch, but you can’t reach it to give it a scratch? Well, when your cat has fleas it’s like your problem, just multiplied a hundred times.

If your cat has fleas or ticks, you need to take action. If they are scratching or have irritated skin, your cats need you to bring this problem under control because it can become a much larger problem if you do not.

Even clean cats can end up with fleas. All it takes is a stray animal to come close enough to the cat. Or, the cat can pick them up outdoors as well. Even just one flea can leave many eggs and cause a full scale attack on your pet.

To stop them before they start, you can use a product such as Frontline or Advantage. These are pre measured liquid treatments that are applied directly to the cat?s skin and coat. When fleas get onto the pet, these products kill them before they can lay eggs. Those who want preventative measures for keeping the cat safe should use these.

For most though, it takes seeing the fleas to get them to start fighting them. If you see tiny black or brown insects on your animal, these are no doubt that your cat is flea infested. If you do see them, realize that the problem is already a big problem.

What you need to do is make sure to check your pet for fleas all the time. You can do this with a flea comb. Carefully comb through the cat?s hair and pay attention to the hair around the cat?s head and his belly. These are the ideal places for fleas to hide including the ears, eyes and the nose. And, they like to burrow in the creases where the cat?s legs and body meet.

When combing your pet, if you find a flea you know they are throughout his body. But, if you end up with a few black or brown specks, this too is a sign that they are hiding somewhere on the pet?s body.

To find them, run your hands over the cat?s body. Look for raised spots on him. If you find one or more, check it closely to see if it has little legs. If so the cat has ticks. You?ll need to ask your vet about having the tick removed as you can not do this yourself without risking the tick?s head staying behind in your pet?s skin.

In order to get them under control, you?ll need to use one of the liquid flea and tick treatments. You can also use flea or tick collars and baths as well. If the fleas are in your house, as they probably are, then you will need to use a powder or spray for the bedding and upholstered furniture too. As a last resort, you can use a flea and tick bomb in your home. But, in this case, the animals will need to stay out of your home for at least 24 hours.

Fleas are a serious concern and you need to keep them from affecting your pet. If your pet has them, also talk to your vet about treatments he can provide as these are professional strengths that can help. Before they make your pet sick, take measures at the first sign of trouble.

Niall Kennedy is a lifelong pet lover and has worked in several pet sanctuaries. Best Pet Health Information is a resource that brings you information about many aspects cat health. You will also find great deals on flea medication for cats such as Frontline, Advantage and Revolution. http://www.Best-Pet-Health.info

Copyright Best-Pet-Health.info All rights reserved. This article may be reprinted in full so long as the resource box and the live links are included intact.

Norwegian Elkhounds are an old breed, dating back to Stone Age times in Scandinavia. Fossil dating confirms its long use as a domesticated hunting companion of man. They are only moderately popular in the U.S., but as you’ll see, this breed has a lot of desirable traits that make it a good choice as a pet.

Physical Characteristics

Norwegian Elkhounds are beautiful dogs, with medium-sized bodies, a distinctive Spitz curled tail, and strong, athletic lines. Bred to hunt a variety of prey, they possess amazing stamina and can go strong for days at a time. Like all hunting dogs, Elkhounds have powerful jaw muscles and ears that move around the head to pick up sounds coming from many directions. They have wide, deep, muscular chests and front legs designed for quick bursts of speed.

Not surprisingly, since they evolved in colder climes, Norwegian Elkhounds possess a thick double coat that is darker gray on top and lighter underneath. It is superbly suited for heat absorption and retention. They also emit no ?doggie? odor ? another common characteristic of hunting dogs. This works to mask its presence when stalking prey. For us as pet owners, this makes the Elkhound a very clean dog, even in the hot summer months when other breeds can become smelly from all the perspiration.

Elkhounds stand 18-22 inches tall and generally run between 40-55 lbs. Pound for pound, they are one of the fiercest hunting dogs in existence and make excellent guard dogs for homes and businesses. They bark loudly and often, which is either a good or a bad thing, depending on where you live and what job you give the dog.

From a health perspective, Elkhounds are prone to hip dysplasia, dermatitis, and Fanconi Syndrome (rare, but can lead to kidney failure). You should also be careful not to overfeed this breed, as it gains weight quickly and doesn?t shed pounds efficiently in a sedentary domestic environment.

