Sammy1 Posted July 17, 2013 Share Posted July 17, 2013 We have a new pup, we have wanted a dog for a long time. For the past few years (ever since being in Oz) I have had rescue cats. Before I came to Australia I had never had a cat, so it was a bit of surprise to find myself looking after one when it was dumped in my garden. Now I love them and have forgotten I think of some of the basics for dogs, despite having grown up with lots of them! Anyway, so we finally have our pup, he is eight weeks old and he is gorgeous. Now I am wondering about which pet insurer to use. The Vet gave me a whole list, but I am really at a loss to know who to go with. Our pup will grow into a large dog ( he is a golden) and I think I should insure just incase. I am in Perth, can anybody recommend someone? Also, does anybody here have great tips for house training? A few people have said to me to use crate training, but it makes me feel uncomfortable to basically put a dog in a cage. Has anybody here used it? At the moment I have all carpeted rooms cordoned off and he just has the run of the tiled living areas - easy to clean when an accident happens. I give him a treat every time he does something outside. Last question... Our cat is quite timid and is scared of the pup ( he just wants to be her best friend). Any suggestions how to help them bond? Thank you :biggrin: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JK2510 Posted July 17, 2013 Share Posted July 17, 2013 We have raised 2 dogs from pups since we arrived in oz...we just shut off the areas we could ie...bathroom,bedrooms etc...we did use the puppy pads which worked ok until they became a great toy! Another key is taking them outside in the yard on a regular basis...you may just find they will perform out there...make a big fuss of them giving plenty of praise...I think the key is consistency and just keeping an eye on he/she in general. Our 2nd pup was strange...he was dry at night from around 10 weeks...quite bizarre really. Ensure you remove any items they may like to chew or play with that you don't want them to get...I have lost a flip flop,leather shoe and a cap in the past. Not quite sure about cats and dogs mixing as we don't have a cat...but I'm sure with time and patience they will be fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest GeorgeD Posted July 17, 2013 Share Posted July 17, 2013 We used crate training with our Cocker Spaniel. It worked great with him. They can be a bit stubborn as pups and aren't great for toilet training, but aside from a UTI which wasn't really his fault to be fair, he soon got the hang of toilet training. Basically they don't want to do the toilet where they sleep so learn to do their best to hold it in. We kept the cage in our living room next to us. the door was always open except at night, so he could come and go from it anytime he wanted. He would often go in for a sleep with the door open. Never use it as a punishment, it's where the pup sleeps, it's his safe place. We always gave him a treat for going in to this cage, so every night when we switched the TV off he would jump up and run into the cage with his tail wagging. He got a treat and settled down for the night. It also means you can take his cage to friends if they are going to dog sit for you and he has something familiar and safe around him. We were worried about it but decided to give it a go...if you just get over the thought that it is a bad thing then you realise that the pup will actually be happy...he has his own safe, familiar place that he gets praised and reward for going into...and at the same time he learns toilet training and doesn't wreck your house overnight! See if there are any dog obedience classes nearby. We are members of a dog obedience club in QLD. They go right up to doing state wide obedience trials, etc. Th training and routine will help with an active dog to give him (and you!) some routine and commands to practice at home. Ours has a puppy classs that starts as soon as they have had their second set of injections and then goes up to 20 weeks. After that they can go to the beginners adult class. If you're not sure what you're doing then something like that would be invaluable. Some Vets offer courses and the RSPCA had them here in QLD too...but these were much more expensive ($30 per session compared to $4 per obedience club session) and we felt we didn't get the same amount of activities from them. There were also many more people at the club who were in exactly the same boat, so you all learned together. The dogs also benefitted from a fair degree of socialisation. I had a quick look in Perth...here's one (don't know where you are in perth, but have a look for more local ones http://www.northernsuburbsdogclub.org/index.html) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Candygirl Posted July 17, 2013 Share Posted July 17, 2013 My little un was already housetrained when we got her, but our Beagle, Purdy was 8 weeks when we got her so had only been in a kennel. Pups sleep a lot. Whenever Purd woke up, I would pick her up and