I'm getting a small dog in about a month. I would like to learn everything I can about how to potty train, crate train, ect. BEFORE she comes home. I can't seem to find any free websites though, they all want money or subscriptions. Can anybody suggest a good free website or book?

Thank-you!

Answer:

Thank you for doing your research BEFORE you have your dog!

I agree with crate-training…it's much easier for both of you. Lots of folks keep the crate in their bedroom but this was not an option for me. The crate was in a out-of-the way corner of a main room, so when in it the dog could see what we were up to but not have so much traffic it couldn't rest. So I made a pallet and the first few nights slept next to the crate, moving it a little further away each night until the third or fourth night I was back in my own bed. I don't let them out for whining until they've been quiet for a count of 30 first, so as not to reward whining. Sleeping nearby helps because, like an infant, puppies have needs during the night and you won't wake up to take them out if you can't hear them stirring. After a few nights your ears become tuned to that sound and you might not need an alarm.

I don't agree with potty pads or newspapers. Your puppy's mother is teaching it not to soil the nest. Your puppy's crate, and your home, becomes it's new nest. If it is encouraged to pee indoors it breaks that taboo and it will never become reliably house trained. You don't need that trouble! Take it outside from the start and never look back. Crate it anytime you can't watch it with your full attention, to help prevent accidents. Accidents are ALWAYS your fault for not watching closely enough. Do not punish the dog.

Really, house and crate training a small breed is no different from a large breed, except the small ones seem to take a little longer to catch on.

Whatever type of dog you are getting, there is usually a breed rescue for it. Try Googling for a site related to your breed, tips from your local shelter, and so forth. Most modern (read: humane) puppy-training methods can be adapted from one type of dog to another. Dogs are all canines, despite their very different shapes and sizes.