Empowering Veterans Through the Love of Dogs

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Life Buddy Training Guide

Confidence in being your best, together.

The first step in creating your lifelong bond.

Sierra Delta’s Life Buddy Program™ powered by GOLD LEASH K9

Provides customized service dog solutions for veterans. The programs mission is to provide service dogs for every veteran’s needs. We will measure this by our rate of successful lifelong paring of veterans with dogs.

The program includes various levels of support for veterans to be accessed into program, parring of veterans with dogs, providing support and access to training programs for veteran and dog, access to support platform, access to premium app to track progress through program, access to online pet super store for dogs needs, plus ongoing community, case worker, and dog care support for life of parring.

This document will explain and demonstrate the requirements for the training aspects of the program.

Requirements for The Pawsitive Path Program™ - Training

Requirements are based off of AKC requirements which is a standard used in the dog training world. The Pawsitive Path Program™ will incorporate the AKC Family Dog Standards as part of its overall program. Within the AKC Family Dog organizational umbrella are programs that teach family members how to best communicate with their dogs. The CGC programs (AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy, Canine Good Citizen, and AKC Community Canine and Urban CGC) begin with teaching basic skills such as sit, down, and come and they build on these skills as dogs move from one activity to the next. The result is a dog that any owner can be proud to take into the community.

Contained in this document are the requirements for AKC S.T.A.R Puppy, Basic Training, Canine Good Citizen, AKC Community Canine, Urban Canine Good Citizen and House/Crate Training.

Specialized service dog training will be done on an individual basis at the beginning of the program. If we see a way to create efficiencies, we will consider group classes, but it is highly unlikely given the personalized nature of such training.

Each level builds from the next. This does not address public access training as we will leave that to our academy partners.

Life Buddy Basics based on AKC Star Puppy Program

  • Socialization
  • Training
  • Activity
  • Responsibility

Life Buddy Responsible Dog Owner’s Pledge

I will be responsible for my dog’s health needs. These include:

  • routine veterinary care including check-ups and vaccines
  • adequate nutrition through proper diet; clean water at all times
  • daily exercise and regular bathing and grooming

I will be responsible for my dog’s safety.

  • I will properly control my dog by providing fencing where appropriate, not letting my dog run loose, and using a leash in public.
  • I will ensure that my dog has some form of identification when appropriate (which may include collar tags, tattoos, or microchip ID).
  • I will provide adequate supervision when my dog and children are together.

I will not allow my dog to infringe on the rights of others.

  • I will not allow my dog to run loose in the neighborhood.
  • I will not allow my dog to be a nuisance to others by barking while in the yard, in a hotel room, etc.
  • I will pick up and properly dispose of my dog’s waste in all public areas such as on the grounds of hotels, on sidewalks, parks, etc.
  • I will pick up and properly dispose of my dog’s waste in wilderness areas, on hiking trails, campgrounds and in off-leash parks.

I will be responsible for my dog’s quality of life.

  • I understand that basic training is beneficial to all dogs.
  • I will give my dog attention and playtime.
  • I understand that owning a dog is a commitment in time and caring.

 

Requirements

Pet Parent Requirements for Veterans

*Requirements will be managed through the Life Buddy Mobile Application and at goldleashk9.com

  • Maintains puppy’s health (vaccines, exams, appears healthy)
  • Owner receives Responsible Dog Owner’s Pledge
  • Owner describes adequate daily play and exercise plan
  • Owner and puppy attend at least 6 classes by an AKC Approved CGC Evaluator
  • Owner brings bags to classes for cleaning up after puppy
  • Owner has obtained some form of ID for puppy-collar tag, etc.
  • Use Life Buddy Mobile Application and goldleashk9.com to manage and report on activities with Life Buddy.