Temperament

The Norwegian Elkhound is both friendly and fiercely loyal. This is a great trait in a pet dog, but care must be taken to properly socialize the animal to avoid aggression toward strangers (both other dogs and humans). Having only occasional visitors can bring out the ‘guard dog’ tendency. Early socialization, such as taking the pup to crowded parks or having lots of family and friends over on a regular basis, can instill a sense of ease around strange dogs and people that will last your dog’s lifetime. The key is to help your pet Elkhound learn early on to associate your presence among others as a good thing – not a situation requiring his/her defensive posturing (barking, growling, aggressive movements).

Like all arctic dog breeds, Elkhounds have a definite independent streak. Intelligent and resourceful, they are one of the best breeds to have as an ?only pet.? They are a bit resistant to formal training, so you need to be firm (but never mean) to teach them. They respond well to praise and rewards, but are very sensitive and will remain aloof for long periods if you treat them unfairly or punish too much during training. The key is to be firm, but give lots and lots of praise and love to reward him/her when the behavior you want to instill is exhibited.

The most common complaint about Norwegian Elkhound behavior is the barking. Understand that hunting dogs need to hold the prey at bay and alert their masters to their location at the same time. This means that the more boisterous dogs were better at helping their masters hunt, so they got bred more often. As a natural result, this breed now features loud barking almost universally. Don?t get an Elkhound if this will pose a problem.

Elkhounds as Pets

As you?ve probably discerned, Norwegians need a lot of activity. They are tireless runners and need to burn that energy off. Therefore, they are not good pets for apartment or condominium dwellers, unless you can provide ample outdoor space for regular exercise. Ideally, a big fenced yard or local park with a regularly active owner is the perfect setting for these dogs.

Norwegian Elkhounds are also best suited for a cooler climate. They can overheat quickly in any region where the temperature exceeds 90 in the Summer. However, they do very well during cold winters, even when temps dip into sub-zero readings.

Finally, always exercise caution when taking your Elkhound out for a walk or jog. Use a leash! They have an independent streak and are known to ignore their masters when they pick up an interesting scent. Even trained dogs of this breed will sometimes defy their masters when a really enticing scent comes along, so don?t get complacent!

Overall, the Norwegian Elkhound is an excellent dog to bring into your home as a pet. Loyal, friendly, intelligent and energetic, they make wonderful pets for active people or working dogs for those with property protection needs.

John Schwartz is a freelance writer and dog lover. He has written many published articles on subjects that include shopping for safe dog toys and supplies, improving pet health, and good dog training practices. Visit his website at http://www.puppies-dogs-supplies.com for more information and pet dog tips.

We all know that good food, a loving home and plenty of exercise will go a long way in giving your dog and cat a happy and healthy life. But what about those times when some minor illness suddenly appears and it’s 10 pm in the evening with no veterinarian available? (For those of you who have small children…you understand how this works).

Just like humans, animals can and will occasionally get sick. Considering some of the things animals get into, it’s truly amazing our dogs and cats stay as healthy as they do. There are a lot of potential dangers out in that big wide world.

Child Proofing Your Home For Your Pet

Pets are just like children. They are curious explorers that love to check out what’s in that overflowing garbage can or see if they really can reach the toilet bowl for a drink before someone catches them.

Here are a few guidelines to help you pet proof your home:

* When you use any pesticides, herbicides, antifreeze, or household cleaning products, make sure they are stored safely away after use. Wash away any extra waste that might have spilled immediately.

* It’s preferable that you don’t let your cat roam the neighborhood. Some people put out rat bait and other such poisons in their gardens and in their garbage. Why? Well, they may have mice in the area which they want to get rid of. They may also be tired of your or someone else’s cat constantly getting into their garbage or defecating in their gardens. Believe me, this is a slow, painful death for your pet. I learned the hard way with a much beloved cat of mine. Since then, all of my cats are indoor house cats.

* Keep your garbage can lids closed tight. Animals love smelly garbage to explore to find what great human tidbits might be in there. However, that food may have some toxic cleaner spilled on it. Those yummy chicken bones are cooked…and splinter, which could cause serious intestinal problems. You get the idea.

