Did you train your dogs yourself? Tips please..?

Philippines
April 11, 2011 12:19am CST
Hi! Recently, we bought a pomeranian as a gift for our youngest (she hasn't moved here yet so the dog is still with me). And just two days ago, a mixed breed was given to me (as a guard dog). I have no problems taking care of two dogs by myself. I am on night shift most times I am the only person at home with the dogs. My problem is that neither of them has been trained. I have no clue about this. They pee and poop almost everywhere! When I am about to sleep they both start to whine. Having the 4-mon old pomeranian was just okay, but this 8-mon old mixed breed is sooo whiny and its big. (Imagine a big dog barking and whining with that deep voice.) I have the pomeranian with me for a month now, I was trying but I guess its too playful for me to train. Sorry for the long post. Has anyone been successful in self-training their pets? Any tips guys and gals? Thanks in advance!
2 responses
johnsobr31
@johnsobr31 (25)
• United States
11 Apr 11
I had a very hard time training my mixed breed dog after she was given to us. What really helped was just letting her spend more time outside during the day, she found a place in the yard and just got used to going there. Make sure when you go to let them out, you always use the same phrase so that when they hear it, they know what it means. We say "go outside?". Once they know what it means, when they hear you say it, they will run to the door if they need to go. My mom has had lots of luck with crate training. I have also seen little pads you can purchase at a pet supply store that are scented to attract the dog for that purpose. This might work well for the pomeranian. Crate training might help with the whining as well. But you will have some tough nights for awhile and have to stay firm and don't give up. I don't envy you, in some ways, it's just as hard as having a newborn in the house!
johnsobr31
@johnsobr31 (25)
• United States
11 Apr 11
http://www.inch.com/~dogs/cratetraining.html This contains great information about crate training. I think one important point is that the crate should never be used for punishment. Many dogs feel very safe and comfortable in their crates, and it's useful to train the dog to be comfortable in a crate because it can also be useful for traveling or going to the vet. I think crate training is often misunderstood, but dogs naturally tend to look for a "den", so it makes a lot of sense. Good luck!
sweet_jette
@sweet_jette (168)
• Philippines
12 Apr 11
Wow, thanks! I will surely try the crate training. :) I think its also best since at this time of the year, me and my family tend to visit the province every now and then. thanks again!
eileenleyva
@eileenleyva (27562)
• Philippines
13 Apr 11
I go with the same words for commands. My dog is a mixed breed but she understands everything I say.
CelestialPanda14
@CelestialPanda14 (24)
• United States
19 Apr 11
I have not personally trained any dogs (I've never had one), but I've been reading this blog about this lady who has a collie dog, and she posts her experiences in training her and other things. I'm definitely going to use it when I get a dog someday. www.bonniethecollie.com and the main website where the same person posts help and tips on owning a dog: www.loveyourdog.com Also, Victoria Stilwell from the Animal Planet TV show 'It's Me Or The Dog' has some very useful training tips and is very experienced in training dogs; I'm sure she has some videos relevent to your problem. www.animal.discovery.com/videos/victoria-stilwell-positive-training/ Good luck with training your dogs!