New Dogs Basic Training Requirements for The Pawsitive Path Program™

  • Free of aggression toward people during at least 6 weeks of class
  • Free of aggression toward other dogs in class
  • Tolerates collar or body harness of owner’s choice
  • Owner can hug or hold dog (depending on size)
  • Dog allows owner to take away a treat or toy

PRE-CANINE GOOD CITIZEN® TEST BEHAVIORS:

  • Allows (in any position) petting by a person other than the owner
  • Grooming-Allows owner handling and brief exam (ears, feet)
  • Walks on a Leash-Follows owner on lead in a straight line (15 steps)
  • Walks by other people-Walks on leash past another people 5-ft away
  • Sits on command-Owner may use a food lure
  • Down on command-Owner may use a food lure
  • Comes to owner from 5-ft when name is called
  • Reaction to Distractions-distractions are presented 15-ft away
  • Stay on leash with another person (owner walks 10 steps and returns)

Basic Levels

Foundation Skills

Level 1 teaches your dog how fun it can be to follow commands and lays the groundwork for skills that are key in developing a well-mannered canine companion. You may be surprised at how readily your dog will learn new things — it’s all about consistency! Basic skills taught in Level 1 training include:

  • Stationary attention and name recognition
  • Sit (verbal and hand signals)
  • Polite greeting of people who approach you and your dog
  • Intro to loose-leash walking

Skill Building

You’ll continue developing the skills you learned in Level 1 and begin introducing training exercises that are more challenging and useful in the real world. In Level 2, we’ll work on:

  • Automatically sitting when you stop walking (great for icy sidewalks)
  • Going to a mat
  • Laying down
  • Coming when called

Reliability

Now that you’ve established a solid foundation, the skills your dog learned in previous classes will really start to shine in Level 3! At this level, we’ll start reinforcing reliability and working on more complex behaviors. Upon graduating Level 3, you will also be able to enroll in specialty classes. This class works on:

  • Settling on a mat
  • Walking on a loose leash past an easy distraction
  • Introducing real life situations during "Come"
  • Starting in June: "Leave it"

Advanced Skills

As you begin Level 4 training, you should feel excited about all you and your dog have accomplished together. It’s time to show off! During Level 4 training, you and your dog will work on polishing the skills learned in prior classes, and start practicing more challenging tasks, such as:

  • Settling and remaining on a mat for longer periods of time
  • Walking on a loose leash past a difficult distraction (like other people or dogs)
  • Responding to "Come" despite distraction (a toy, other dog or person)
  • Waiting at a door

Expert Skills

Dogs that pass Level 5 training exhibit exceptional control and behavior. In this final course, we’ll work on more advanced skills. Dogs that pass Level 5 have mastered:

  • Settling and remaining on mat until release
  • Backing up (getting out of the way)
  • Moving to a new position (at the vet or groomer)
  • Staying in a sitting or “down” position for extended periods of time

Canine Good Citizen

Test Form

What is CGC?

The Pawsitive Path Program™ powered by GOLD LEASH K9 believes that a well paired veteran and dog with the proper level of desired training can create a lifelong benefit for them and those that support them. That’s why we are using the Canine Good Citizen™ (CGC) program from the AKC : a two-part course designed to help veterans and their dog be the best they can be–together. Since 1989, over 1 million dogs and their owners have participated in CGC, mastering ten basic skills that instill confidence and good manners in and out of their home.  Not only does CGC training create long-lasting trust between veterans and their pup, but also ensures they will be good neighbors and friends to everyone around them—and, if they are interested in going beyond the basics, CGC also lays the foundation for other AKC sports and activities like obedience, agility, tracking, and performance events. 

Test - The evaluator may use a pre-plotted course or may direct the handler/dog team by issuing instructions or commands. In either case, there should be a right turn, left turn, and an about turn with at least one stop in between and another at the end. The handler may talk to the dog along the way, praise the dog, or give commands in a normal tone of voice. The handler may sit the dog at the halts if desired

Skills and Evaluation

As they go through the skills, the evaluator may use more formal language (it is an evaluation after all). Below are how evaluators commonly refer to the skills in the testing environment – but don’t worry about the more formal language. They’re still the same 10 behaviors you’ve been working on together, just in a uniform way so CGC dogs from California to Connecticut all know they’re being evaluated in the same fashion. Once they pass your CGC test, Buddy’s can send in the paperwork provided by their evaluator to the AKC for your official title and certification!

Accepting a Friendly Stranger

This demonstrates that the dog will allow a friendly stranger to approach it and speak to the handler in a natural, everyday situation.

Test - The evaluator walks up to the dog and handler and greets the handler in a friendly manner, ignoring the dog. The evaluator and handler shake hands and exchange pleasantries. The dog must show no sign of resentment or shyness.

Sitting Politely for Petting

This demonstrates that the dog will allow a friendly stranger to touch it while it is out with its handler.

