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The admin team of the Pandemic Puppy Facebook Group and Journey Dog Training is bringing you a puppy raising podcast. From selecting a puppy to tackling common behavior problems, we're here to help. Your host is Kayla Fratt, owner of Journey Dog Training and Certified Behavior Consultant. She's raising her FIRST puppy while hosting the podcast.
Episodes
Friday Feb 26, 2021
Friday Feb 26, 2021
For episode nine, Kayla Fratt speaks with Sarah Stremming from The Cognitive Canine all about crate training with your puppy.
Do puppies need to be crate trained?
- Just like everything else we do in training, it depends on what your goals for your puppy are. There is not a universal answer. That said, we both crate train our dogs!
Are there alternatives?
- If you do not wish to use a crate, baby gates or x-pens are a great option to create a room or space for the puppy. If you do want to use crates, it is still recommended to have a separate space using baby gates or xpens along with the crate.
How do you start?
- The pen should be highly enriching for the puppy. It should have a sleeping spot, an enriching area, and a potty area.
- It is best to start crating during sleep times only at first.
- You don’t want to put them in the crate if they aren’t sleepy/going to fall asleep. The puppy should learn that the crate is for sleep time. If you notice your puppy is sleepy, put them in the crate. If you can, put the crate inside the xpen, making that the place for sleeping.
What problems can you prevent with crating?
- Prevents chewing items you don’t want chewed
- Makes housetraining is much easier
- Prevents conflict between puppy and other animals in the home
- Prevents boredom biting when the puppy is trying to get your attention
- You would have to be constantly micromanaging them if they didn’t have their own space to be in, which could really affect your relationship with your puppy
How do your goals play into crate training plans?
- In order to have success with this, you can’t ask them to do something they can’t do. You don’t teach by letting them get it wrong.
- Work your way up to where you want to be with a plan, you can’t rush your dog if they aren’t ready to give you the goal you desire
- You don’t get it by doing it, you get it by doing other things that approximate it
- ie. if you want your dog to be good with flying in a crate, they have to be good with driving in a car first
- Teach the prerequisite skills first
- If your puppy can’t wait quietly in their pen while you go to the bathroom, then your puppy won’t be able to be quiet in their crate when you run to the store.
How can listeners make their crates ultra-enticing to their puppies?
- Change it up frequently
- Licky mat, put up obstacles for them to get to it
- Tug toy hanging
- Snuffle matt and snuffle ball
- Numerous toys of different kinds
- Bones and bully sticks
- Boxes and packing paper for them to rip up or shred
- Puppies should be doing “over, under and through”
How can the 4 steps to behavioral wellness help you with crate training?
- The four steps of behavior wellness are exercise, enrichment, nutrition, and communication
- Exercise and enrichment are the most important to focus on that will help with crate training, as crating isn’t completely natural for them as it is confinement.
- When they tell you they are tired, let them be done.
- They need to have enough enrichment so that they are satisfied.
- Think about it like this: “If you lived in one room and that was your whole world, what would you need to feel satisfied and enriched?”
How can you help your puppy learn to like going into the crate?
- Only train entering and exiting the crate so they know that the crate is not a working space
- Mark and reinforce when they go in on their own
- Duration can be taught through boredom. Start with crating them while being busy doing something else that they aren’t really interested in. Just as if they were in the crate while you were driving a car. Don’t allow them to panic.
What are your thoughts on pacifiers like Kongs? How can they be used well for crate training?
- Use them carefully. Pacifiers can backfire if/when overused because they can teach your dog to be fine only if eating
Many people don’t struggle as much with getting their puppy to go into the crate as they do getting their puppy to settle in the crate for longer periods of time. How do you teach puppies to stay in the crate for longer periods of time?
- Make sure they are not constantly distracted in their crate when you leave the room. They need to learn to be okay with you being gone. Being distracted does not mean they are okay.
- Don’t let them be completely distressed, if they want out, maybe try putting your fingers through the crate or bring the crate closer to you, but don’t let them out if you are sure all their needs are met.
Are there any advantages or disadvantages to crate training during the pandemic?
- You have an opportunity to have the best chance of avoiding separation anxiety with proper crating and foundations.
How can people avoid creating a dog who’s trying to earn rewards in the crate (ie offering behaviors)?
- Make sure you put them in the crate when they are tired often
This podcast is supported by Journey Dog Training and our Puppy Raising Blueprint course. If you’re feeling lost with puppy raising, check out this course at journeydogtraining.com/blueprint. The full course covers topics ranging from common problem behaviors and socialization to the humane hierarchy of dog training. It’s all taught by yours truly, Kayla Fratt. If you need more personalized training support, check out journeydogtraining.com - we have a variety of courses, e-books, and remote training services available.