* Be sure all electrical cords are kept covered or unplugged when not in use. Although not recommended normally, if you have a small puppy or kitten, run the cords under carpets, behind cabinets or heavy furniture that they can’t crawl behind. Young pets love to chew…and wires and cords are enticing.

* If you use a toilet bowl cleaner that stays in toilet to clean with each flush keep the lid down. Animals, especially dogs, love to drink from the toilet for some bizarre

reason that only they understand. The chemicals in the cleaner can poison and/or kill.

Stocking The Medicine Cabinet

So, what to do when your dog or cat gets sick with a minor tummy ache, diarrhea, or some minor infection, including itchy skin? Stock your medicine cabinet with certain human medications that are perfectly fine to give to your pets in the proper dosage. However, you should always consult your veterinarian if possible before administering any type of medication, including dosage amounts of each for each of your animals. Keep a list handy near the cabinet for quick reference on dosages.

Here are some items you should keep on hand:

* Buffered Aspirin is good for lowering fever and relieving minor aches and pains in dogs. Most people prefer to use baby aspirin. Use approximately 80 mg per every 10 pounds of weight, usually no more than twice a day. NEVER give aspirin to a cat as it’s extremely dangerous to them. Also, do not use Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen, as they are also dangerous to pets in general. Stick with the aspirin.

* Keopectate is good for soothing stomach troubles and diarrhea in both dogs and cats. A recommended amount would be 1 teaspoon for every 10 pounds of weight roughly every 4 hours.

* Gravol for motion sickness if you need to travel with your pet. Administer the tablet one hour before you leave. You should give no more than 12.5 mg to a cat or a small dog. A medium to large dog can handle between 25 to 50 mg. Do not give this to any animal that has bladder problems or glaucoma. Again, check with your vet to be sure if it’s safe and what dosage is recommended for your pet.

* Pepto-Bismol, that good old pink stuff, is fine to give to your dog if they are having tummy trouble, such as vomiting or a rolling, noisy belly. One teaspoon every 6 hours per pound of body weight should be sufficient. This is another medicinal product that should not be given to cats.

* Hydrogen Peroxide and Polysporin for minor cuts and scratches. These will help clean out the wound and hopefully prevent any infection from occurring.

All in all, checking up with your vet and keeping some specific medications on hand should help you deal with any minor illnesses you may encounter with your dog and cat.

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Rose Smith is the author and owner of Caring For Canines, a web site that provides information on natural dog health care. To learn more about dog medications, vaccinations and first aid, please visit us at: http://www.caringforcanines.com/herbal-medications.shtml

There are few places your dog is happier than at a beach. Swimming, running, hiking, fetching, digging – yes, indeed a beach has it all for a dog. But there are some things you need to keep in mind to make sure your dog returns from his first visit to the beach safe and sound.

?The majority of dogs can swim and love it, but dogs entering the water for the first time should be tested; never throw your dog into the water. Start in shallow water and call your dog’s name – or try to coax him in with a treat or toy. Always keep your dog within reach.

?Another way to introduce your dog to the water is with a dog that already swims and is friendly with your dog. Let your dog follow his friend.

?If your dog begins to doggie paddle with his front legs only, lift his hind legs and help him float. He should quickly catch on and will keep his back end up.

?Swimming is a great form of exercise, but don’t let your dog overdo it. He will be using new muscles and may tire quickly

?Be careful of strong tides that are hazardous for even the best canine swimmers.

?Cool ocean water is tempting to your dog. Do not allow him to drink too much sea water. Salt in the water will make her sick. Salt and other minerals found in the ocean can damage your dog’s coat so regular bathing at the shore is important.

?Check with a lifeguard for daily water conditions – dogs are easy targets for jellyfish and sea lice.

?Dogs can get sunburned, especially short-haired dogs and ones with pink skin and white hair. Limit your dog’s exposure when the sun is strong and apply sunblock to his ears and nose 30 minutes before heading for the sand.

?If your dog is out of shape, don’t encourage him to run on the and. Running on the beach is strenuous exercise and a dog that is out of shape can easily pull a tendon or ligament.