Test - With the dog sitting at the handler’s side, to begin the exercise, the evaluator pets the dog on the head and body. The handler may talk to his or her dog throughout the exercise. The dog may stand in place as it is petted. The dog must not show shyness or resentment.

Appearance and Grooming

This demonstrates that the dog will welcome being groomed and examined and will permit someone, such as a veterinarian, groomer or friend of the owner, to do so. It also demonstrates the owner’s care, concern and sense of responsibility.

Test - The evaluator inspects the dog to determine if it is clean and groomed. The dog must appear to be in healthy condition (i.e., proper weight, clean, healthy and alert). The handler should supply the comb or brush commonly used on the dog. The evaluator then softly combs or brushes the dog, and in a natural manner, lightly examines the ears and gently picks up each front foot. It is not necessary for the dog to hold a specific position during the examination, and the handler may talk to the dog, praise it and give encouragement throughout.

Out for a Walk (walking on a loose lead)

This demonstrates that the handler is in control of the dog. The dog may be on either side of the handler. The dog’s position should leave no doubt that the dog is attentive to the handler and is responding to the handler’s movements and changes of direction. The dog need not be perfectly aligned with the handler and need not sit when the handler stops.

Test - The evaluator may use a pre-plotted course or may direct the handler/dog team by issuing instructions or commands. In either case, there should be a right turn, left turn, and an about turn with at least one stop in between and another at the end. The handler may talk to the dog along the way, praise the dog, or give commands in a normal tone of voice. The handler may sit the dog at the halts if desired

Walking through a crowd

This demonstrates that the dog can move about politely in pedestrian traffic and is under control in public places.

Test - The dog and handler walk around and pass close to several people (at least three). The dog may show some interest in the strangers but should continue to walk with the handler, without evidence of over-exuberance, shyness or resentment. The handler may talk to the dog and encourage or praise the dog throughout the test. The dog should not jump on people in the crowd or strain on the leash.

Sit and down on command and Staying in place

This demonstrates that the dog has training, will respond to the handler’s commands to sit and down and will remain in the place commanded by the handler (sit or down position, whichever the handler prefers).

Test - The dog must do sit AND down on command, then the owner chooses the position for leaving the dog in the stay. Prior to this test, the dog’s leash is replaced with a line 20 feet long. The handler may take a reasonable amount of time and use more than one command to get the dog to sit and then down. The evaluator must determine if the dog has responded to the handler’s commands. The handler may not force the dog into position but may touch the dog to offer gentle guidance. When instructed by the evaluator, the handler tells the dog to stay and walks forward the length of the line, turns and returns to the dog at a natural pace. The dog must remain in the place in which it was left (it may change position) until the evaluator instructs the handler to release the dog. The dog may be released from the front or the side.

Coming when called

This demonstrates that the dog will come when called by the handler.

Test- The handler will walk 10 feet from the dog, turn to face the dog, and call the dog. The handler may use encouragement to get the dog to come. Handlers may choose to tell dogs to “stay” or “wait” or they may simply walk away, giving no instructions to the dog.

Reaction to Another Dog

This demonstrates that the dog can behave politely around other dogs.

Test- Two handlers and their dogs approach each other from a distance of about 20 feet, stop, shake hands and exchange pleasantries, and continue on for about 10 feet. The dogs should show no more than casual interest in each other. Neither dog should go to the other dog or its handler.

Reaction to Distraction

This demonstrates that the dog is confident at all times when faced with common distracting situations.

Test - The evaluator will select and present two distractions. Examples of distractions include dropping a chair, rolling a crate dolly past the dog, having a jogger run in front of the dog, or dropping a crutch or cane. The dog may express natural interest and curiosity and/or may appear slightly startled but should not panic, try to run away, show aggressiveness, or bark. The handler may talk to the dog and encourage or praise it throughout the exercise.

Supervised Separation

This demonstrates that a dog can be left with a trusted person, if necessary, and will maintain training and good manners.

Test- Evaluators are encouraged to say something like, “Would you like me to watch your dog?” and then take hold of the dog’s leash. The owner will go out of sight for three minutes. The dog does not have to stay in position but should not continually bark, whine, or pace unnecessarily, or show anything stronger than mild agitation or nervousness. Evaluators may talk to the dog but should not engage in excessive talking, petting, or management attempts (e.g. “there, there, it’s alright”).