This podcast is also supported by our members on Patreon. For as little as $3 per month, you can support this podcast and get perks like submitting questions for us to tackle at the end of each episode. Sign up over at patreon.com/pandemicpuppy.
Over the next few episodes, we’ll cover puppy-raising lessons from a service dog trainer, self-regulation skills for puppies, and developmental stages for puppies.
Where you can find Sarah Stremming:
Friday Feb 19, 2021
Friday Feb 19, 2021
For episode eight, Kayla speaks to Bryony Aviles of Sandy Paws Dog Training about socializing your puppy during a pandemic.
We Cover Questions Including:
- What is socialization?
- Why does it matter?
- What’s the socialization period? What if you miss it?
- What sort of things should you expose your puppy to?
- Are all puppies the same? Can you use a one-size-fits-all approach?
- Behaviorally, what should you keep an eye on?
- What do you do if your puppy is nervous or overly excited about something?
- What checklists/resources do you like?
- What if you can’t hit everything on the checklist?
- How to do safely with pandemic AND unvaccinated puppies?
We also cover the Patreon question, "My new rescue amstaff mix puppy (40 lbs) is generally so rough & mouthy that he often hurts my little 9yr old morky (12lbs). He bites at his legs and sometimes stands over/on top of my morkie when trying to play. It doesn't seem to be intentionally aggressive."
This podcast is supported by Journey Dog Training and our Puppy Raising Blueprint course. The full course covers topics ranging from common problem behaviors and socialization to the humane hierarchy of dog training. It’s all taught by yours truly, Kayla Fratt. If you need more personalized training support, check out journeydogtraining.com – we have a variety of courses, e-books, and remote training services available. Just check out your options in the menu above.
This podcast is also supported by our members on Patreon. For as little as $3 per month, you can support this podcast and get perks like submitting questions for us to tackle at the end of each episode. Sign up over at patreon.com/pandemicpuppy.
Over the next few episodes, we’ll cover how to pick a puppy from a breeder, selecting a shelter and shelter puppy, and how to prepare for your new puppy!
For Further Reading:
Friday Feb 12, 2021
Friday Feb 12, 2021
For episode 7, Kayla speaks to Sarah Dixon about bringing your puppy home and getting off on the right paw. From the moment you leave the breeder or shelter, you’re starting to teach your puppy about how to live and grow with you. We’ll also cover setting your puppy up for success with a schedule of rest and play that helps everyone out.
Friday Feb 05, 2021
Friday Feb 05, 2021
Kayla speaks to Ursa Acree of Canis Major Dog Training in Denver Colorado about preparing to bring your new puppy home.
This podcast is supported by Journey Dog Training and our Puppy Raising Blueprint course. The full course covers topics ranging from common problem behaviors and socialization to the humane hierarchy of dog training. It’s all taught by yours truly, Kayla Fratt. If you need more personalized training support, check out journeydogtraining.com - we have a variety of courses, e-books, and remote training services available. Just check out your options in the menu above.
This podcast is also supported by our members on Patreon. For as little as $3 per month, you can support this podcast and get perks like submitting questions for us to tackle at the end of each episode. Sign up over at patreon.com/pandemicpuppy.
For Further Reading:
- Guide to Dog Adoption Part 1: What Are You Looking For In a Dog?
- The "Before You Get Your Puppy" free e-book from Ian Dunbar
- Puppy Proofing YouTube Video
- Pawsitive Futures Puppy Prep Video
- Check the show notes at JourneyDogTraining.com/pandemic-puppy for links to all the products mentioned
Friday Jan 29, 2021
Friday Jan 29, 2021
Kayla speaks to Carrie Brooks at Go Rogue Dog Training Center with her business partner, Kaye Geyler.
There’s not really a right and wrong way to do this, but we’ll cover our top tips for you.
Selecting a Shelter
- Why supporting good shelters matters
- Good shelters work on both ends of the pet homelessness problem, you want to support that
- Reputable rescues and shelters will take the dog back and support you with issues, as they can
- Why a shelter might be best for you: nonspecific needs, helping a pet out, supporting the community, lower upfront cost
Now remember, everything here is a generality. Some shelters are fabulous but bend these guidelines in places, and that’s ok! We’re just helping you think about what to look for IN GENERAL when vetting a shelter or rescue.
Look for a Shelter that Is:
- Compliant with local regulations
- Honesty about what they know about the dog's health and temperament
- Personally, I prioritize shelters that offer holistic community support, though this isn’t always an option for rural/municipal shelters
- Don’t get too stuck on euthanasia rates
- Beware of rescues that "flip" dogs at high costs or hoard dogs to keep euthanasia rates low
Now remember, everything here is a generality. Some breeders are fabulous but bend these guidelines in places, and that’s ok!