That’s about it – so grab a leash and hit the beach!

copyright 2006

I am the author of over 20 books, including 8 on hiking with your dog, including the widely praised The Canine Hiker’s Bible. As publisher of Cruden Bay Books, we produce the innovative A Bark In The Park series of canine hiking books found at http://www.hikewithyourdog.com During the warm months I lead canine hikes as tour leader for hikewithyourdog.com tours, leading packs of dogs and humans on day and overnight trips. My lead dog is Katie, a German Shepherd-Border Collie mix, who has hiked in all of the Lower 48 states and is on a quest to swim in all the great waters of North America – http://web.mac.com/crudbay/iWeb/Katies Blog/Katies Quest.html I am currently building a hikewithyourdog.com tours trailer to use on our expeditions and its progress can be viewed at http://web.mac.com/crudbay/iWeb/Teardrop Trailer/Building A Tour Trailer.html

While the phenomenon is yet to sweep across Australia, in the United States professional dog walking is a fast growing industry with organisations such as the National Association of Professional Dog Walkers (NAPDW) being established to support and educate dog walkers and pet owners. Members (the dog walkers) agree to a Code of Ethics, provide insurance and preferably have studied one of the many courses now being offered in order to become a professional dog walker.

Regular dog walking, exercise, re-enforcement training and socialisation have many benefits ? it promotes a healthy social temperament, decreases separation anxiety, lowers stress and can even prevent behaviour problems. Utilising such a service can also reduce elimination problems.

If you are considering employing a professional dog walker to care for your animals during the long hours you are away from home, consider then that their responsibility is not an easy one. Firstly, a dog walker must understand the various kinds of dog training techniques available and be able to provide re-enforcement training as specified by the pet owner. This ensures that the dog walking session or backyard playtime is stimulating, fun, rewarding and challenging for the animal.

Secondly, a dog walker will have to consider the care and treatment of those pets with diabetes, epilepsy and other special care cases that may involve providing an injection or support throughout an episode. Furthermore, they will be insured and aware of council dog laws in your area. Lastly, they are dog lovers and will provide the reliability and integrity that comes with running their own business. They may charge, but the long-term benefits of a well-exercised and healthy animal should outweigh this concern.

It is not necessary for the dog walker to remove the animal from your premises. The dog walker can just turn up, take your dog outside in the backyard and play with them for 30 minutes for toileting, training, a game of fetch, lots of tummy scratches and a brush.

A professional dog walker may ask to see proof of registration and request that your pet is properly tagged. They may also ask for proof of vaccinations and if your dog is spayed or neutered. Dog walkers will generally not agree to take an undesexed animal off your property, but they will agree to backyard playtime as an alternative.

For lots of easy to read articles, full of useful information that is sure to help you out with your pet or pets, go to http://www.P-E-T-S.info. While you are there sign up for the PET NEWS email newsletter – it is FREE and packed with handy tips for pet owners.

Choosing the right dog breed for you, your family and lifestyle is the most important decision you can make before bringing the dog home. Get this choice wrong and you end up with one of two results. Either you end up saddled with a dog that is wrong for you and your family, a dog that is basically unwanted and unloved. A dog that is a chore to look after. Or you end up taking the dog to a shelter for re-adoption or worse yet abandoning it. Neither option is good for the dog.

You also need to be aware that the cute little puppy you bought home will not stay a puppy for long. Before too long he or she will be a part of the family that you will have to care for over the next ten years or longer.

To make this new addition a valued and loved part of the family requires a lot of hard work over the first few months, especially in house training. So you have to be certain that you really want a dog before taking on the commitment.

With over 200 breeds of dog in the world how do you decide which is the right breed for you?

There are a few basic questions you have to ask yourself to narrow the choice down.

How much space do you have in your home? Obviously a large dog in a small apartment is a mismatch, a recipe for disaster. Toy dogs, such as terriers are a better choice for this situation.

Do you have children and how old are they? A large dog puppy such as a Great Dane or Saint Bernard could easily bowl a small child over. On the other hand, toy dogs can be very fragile and easily injured by a small child playing with it. To be on the safe side you have to give priority to what?s right for your children.

Exercise is another important point. The exercise needs of dogs are proportional to their size. Large dogs need lots of room to exercise and work off their excess energy. They either need a large yard to run about in or to be taken on long walks, often twice a day.

Small dogs on the other hand need far less exercise. This makes them a better choice for an apartment or for someone who wants a dog they can cuddle and give lots of affection.