Encouragement

Just like any other challenge, it always helps to have a bit of praise and encouragement to get you, and your pup, through. Verbal praise, and pets between skills, are totally allowed, but treats, squeaky toys, etc. can’t be used as motivation. We understand that food and toys are valuable tools during training, but during the test, you and your pup need to be treat and toy-free.

Dismissals

All Canine Good Citizens know you can’t go to the bathroom inside the house, so any dog that has an accident during testing must be marked failed. The only exception to this rule is that potty breaks are allowed on test Item 10 (Supervised Separation), but only when test Item 10 is held outdoors. Any dog that growls, snaps, bites, attacks, or attempts to attack a person or another dog is not a good citizen and must be dismissed from the test

Equipment

When it comes time to take your CGC test, there are a few things you’ll need to bring with you.
First, the CGC test must be performed on leash. Just note that special training collars such as pinch collars, head
halters, and electronic collars are not allowed.
Body harnesses can be used for the CGC test, but the evaluator will check to make sure it won’t completely restrict
your dog’s movement. This is so if your dog tries to jump or pull, it can (but won’t, because of the great CGC training
you’ve done).
Also, be sure to bring a brush or comb for the grooming skill.

AKC Community Canine

Test Form

AKC Community Canine is the advanced level of AKC’s Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program. As with CGC, AKC Community Canine has a 10-step test of skills that dogs must pass to earn the official AKC Community Canine title. This is a title that appears on the dog’s title record at AKC.

The Setting

All skills on the test are tested on leash. The AKC Community Canine (CGCA) test may be done in a class, at shows, in pet stores or in the community. When the test is administered in community settings such as at a business or special event, evaluators must have the necessary approval of the business owners, etc. While Canine Good Citizen tests are simulations of real world skills, (e.g., dog/handler walks through a “crowd” of evaluators in a ring), the goal of AKC Community Canine is to test the dog’s skills in a natural setting. For example, rather than the dog being tested in a ring, in AKC Community Canine, the “walks through a crowd” test item will involve the dog walking through a real crowd at a dog show, on a busy sidewalk, in a therapy dog setting, or at a training club.

While Canine Good Citizen tests are simulations of real world skills, (e.g., dog/handler walks through a “crowd” of evaluators in a ring), the goal of AKC Community Canine is to test the dog’s skills in a natural setting. For example, rather than the dog being tested in a ring, in AKC Community Canine, the “walks through a crowd” test item will involve the dog walking through a real crowd at a dog show, on a busy sidewalk, in a therapy dog setting, or at a training club.

Requirements

To earn the AKC Community Canine title, dogs must meet the following two requirements:

  1. The CGC test and the AKC Community Canine test may be taken on the same day. However, when taken on the same day, both forms should be sent to AKC in one envelope so the CGC can be entered first.
  2. Must have an AKC number of one of 3 types (AKC registration number, PAL number, or AKC Canine Partners number). All dogs, including mixed breeds, can get an AKC number. The reason for the AKC number requirement is that this is how we create titles at AKC; we attach the titles to the dog’s number.

To earn the CGCA title, the dog must:

  1. be registered or listed with AKC (AKC number, PAL, or AKC Canine Partners number) and,
  2. already have a Canine Good Citizen award/title on record.

Dogs must pass all 10 items of the test to receive the CGCA title.