take her into the garden and say go "wee wee", which she did. I think we had a couple of accidents inside and that was it. My mate gave me a couple of pads to try out, but I thought this would be tougher as she would learn to pee on the mat and then eventually go outside, so I thought this sounded like hard work and would take longer. Personally, I don't like the crates and have never used one, but professionals always recommend them. I would recommend dog obedience classes. We took Purd to them, although she was the ringleader and caused carnage, we did learn a lot and we managed to train her to come back, not easy to do with a Beagle once they get a scent. Good Luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jude Posted July 17, 2013 Share Posted July 17, 2013 I've got a labradoodle and agree with Candygirl. Got him at 9 weeks and the first week at home put him in garden at least once an hour and said "go pee". I think he only ever did one pee in the house but that was because I was too slow opening the door - when the need to go they need to go! I have 2 cats which were 10 when I got the pup. They weren't happy at all. The best thing is to make sure your cat has a pup free room they can use as a refuge and make sure pup knows the cat is not a toy or something to chase. My cats came round eventually - but I took around 4 months before they felt they could relax around the dog. Now I often find them all curled up on my bed........ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eng32 Posted July 17, 2013 Share Posted July 17, 2013 We used crate training with our Cocker Spaniel. It worked great with him. They can be a bit stubborn as pups and aren't great for toilet training, but aside from a UTI which wasn't really his fault to be fair, he soon got the hang of toilet training. Basically they don't want to do the toilet where they sleep so learn to do their best to hold it in. We kept the cage in our living room next to us. the door was always open except at night, so he could come and go from it anytime he wanted. He would often go in for a sleep with the door open. Never use it as a punishment, it's where the pup sleeps, it's his safe place. We always gave him a treat for going in to this cage, so every night when we switched the TV off he would jump up and run into the cage with his tail wagging. He got a treat and settled down for the night. It also means you can take his cage to friends if they are going to dog sit for you and he has something familiar and safe around him. We were worried about it but decided to give it a go...if you just get over the thought that it is a bad thing then you realise that the pup will actually be happy...he has his own safe, familiar place that he gets praised and reward for going into...and at the same time he learns toilet training and doesn't wreck your house overnight! See if there are any dog obedience classes nearby. We are members of a dog obedience club in QLD. They go right up to doing state wide obedience trials, etc. Th training and routine will help with an active dog to give him (and you!) some routine and commands to practice at home. Ours has a puppy classs that starts as soon as they have had their second set of injections and then goes up to 20 weeks. After that they can go to the beginners adult class. If you're not sure what you're doing then something like that would be invaluable. Some Vets offer courses and the RSPCA had them here in QLD too...but these were much more expensive ($30 per session compared to $4 per obedience club session) and we felt we didn't get the same amount of activities from them. There were also many more people at the club who were in exactly the same boat, so you all learned together. The dogs also benefitted from a fair degree of socialisation. I had a quick look in Perth...here's one (don't know where you are in perth, but have a look for more local ones http://www.northernsuburbsdogclub.org/index.html) i also agree with this, Crate training is easy and a god send, it's not cruel and they come to like being in it. If you google Crate training, a lot f info and videos will be available to show you how good they are. I wouldn't do without ours and my dog will often be found sleeping in it on his own accord just get a big one that can grow with him. I put a bed in one half and puppy pads in the per half of the crate, that way if pup needs to go loo it is easier to clear up. Pups can also get into all sorts of mischief and crates will keep it safe when your busy and stop it chewing stuff. Enrol in a puppy class to teach it social skills and manners. Again so much on the Internet about puppy training, on you tube also, google away n you'll be fine. Good luck with your bundle of fluff :wubclub: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Que Sera Sera Posted July 17, 2013 Share Posted July 17, 2013 We put ours in a crate at night for a few weeks but during the day we went outside with him saying wee wees (thankfully no neighbours at that point haha) every time he wee'd we gave him a treat. He soon learnt to wee on command and still does he's 13 months old now. We now have a dog flap which also helps. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buttercup Posted July 17, 2013 Share Posted July 17, 2013 I hope all you fellow doggie lovers didn't purchase your pet from the good old 'pet shop window'????:unsure: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sammy1 Posted July 17, 2013 Author Share Posted July 17, 2013 Thank you everyone. I am still undecided about the crate I must admit, but there was lots of great advice there. I have just signed our pup up for puppy school as suggested :biggrin: I grew up with smaller breeds, so I think is a good way to go and learn at the same time - for all of us. He had a bit of a party last night ( wee wise :laugh:) but has been doing really well this afternoon outside. Thank you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
calNgary Posted July 17, 2013 Share Posted July 17, 2013 Have you tried Woolworths for Insurance? They were quite reasonable on price last time i looked. Cal x Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snape Posted July 17, 2013 Share Posted July 17, 2013 Give your pup a command when toileting and take him out frequently to urinate. Puppies will pretty much need to go after they eat, play, wake up etc. we crate trained our boy and though it is essentially a cage, it is not intended to be used as one. Puppies need a place to chill out and a safe area where they can retreat (if you have children for example). The crate is basically a den and should not be used as a form of punishment. If you do decide to try crate training, begin slowly and make him associate it with nice things such as treats Our dog will go and rest in his crate at nights, though the doors are left open - I just think he finds it comforting. Also, if possible I would avoid puppy pads altogether as you are essentially teaching your puppy that it is ok to wee indoors and this could be confusing. Can't help re insurance but make sure it is a life policy to avoid any issues with pre-existing conditions going forward. We use Petplan in the UK after looking into it quite a bit. Might be worth checking out Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skani Posted July 17, 2013 Share Posted July 17, 2013 Last question... Our cat is quite timid and is scared of the pup ( he just wants to be her best friend). Any suggestions how to help them bond? As mentioned earlier, make sure she has a "pup free" area which is hers to retreat to ...but try and get her to associate the puppy with good things. If she has favourite treats, give them to her when she is in the same room with him...so that connection is made in her brain... "puppy = good things for me!". Expect it to take a while though as cats are so territorial...even if they have a confident personality they will resent any other animal invading "their" little kingdom. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest GeorgeD Posted July 17, 2013 Share Posted July 17, 2013 We have a cat and he pretty much disappeared under a bed for a week after we brought our pup home! The pup had places he could go and the cat had free run of the house. Over time the cat became more and more curious about the dog. Then the cat decided he was going to show the dog who is boss...and he pretty much bullies the poor spaniel who is three times his size. They don't cuddle up to each other or anything, but they don't tear strips off each other either. Then we got another puppy recently...he's a little maltese/lhasa apso cross, so he's about the same size as the cat. Those two seem a bit more friendly as they are the same size. The spaniel is the odd one out now. The two dogs play with each other and the cat watches them or will even run after a ball with them around the living room. Again, they don't all lie and cuddle up to each other, but they do all drink from the same water bowl at the same time when they've been playing. We keep the dogs in one part of the house, blocked in by a baby gate, but the cat can go anywhere. He comes into the living room when it suits him and can leave the dogs behind when he wants some free time. He's fine with them now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Love Shoes Posted July 18, 2013 Share Posted July 18, 2013 My sister used a crate with her puppy (now 2) and found it to be a god send ..... We used paper, must admit out little one was very difficult to train, even now when she does a wee and pooh pooh when out on her walks we pat her and say good girl, my sister also used a dog trainer as did my son & both said it was the best decision they made ...... I wish we had done the same. good luck with it Sammy, what sort of puppy did you get, I love puppies (dogs) you must post a photo for us all to see ..... Just thinking back to my sisters dog crate, she said her dog still uses it as his domain, when they go out she puts him in it ..... and he loves to sleep in it ..... whatever you decide it will all come good, just a bit of perseverance and a few accidents :yes: I tried the doggy