Grooming is another question to look at. Long haired dogs obviously shed more hair than short haired dogs and so need a lot more grooming, anything up to an hour or so a day. Make sure you have the time to do this before choosing a long haired dog.

Asking yourself these questions will help to boil down the choice of the right dog breed for you to a short list. After that it?s really down to your particular preference. Try to visualise what you see as your perfect dog and find the best fit in your short list.

Once you?ve sorted out the breed then it?s time to decide whether you want a puppy or an older dog. Try to find a reputable breeder for puppies. For older dogs consider finding a Dog Rescue center for the breed.

There are pros and cons for either option. With a puppy you never totally know just what its temperament is going to be until it grows up. A puppy is a blank slate and it?s up to you to mould it into the dog you want.

An older dog from a shelter or Dog Rescue has already formed its character so you get a better idea of how well it will fit in with your family. It has probably also had the rudiments of being house trained and basic command training. But these dogs may have also suffered from abuse or neglect from their previous owners so may come with a mental or physical baggage of neurosis or ailments. These will need to be treated over time.

So now you have chosen the right dog the hard work begins ? making that dog a part of your family!

Chris Davis, the author, is a freelance writer publishing and presenting information on a wide variety of subjects. For more informative articles and information on dogs, dog health, dog care and dog training from Chris visit his website http://dog-help-desk.com. This article is free to reprint provided the author credits and link are left in place. Do not use this article for unsolicited email.

All training starts with taking advantage of your dog?s natural inclinations to reinforce the behavior you want. The only place your dog will not, by nature, mess, is its sleeping place. Crate training works with your dog?s instinct – he never has the opportunity to be ?bad.?

Crate training is fairly intense for you. The rule is: if you are not actively paying attention to your dog, your dog is in the crate. Period. Even if you?re in the same room. If you?re not watching your puppy, it?s in the crate. If you think ?caging? your dog is cruel, get over it. It?s worse for your dog not to know the rules of the house.

Crate training is not an excuse to ignore your dog for hours at a time. A puppy cannot go more than a couple of hours during the day without a ?bathroom break.? If your dog learns to mess in its crate the behavior is very difficult to correct. It?s one of the biggest challenges when adopting strays or rescues from shelters. It can be done, but requires patience and dedication.

Dogs should be taken out at regular intervals; after meals, after naps and after play sessions. And ?business? walks are not playtime. Put the collar and leash on, take the dog to a specific spot you want it to use for its toilet area, give your dog a command ?go potty.? If it does, reward it with praise and cookies, say ?good go potty.? Forget about public embarrassment. If you?re easily embarrassed, don?t get a dog. Of course you can use any words you want – a friend of ours used ?hit it? with her dogs. She just had to be careful not to use the phrase under other circumstances.

Your puppy should also sleep in the crate, ideally in your bedroom. Dogs are social animals, they need to know their ?pack? or family, is close by. If the dog wakes you in the night, take it out on leash. Give it 10 minutes to ?do its business,? go back in, pop him in his crate, say goodnight and go back to bed. Don?t let the dog out by itself, even in a fenced yard. Again, this isn?t playtime.

As your dog learns what?s expected of him, the next phase is to keep the dog on leash, out of the cage. Tie the leash around a belt loop so that you can go about your daily routine with both hands free. Keep one eye on the dog. When you see his ?gotta go? signals, drop what you?re doing and go. Some people are successful in hanging a bell on the doorknob. They ring the bell whenever they take the dog out. The dog learns, over time, to ring the bell when it has to go. Others teach their dogs to ?speak? as a signal to go out.

Our dogs are always crated when we leave the house. At this point, they see us reaching for their crate toys (which we stuff with a little peanut butter or kibble) and run for their crates. We don?t necessarily even lock the crates, but they are available to the dogs at all times. It?s their ?room,? a safe place they can always go to.

Just a note of caution and safety: never leave a collar or harness on your dog in the crate. It can get caught and cause problems.

Hope Saidel is the co-owner of GollyGear, a bricks-and-mortar and online small dog shop featuring fun, affordable and practical products for small dogs. She has trained and competed in Obedience with small dogs for over a decade and is on the Board of Directors of the North Shore Dog Training Club. Check out her blog: GollyLog.