  1. Dog stands, sits or lies down and waits under control while the owner:
    -sits at the registration table and fills out paperwork, or,
    -if the test is done in the community, dog waits while the owner sits and has a snack or visits with another person (e.g., at a park)
  2. Walks on a loose leash in a natural situation (not in a ring) — does not pull.
    -left turn
    -right turn
    -stop
    -fast and slow pace
  3. Walks on loose leash through a crowd:
    -at a show or in class, this item is tested in a real crowd, not in a ring
    -in the community, dog walks on sidewalk, through a crowd at a community fair, park, on a trail, through a busy hallway, etc.
  4. Dog walks past distraction dogs present; does not pull.
    This item may be tested along with #3 if there are dogs in the crowd, etc.
    -at a show or class, dog walks by dogs waiting in the crowd–dogs 2 ft. apart
    -in the community, dog walks by other dogs on a trail, sidewalk, in a hallway, etc.
  5. Sit — stay in small group (3 other people with dogs).
    1. Owners and dogs are in an informal circle/square while owners have a conversation.
    2. Dogs are all on the owner’s left side, on leash; 3 ft. apart. (At least 30 seconds)
  6. Dog allows person who is carrying something (backpack, computer bag, etc.) to approach and pet it.
    “May I pet your dog?” (Item is placed on floor/ground before the person pets the dog)
  7. “Leave it.” Dog walks by food and follows owner instructions, “Leave it.”
    This can be food placed by the evaluator on the floor or ground in a food dish with a wire cover as in Rally.
  8. Down or sit stay — distance (owner’s choice).
    Dog is on 20–ft line, owner walks away with back to dog, picks up an item (e.g., backpack, training bag, clipboard, folder etc.) placed on the floor/chair/ground by the evaluator and returns to the dog.
  9. Recall with distractions present (coming when called). Handler goes out 20–ft. **(off center) and calls dog.
    Dog is on the 20–ft. line from #8 above.
  10. Dog will sit or stand stay (owner’s choice) while owner enters/exits a doorway or narrow passageway. Owner calls dog through door when ready. Owner may also choose to:
    1. Send the dog through first and have the dog wait for the owner, or
    2. The owner may choose to have the dog go through the doorway at the owner’s side.

Whichever method is used, the dog must not pull the owner and must be under good control. Think of the handler having the leash in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other.

Doorway or gate can be real or simulated with ring gates, two chairs, or a natural passageway (e.g., entrance to trail) in the community.

TRICK, THERAPY, and SPORT CLASSES on a case by case basis.

Trick Program Description

Trick Program

Therapy Program Description

Therapy Program

Sport Program Description

Sport Program

Urban Good Canine Citizen

Test Form

AKC Urban CGC requires that the dog demonstrate CGC skills and beyond in a setting that includes traffic, crowds, noises, smells and other distractions that are present in a city or town. As with Canine Good Citizen, AKC Urban CGC is a 10-step test of skills that dogs must pass to earn the official AKC Urban CGC title. This is a title that appears on the dog’s title record at AKC.

Requirements

To earn the AKC Urban CGC (CGCU) title, dogs must meet the following two requirements:

  • Must already have a Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certificate or title on record at AKC. If the CGC and CGCU are tested on the same day, both forms should be sent in the same envelope to AKC so that the CGC can be applied to the dog’s record first.
  • Must have an AKC number of one of 3 types (AKC registration number, Purebred Alternative Listing (PAL) number, or AKC Canine Partners number). All dogs, including mixed breeds, can get an AKC number. The reason for the AKC number requirement is that this is how we create titles at AKC; we attach the titles to the dog’s number. Read more information on getting an AKC number.

Age Requirements for Dogs

There is no age limit for dogs taking the AKC Urban CGC test. The CGC test and Urban CGC may be taken on the same day. However, when taken on the same day, both forms should be sent to AKC in one envelope so the CGC can be entered first.

Collar, Leashes and Equipment

All tests must be performed on leash. Dogs should wear well-fitting buckle or slip collars (including martingales) or body harnesses. Body harnesses should not restrict the movement of the dog. Special training equipment such as pinch collars and head collars are not permitted. The leash should be made of either leather or fabric. Retractable leashes may not be used in the test.

We recognize that special training collars may be valuable equipment in the beginning stages of dog training, however, we feel that dogs are ready to be tested after they have been transitioned to a slip or buckle collar (body harnesses are also acceptable). If an evaluator is teaching classes and does not feel comfortable with one of the permitted collars, students may be required to take the test in the type of collar used in class (as long as it is permitted by AKC for testing). If the test is advertised for the general public, all of the permitted collar types and body harnesses should be allowed in the test.

Fees

Test - giving organizations and individual evaluators may charge a fee for conducting an AKC Urban CGC test. Fees are used to cover the costs of test kits, mailing, copying, and advertising related to the test. Private trainers sometimes charge a fee for a testing session that is commensurate with their hourly rate of service. There is a $20.00 processing fee that the dog owner will pay to the AKC for the AKC Urban CGC title.

Food

Handlers are not permitted to use food as a reward during the AKC Urban CGC Test. While we recognize that food is an effective reinforcer during training, it should not be used in the test. As with CGC, the purpose of the AKC Urban CGC test is to determine if the dog relates to the owner and if it can be controlled without food during the short duration of the test.

