Puppy Training Q&As

We have a GS/Lab mix puppy who is 4 months old. We got him at the local animal shelter a month ago. We are having big problems with him at night. We have used a crate from day one when we leave during the day and for bedtime. I am home all day, so he doesn't need to be in the crate during daytime hours. We started out having the crate in our bedroom because there just wasn't room for it anywhere else (we didn't want to use the garage). He was fine in the crate, except he was wantin...

How do you make a dog scratch a door when it has to poop?

Hello, I know I write an awful lot but this has been the biggest problem I have ever dealt with. I have had other dogs (old and passed away now) and I have never run into this problem... My GSD pup (13 weeks old) has been peeing and pooping in his crate ALL THE TIME. He is in the crate when I leave my house, and I saw in one of your articles to crate train a dog you should place the dog in the crate a lot until he gets used to it. WELL, my pup will not stop peeing or pooping in his crate....

Hello, I have been looking at your site and have a question. My girlfriend bought a German Shepherd Puppy and it is now around four months old. We are having a problem with him destroying potted plants. We try and discipline him but he does it again. We think it is out of spite, and we would like to know a way to correct this. I read one of your articles and you said that if a puppy tries to stand over a child when he is lying down that we should be very careful with the puppy. There is one o...

I have an 8 month old rottie. He is a good dog, however, I have some problems making him give me something (anything) he has stolen from me. He just looks up at me and curls his upper lip. I don't think he wants to bite or harm me, he is usually a very gentle dog. I can put my fingers in his food bowl, and even put my hands in his mouth, however, when he takes something he will not give it back. What do I do?

What are the best toys for puppies?

I just rescued a 2 year old Cocker and she has been peeing in the house. I have since gotten a crate for night cause that is when she has be doing her business. What I want to know is when I take her out to pee and poop is it right or wrong to give her a treat for going outside? My friend said it is very wrong for giving her the treat as it says when you pee you get a treat so she pees in the she thinking she will get a treat. Thanks soo much for helping me. I have a 13 y/o JRT that I give...