Dog training question

[thatguy]

We have a goldendoodle (golden retriever/standard poodle - see his pictures here: http://s49.photobucket.com/albums/f292/Tracy_Brian_House/Snicker Pics/ ) puppy "snicker" who is almost 7 mths old now.. He is very, very smart and observant and has us trained quite well on some stuff.. I am in need of some suggestions on a couple areas.

1) Based on a suggestion on here, we have taught him to ring a set of bells in his crate or on the front door when he needs to go to the bathroom. He now rings the bells when he wants attention AND when he needs to go out.. How can we discourage the 'wanting to play' rings?

2) We have a large crate with a 16' metal gate/playpen attached to it which is his 'home'.. We also have a similar set up in our garage (see the photo of the exploding paper towels for a pic) for when we are away for extended periods. We have had no 'accidents' in the house since around January and when in the garage he is able to hold everything for up to 8 hours or so..

We want to do away with the inside set up so my wife can 'get her dining room back'.. Im thinking even if we do away with the playpen, we would still want to keep his crate since that his 'home'. OR could his dog bed be his 'safe' spot?

Thanks

brian

 

[Cliff_Johns]

Q1:
When the dog rings the bells, and you think he is mostly just interested in playing, I would sugest you take him outside and bring him back in, but pay him no attention what-so-ever while doing so. Then pay him no attention for five minutes after.

I would point out, though, that this kind of dog, at this age, is going to demand a LOT of attention and play. He's likely to be a very smart energetic dog, and like a kid, will be his sweetest when he's a little tired. Make sure he has something to chew on so he can direct at least some of that energy. I've found that gumabones work well for that. Get the huge ones.

Q2:
Once he's house-trained, I would leave the crate in the house for a while, but just leave the crate door open all the time. Then at some point, just leave a nice bed where the crate was. Then at some point, you can put the bed whereever you want to put it. He shoud be fine. If you're a little worried, leave the house for short periods of time with him free in there and see how he does. This will get him and you used to the idea that he's OK by himself in the house.

One last comment. The dog will pick up on your attitude. (no pressure) This means, if you're worried, he will be too. You don't want him worried; you want him confident and happy, so when you leave the house, you have to believe everything will be fine.

Hope this helps some.
Cliff

 

[texbaylea]

Dogs are a denning animal. We always have a crate available for them to use as their "den". We have found our past Boxers in their den with the door open when they want quiet or may be not feeling good. They would even nap in them.

We believe you should always crate your dogs regularly to keep them accustomed to it. We now crate our one Boxer and even the cat at night so they are not under foot or on the bed. We also feed them in their crates with the door open and they willing go into the crates.

Vernon

 

[Tom_H]

National Geographic Channel has a show called The Dog Whisperer featuring a dog behavioral expert named Caesar Milan. His techniques are amazing. We have learned a great deal for training our Choc. Lab by watching this guy's show. Highly recommended.

 

[RonMar]

Like Cliff said, when Snicker rings the bell, it is straight outside and no other attention for a little while.

As for the pen inside, get rid of it if Snickers behavior in the house is good without direct supervision. Keep the crate with the bed though. We have a crate/cage for our lab that sets behind the couch with her bed in it. the door is always open and that is her quiet place and where she goes when we are away from the house for extended periods. It is also where her toys are kept. For short trips, she has the run of the house. As mentioned, short trips/tests where she has free run of the house, are good to build both her and your confidence.