nappies but they weren't very good, x x oh insurance, we are with medibank pet .... Think that's the one, they are a few options, ours is about $45 a month, worth it ..... Our little one was very ill last summer with dehydration and it was covered ..... give your puppy a cuddle for me please x x Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NowPerth Posted July 18, 2013 Share Posted July 18, 2013 We use Prosure for insurance for both cat and dog. We have had to claim several times already and they paid out really quickly which helped. Don't worry about crate training as being cruel, it isn't cruel if it is done in the right way. It isn't about locking your pet away in a cage for an easy life, it's about recreating what feels natural and safe. Remember that they are by nature den animals. In the wild their ancestors would give birth to pups in the den where they would stay until they were several weeks old, Then they would only venture out with mum to start with. A small, dark enclosed bed is a den to them, a safe, comfy place where they like to sleep without fear of predators. They become stressed out in the open and shout for protection (ie, mum). That's why many pups choose to go into the crate during the day for their naps - it's what they have evolved to do. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tasmas Posted July 18, 2013 Share Posted July 18, 2013 Congrats on your new pup! I crate trained my staffy till she was about 4 or 5 months old. I would put her in there at various times of the day and during the night. Praise her when you put /him in but don't make a fuss when you let her/him out cause they'll get excited and think being out of the crate is more fun. Don't scold for peeing indoors, just as soon as you see them squat, a loud "arghhhh" in a deep voice should be enough to make them stop short, pick them up and take outdoors, and then wait and wait and wait until they pee and praise a lot in a high voice, act like it's the best thing they've ever done! Even if it takes half an hour, don't go back in till they've done the business. I always say "go have a wee" (keep repeating it). And even now at 3 yrs old she will go wee as soon as I say it. When doing any sort of training always praise in a high voice when the puppy does something right....and just ignore bad behaviour or give a throaty "arghh". They soon click on. I've had 3 great danes and now a staffy and all have been toilet trained within a couple of days. Persevere and be tough, you're the leader of the pack, and they need a leader. If your dog does something wrong and you shout at them they still see it as attention from you, ignoring them or even turning your back on them is more effective. Good luck and enjoy.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sammy1 Posted July 20, 2013 Author Share Posted July 20, 2013 I love all the advice on here - thank you so much. I made sure that our cat has areas that the pup can't go in. Basically all the hallway and bedrooms are off limits anyway ( until he is toilet trained) as they are carpeted. The amazing thing is that yesterday the two became friends!!! Just suddenly after a week of watching the pup from afar, she jumped down and played with the him. If I didn't know better it almost looked like she was flirting, head butting him and then 'bum' butting him... They had a sniff, a roly poly ( he is bigger than her) and a run around. Now if she has had enough she simply jumps up onto something and looks down on him, but two seconds later jumps down again for another play, teasing him She also gives him a little ninja swipe with her paw if he bites - which is great because oh my goodness he is so bitey!!!!! We are not there with the toilet training but are persevering and in a couple of weeks he will go to puppy pre school. It's a learning curve for all of us x Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest51810 Posted July 20, 2013 Share Posted July 20, 2013 I love all the advice on here - thank you so much. I made sure that our cat has areas that the pup can't go in. Basically all the hallway and bedrooms are off limits anyway ( until he is toilet trained) as they are carpeted. The amazing thing is that yesterday the two became friends!!! Just suddenly after a week of watching the pup from afar, she jumped down and played with the him. If I didn't know better it almost looked like she was flirting, head butting him and then 'bum' butting him... They had a sniff, a roly poly ( he is bigger than her) and a run around. Now if she has had enough she simply jumps up onto something and looks down on him, but two seconds later jumps down again for another play, teasing him She also gives him a little ninja swipe with her paw if he bites - which is great because oh my goodness he is so bitey!!!!! We are not there with the toilet training but are persevering and in a couple of weeks he will go to puppy pre school. It's a learning curve for all of us x I had a laugh at the bum butting him and flirting lol dirty cat! Its funny when they ninja slap dogs, my dog eric went up to a cat at the park, i think he thought it was a dog. He went up and sniffed its bum and the cat slapped him lol. The cat is actually named Psycho so i think that tells you all you need to know about it! Im glad your cat and puppy are friends now, sure they'll be cuddled up together soon! This thread has been useful for me too, mums pup arrives next week so i can use some of the advice too. Cheers! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jacaranda Posted July 20, 2013 Share Posted July 20, 2013 Most of all you need patience!I used my laundry floor and in a corner, placed a few layers of newspaper down.Weather permitting and depending on time of day,if my dog looked like it needed to go to the loo,I would pick it up and carry it outside to the lawn,and wait (patiently lol)for it to do its business.If the weather was bad,or it was nighttime,I would carry pup to the newspaper.When you use the newspaper,over time you gradually decrease the amount you put down.As pup's bladder gets bigger,it will obviously be able to hold on for longer.The newspaper is good for when you are going out and leaving pup at home for a while.Expect accidents,and don't scold if they do.Just simply take the pup outside where it "should"of gone.When it does go either outside or on paper,praise pup and maybe play for a little while as a reward.I never used the rubbing nose in it method,or hitting/punishing.They learn soon enough!Good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trabonita Posted July 20, 2013 Share Posted July 20, 2013 Everytime my pup woke up I would take her straight outside and say 'wee wee' over and over again. 9 out of 10 times she would perform and I would just make a huge fuss over her. Also if you have been playing with her inside for a little while I would also then take her outside again for a wee. It's a bit like toilet training a toddler, you have to try and be a step ahead of them. If my pup started to wee inside I would just pick her up and put her outside to finish and then praise her again, it seemed to work, although accidents are inevitable! Good luck, pups are so much fun! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sammy1 Posted November 30, 2013 Author Share Posted November 30, 2013 So, here we are a few months down the track. He is now a crazy six month old pup and huge!!!! Toilet training is about 99% there now :biggrin: However, he eats everything and constantly 'counter surfs'. He just stands up at the kitchen counter and has managed quite a few sandwiches and the odd pizza slice that way..... We are wondering if we will be able to put a tree up in the main living areas - as he eats everything. Any tips? I think it may just have to go up in a closed off room... Life has certainly not been boring, but oh boy he is exhausting!!! People keep telling me that when he is three years old (aaaah) that he will be more sensible. Until then he has me running around in circles. He is a baby in a huge body and I love him to bits.....even when I see him (all 25 kilos) flying through the air and about to land on me :eek: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edwinjarvis Posted November 30, 2013 Share Posted November 30, 2013 I would like to say only one thing time & patience.................. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
calNgary Posted November 30, 2013 Share Posted November 30, 2013 So, here we are a few months down the track. He is now a crazy six month old pup and huge!!!! Toilet training is about 99% there now :biggrin: However, he eats everything and constantly 'counter surfs'. He just stands up at the kitchen counter and has managed quite a few sandwiches and the odd pizza slice that way..... We are wondering if we will be able to put a tree up in the main living areas - as he eats everything. Any tips? I think it may just have to go up in a closed off room... Life has certainly not been boring, but oh boy he is exhausting!!! People keep telling me that when he is three years old (aaaah) that he will be more sensible. Until then he has me running around in circles. He is a baby in a huge body and I love him to bits.....even when I see him (all 25 kilos) flying through the air and about to land on me :eek: LOL Our dog did a lot of those things when she was little, thankfully she seems to have grown out of most it. Last year i had to put the xmas tree on the coffee table as she destroyed the tinsel and thought the baubles were great toys,lol.. Hang in there, it will get better Cal x Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bobj Posted December 10, 2013 Share Posted December 10, 2013 We put ours in a crate at night for a few weeks but during the day we went outside with him saying wee wees (thankfully no neighbours at that point haha) every time he wee'd we gave him a treat. He soon learnt to wee on command and still does he's 13 months old now. We now have a dog flap which also helps. What better place...:laugh: Cheers, Bobj. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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