Handler/Dog Interactions During Test

Handlers may talk to their dogs and provide praise throughout the test. The test items should be conducted in an urban, city, or town setting where there are streets to cross, noises, sidewalks, etc. Evaluators should encourage the test to be fun.

Evaluators may remind handlers to communicate with their dogs. Evaluators should not make the test easier by eliminating test items, nor should they require a higher level of performance than the test requires. Of course, evaluators may choose to teach or practice more advanced skills in their classes.

AKC Urban CGC Test Items

  1. Exit/enter doorway with no pulling in dog-friendly buildings. Exit building to start test, additional Public buildings items are below.
  2. Walk through a crowd on a busy urban sidewalk.
    1. People come toward the dog from 1-ft. away
    2. Tolerate distractions (people wearing hats, coats, men, women, etc.).
  3. Appropriate reaction to city distractions. This includes movement, noises, and walking on a variety of surfaces. Examples:
    1. Noises: horns, sirens, construction noise, etc.
    2. Moving objects: skateboard, bike, carts, person running
    3. Surfaces: concrete, grass, grates, plastic tarp, wet sidewalk
  4. Crossing street: Stop at corner, stand or sit to wait and cross with no pulling (on leash, with owner). Crosses street under control.
  5. Ignore food on sidewalk. (Dropped food, or cups, bags, cans, in which food was wrapped).
  6. Person walks up and pets the dog. May be carrying an item such as a small dog in a bag, a computer bag, etc. Person does not put the bag down to pet the dog.
  7. Public Building (that is dog friendly). Walks under control in building (slick surface, carpeted floor). Down stay (3 min) in lobby or outdoor area or waits while owner has a meal or snack.
  8. Stairs, steps, or elevator under control.
    1. Steps (at least 3 – up and down)
    2. Elevator (Enters under control, exits, rides under control)
  9. Housetrained for apartment, condo, city living. Owner may verify this item. Evaluator may also observe in public buildings or have observed in training classes.
  10. Transportation. Owner’s choice depending on transportation needs.
    1. Car. Enters/exits, remains under control during the ride. (Crate? Seatbelt?)
    2. Subway. Small dog in bag for ride. (large dogs are not always permitted; know and abide by the Transit Policies in your area).
    3. Dog friendly (enters/exits or allows to be put in/taken out) under control.

To pass the CGCU test, dogs must pass all 10 items of the test.

House Training

Housetraining is one of the first things you will teach your new puppy. This should be started as soon as you take your dog home, but it takes patience. In general, puppies are unable to control their bladders and bowels until 12 weeks of age. If your puppy is younger than that, extra patience is required.

A few key things to remember when housetraining a puppy.

  1. Praise the dog when it behaves.
  2. Keep a solid routine.
  3. Never punish the dog physically for an accident.
  4. Do not correct the dog unless you catch it in the act.

Set a Schedule 

Consistency is the best way to teach your puppy housetraining. Try to get up at the same time each morning and take your puppy outside right away. Feed your puppy at the same times each day and take it outside immediately after eating. As your dog gets older you may even be able to anticipate when it will need to go based on when it was last fed, provided you stick to the feeding schedule.

Watch for Signs 

If you see your puppy sniffing, circling, and pacing, it is probably time to go, so take it outside immediately. If you catch it in the middle of an accident, say “no” firmly and take the dog outside to finish, praising when it does. Never punish a dog by hitting or pushing its nose in the mess. This will only teach the animal to fear you.

If you find an accident in the house, but do not catch the puppy in the act, do not bother punishing it. The dog will not associate the punishment with the action and will only become confused.

Choose a Keyword 

Using a phrase like "outside" or "do your business" consistently will help your dog learn it as a command. Always bring your puppy to the same area outside while housetraining. The odors in this area will encourage it to urinate and defecate here again. When the dog does its business, be sure to offer praise.

Use a Crate 

When you are away from home, your puppy should stay in a crate or kennel. You may buy a larger crate for your puppy to grow into, but place a divider in it so that it is only large enough for your puppy to turn around and lie down.

Instinctively, your puppy will not want to soil its own area. Be careful not to let your puppy stay in the cage for more than four to six hours, or it may have no choice but to relieve itself. If you are away from the house regularly, as many of us are for work, return home in the middle of each day to let your puppy outside.

