There were some key ideas that worked and didn't work for Muppet. The things that worked when training Muppet was: reward, lots and lots of reward. Muppet is extremely toy and treat motivated, therefore I found it easy to get her attention and train her when I had treats around. As well, Muppet understands my tone of voice. She freaks out and gets excited when my tone of voice is higher pitched because she knows she did something right or something positive is about to happen. Meanwhile, if my voice goes deeper, I change my facial expression, or clap my hands together Muppet knows that something is wrong. Thus, changing my voice to suit Muppet's behaviour and actions was key during the training process. Furthermore, consistency was key! If Muppet wasn't let out at her regular times she would 100% have an accident in the house. As well, if I did not stay outside or give her enough time outside, Muppet would have an accident in the house. This entire process was an incredible learning opportunity.
Some of the key ideas that didn't work for Muppet was: crate training, puppy pads and a doggy door. Crate training did not work for Muppet because she was taught that her crate was a negative place not a happy place. My mother and sister taught Muppet that her crate was the place she would go if she did something bad. This is bad training. A dogs crate is their den, it's their home and it's suppose to be their happy place. Thus, if it is their happy place they will not have accidents in it. Therefore, I could not use the crate to train Muppet. As well, I could not use pee pads because Muppet was already taught as a puppy to use pee pads. Muppet was born in the middle of winter in Peterborough. Therefore, the breeder taught the puppies to pee on the pads by the doors. Hence, when we brought Muppet home she thought it was okay to pee on the rugs by any door. She associated our rugs with her previous pee pads in Peterborough. As a family we had to break this bad habit. Lastly, the doggy door was not an option because we did not have the tools to put this in place.
Moreover, Muppet has been an excellent student, she has grown so much since the start of this project. I am extremely proud of her and everything she has acccomplished. She is not fully house trained.. YET...but she will be soon enough as I keep this routine and training up!
Cheers to fur friends and dogs truly being a man's- woman's best friend!
Till next time,
Cheers Courtney Helt!
Below is a video of Muppet learning to "beg" a trick of hers that she uses to get what she wants while looking extremely cute, at the door as well as bark -indicating she wants to go out! This was HUGE for both her and I!
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