Let’s talk about training:Pomskies like all dogs want to please, but they need to be taught how to. They also want to feel secure and the best way to make them feel that way is to let them know that you are the leader of the pack. This will relieve your dog because he/she won't feel responsible for handling everything. I know that may sound kinda funny, but that is truly how dogs think, if they don't feel they have a strong leader they will try to be one. We know that in the human world it is impossible for a dog to actually take the lead in our lives so this leads to frustration and anxiety. Frustration and anxiety then leads to behavior issues.
There are many ways you can show your dog you're the alpha, but we cant say it better than the famous expert Cesar Milan. We recommend reading his books, Cesar's Way and How tor Raise the Perfect Dog, to get a good foundation on how to be a successful pack leader. We feel that it is so beneficial for all dog owners! This is Serious Stuff...Here at Northern California Pomskies we take training very seriously. An untrained dog that misbehaves is not the fulfilling companion you always dreamed of, in fact it is dangerous to the dog, as that is how many of our canine friends end up in shelters.
IT IS NOT THE DOG'S FAULT! Our dogs cannot know what we expect from them if we do not teach them. And as smart as dogs are, they will not just pick up on what's right and what's wrong. It's very important to take the time in puppyhood to establish your role as alpha, this will make your dog respect you and he/she will be much easier to train. Being the alpha does not mean being a bully nor does it excuse any form of abuse. You should never hit your dog to establish dominance. Setting rules and limitations, creating a healthy routine through exercise and a predictable schedule, remaining calm and authoritative, and rewarding with praise and treats when appropriate are all good ways to become an alpha that your dog will love and respect, not fear. For more information on becoming a good pack leader you can visit Cesar Millan's website here. Or as mentioned above, pick up his books, Cesar's Way and How to Raise the Perfect Dog! Training a puppy is hard work, but it makes being a dog owner much easier in the long run. We believe in a pack mentality and think that using the principles of a pack plays to the dog's natural instincts and psychology. That being said, any training method is better than no training and all we recommend is that you are consistent in any method you choose. Being inconsistent is the biggest mistake we see dog owners make because it is a lot of time and effort wasted if the dog only ends up confused. So choosing a training method that you can commit to and stick with is essential for success.
Hard work, but worth it!Make it Fun...Bringing home a new puppy is exciting and although it is important to make clear that you are in charge and to set clear rules and boundaries, it is also important to create a loving bond with your new canine companion.
Pomskies are very smart dogs and will be fun to train if you only take the time. Teach them to sit, stay, down, walk well on a leash, get fancy with tricks like roll over and shake. They will enjoy the attention and teaching them is stimulating for their mind. Ask them to do something for you, like sit and stay before you offer them their meals or have them shake for you when you have brought home a special treat. They will enjoy earning things and being involved, it will give them a satisfied feeling if they think they are pleasing you. There are a lot of good articles for training on Cesar Millan's website. |
Crate Training...
Crate training is great for any puppy, but we think it’s especially beneficial for Pomskies. Pomskies are an incredibly intelligent and high energy breed, this can can lead to mischievous behavior when left unsupervised. Crate training can be a wonderful way to create a secure environment for your puppy to feel safe, keep them out of trouble when you can’t give them your full attention, and also a great way to aid in potty training. Crate training must be done properly and is in no way meant to be a place for punishment or long periods of confinement. A crate should be used for bedtime and to aid in potty training in puppyhood. Should you choose to use this method with your puppy we recommend reading this helpful article from the Humane Society of the United States: Crate Training
Potty Training...One of the biggest obstacles to getting a new puppy is potty training. We realize this and have taken steps to make it a little easier on our clients who have adopted puppies from us. When our puppies reach 4 weeks of age and Mommy has stopped cleaning up after them, the puppies graduate to an indoor/outdoor area where they begin learning to use a doggie door. We also clean up multiple times a day, being sure to keep their sleeping and eating areas clean and we change any bedding that gets soiled. We're happy to say that the puppies learn fairly quickly where they should potty and we have very few accidents in or near their bedding. We think this reinforces the puppy's natural instincts to not potty where they sleep and thus should make the whole potty training process easier when they go into their new homes. For helpful tips on potty training your new puppy please visit the Humane Society's website: Housetraining your dog or puppy
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