Arrange for someone else to let your puppy out if you will be unable to come home. If you choose not to crate your dog when you are away from the house, set up a room with a non-absorbent floor.

Place training pads at one end of the room and the dog's bed and toys at the other. Generally, dogs prefer to urinate on absorbent materials, but they tend to avoid doing so in their own beds. Ideally, the puppy will gravitate toward the training pads. This may take longer than using a crate.

Have Patience 

Housetraining may take several months, so don’t give up. Remember that your puppy wants to please you, it just needs to learn how. Be clear with the puppy when you praise or correct its actions. Eventually, you will see results.

Problems and Proofing Behavior 

If your puppy does have an "accident" in the house, be sure to use a cleaner that will eliminate the odor entirely. If your dog picks up the scent, it may think the area is OK to use again.

If your dog is going through a stressful time or is ill, it may backtrack on its housetraining and have an occasional accident. This is frustrating, but if you can identify the source of the problem, you should be able to stop the behavior. Dogs whose routines have been disrupted, such as with a new baby in the house, or a move to a new place, often regress slightly.

Accidents in a previously housetrained dog often signal an underlying health problem, such as a urinary tract infection. Take your dog to the vet if this begins happening without an apparent reason.

Crate Training

Crate training is a method of house training your puppy or dog. The crate is used to keep your dog confined when you are not able to supervise. Since most dogs will not urinate or defecate in the same place they sleep, your dog will most likely try to hold the urge when it is confined to its crate.

When used correctly, a crate prevents the dog from getting in the bad habit of having accidents in your home and gives it a safe space that is akin to a doggie sanctuary.

Choose a Crate

There are several different types of crates to choose from, including a wire cage, a plastic pet carrier, and a soft-sided
canvas or nylon crate.
Homeownership is built on trusted relationships. If you're looking to buy, now's the time to draft your team.

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The wire crate is the most commonly used. It allows your dog to see what is going on around it, and many have an extra panel which allows you to make the crate bigger or smaller depending on the size of your dog. This type of crate is collapsible, and it has a sliding tray in the floor which makes it easy to clean.

A plastic pet carrier is also a good option for crate training. This is the kind you most often see used for airline travel. The drawback to this kind of crate is that it is enclosed on three sides, so it does not let in as much light as a wire crate. It is also a little harder to clean.

The soft-sided crates are lightweight, so they are great to carry along when you are traveling with your dog. The problem with the soft-sided crates is that a dog who likes to chew or scratch at the sides will be able to break out. It is not a good choice for young puppies.

Whichever type of crate you choose to use, size is important. The crate should not be too large. You want your dog to have enough room to lie down comfortably and turn around. If the crate is too big, your dog may use one area of the crate to sleep and another spot to eliminate.

Many of the wire crates are sold with a divider. This is perfect if you are crate training a growing puppy. The divider allows you to confine your puppy to a small area of the crate and then make the crate larger as your puppy grows.

Introduce the Crate 

Crate training should be kept very positive. Introduce your puppy or adult dog to the crate slowly. Put something soft in the bottom of the crate, along with some of your dog's toys. Throw some treats inside. Let your dog explore the crate at its own pace without forcing it to go inside.

Praise the dog and give it a treat when it goes in on its own. Until it seems comfortable with the crate, keep the door open and let your dog wander in and out as it wishes.

Confine Your Dog in the Crate 

Dogs are den animals, and they like having a safe and secure place to call their own. If crate training is done correctly, crates can provide this safe haven, in addition to giving you peace of mind while you are not at home.

Problems and Proofing Behavior 

Never use your dog's crate to punish it. Your dog should consider its crate a happy, comfortable, and safe place. If you use the crate to punish your dog, chances are it will be fearful and anxious when left in it.

It is also important that you never let your dog out of the crate while it is whining or barking; it should be completely calm before you release it. Opening the crate while it is barking or whining teaches that if the dog makes enough noise, it will be let out. Making this mistake can lead to many sleepless nights as you wait for your puppy to settle down.

Finally, never leave your dog crated for longer than it is physically able to hold its bladder or bowels. Puppies can usually hold it for no more than three to four hours. An adult dog who has never been housetrained should also not be left for longer than three to four hours. Older dogs may be able to hold it a little longer.

Dogs should not be left crated for more than this length of time without being taken out for exercise, playtime, and time to cuddle with you.