Selecting a Puppy from a Shelter
- Be prepared to wait - you won’t be able to select age, color, breed in most cases unless you’re very patient.
- Check breed rescues if you want a pup of a certain breed
- Pandemic - the process of getting a shelter pup may look different right now
- Don’t pick sight unseen if you can - go meet them!
- Bring the whole family
- Try to meet the mother dog if you can
- Is there any info on pup's history?
- Were they an owner surrender, found as a stray, have they been in foster care? What have staff, volunteers, foster know/observe from individual puppies?
- Look for a wiggly, comfortable puppy - not too crazy or too shy
- Observe the pups together if possible. Remember that your views just gives a snap shot of today. Not likely to tell you what they will be like as an adult.
- Ask about post-adoption support
- Get to know the puppy and mom as much as you can. If possible, try to meet at two different times because they might be super sleepy one time.
- Remember, it’s not all in how you raise them.
This podcast is supported by Journey Dog Training and our Puppy Raising Blueprint course. The full course covers topics ranging from common problem behaviors and socialization to the humane hierarchy of dog training. It’s all taught by yours truly, Kayla Fratt. If you need more personalized training support, check out journeydogtraining.com - we have a variety of courses, e-books, and remote training services available. Just check out your options in the menu above.
This podcast is also supported by our members on Patreon. For as little as $3 per month, you can support this podcast and get perks like submitting questions for us to tackle at the end of each episode. Sign up over at patreon.com/pandemicpuppy.
Over the next few episodes, we’ll cover how to pick a puppy from a breeder, selecting a shelter and shelter puppy, and how to prepare for your new puppy!
For Further Reading:
Friday Jan 22, 2021
Friday Jan 22, 2021
Kayla speaks to Amber Quann of Summit Dog Training and Megan Wallace of Dogs Deciphered about picking a puppy from a breeder.
- Decide what you need, want, can be flexible on, versus don’t care much (Kayla's list is linked at the bottom of the show notes)
- The myth that just being a family dog is an easy job for a puppy
- Different dogs within a litter will differ - not all labs are created equal!
- It’s not all in how you raise em - choose wisely!
- Breeder might pair you with puppy, that’s normal
- Let the breeder weigh in on personalities
- Provide LOTS of info on goals, lifestyle, needs to help breeder along
- This is why it can be important to find a breeder who understands and is familiar with the job you might be asking your puppy to do!
- Don’t just go with color, but some amount of color preference is ok IF you’re willing to wait; color can also link to health
- Criteria to consider including your fifestyle factors, job schedules, puppy goals, etc.
- For MOST people, go with an average-ish puppy within the litter if the parents are what you like
- Temperament tests aren’t THAT predictive. Remember, these are moments in time - the breeder has seen much more of their personalities than you can see in these moments.
- If you have very specific needs for a puppy, be accepting that the right puppy might not be in this litter.
This podcast is supported by Journey Dog Training and our Puppy Raising Blueprint course. The full course covers topics ranging from common problem behaviors and socialization to the humane hierarchy of dog training. It’s all taught by yours truly, Kayla Fratt. If you need more personalized training support, check out journeydogtraining.com - we have a variety of courses, e-books, and remote training services available. Just check out your options in the menu above.
This podcast is also supported by our members on Patreon. For as little as $3 per month, you can support this podcast and get perks like submitting questions for us to tackle at the end of each episode. Sign up over at patreon.com/pandemicpuppy.
Over the next few episodes, we’ll cover how to pick a puppy from a breeder, selecting a shelter and shelter puppy, and how to prepare for your new puppy!
For Further Reading:
- How to Find a Good Dog Breeder (written by Kayla)
- Dog Adoption Guide (written by Kayla)
- Kayla's dog selection spreadsheet (view only)
- Functional Dog Collaborative
Friday Jan 15, 2021
Friday Jan 15, 2021
Kayla speaks to Amber Quann of Summit Dog Training and Megan Wallace of Dogs Deciphered about picking a breeder for your next puppy.
There’s not really a right and wrong way to do this, but we’ll cover our top tips for you.
- One litter at a time
- Parents on site and available for meet-and-greets
- Puppies raised indoors
- Puppy raising program like Puppy Culture, Avidog, or ENS
- Working closely with the breeder to select the puppy (not just based on color or “which do you want?")
- Parents over 2 years old
- Puppies not available until 8 weeks
- Health testing
- Not afraid of lots of questions
- Waiting lists, pricing, and deposits
- Only deal in 1 or 2 breeds (or purpose/mixes)
- Willing to take the puppy back
- Eager to provide guidance
- Proven lines for your goals
This podcast is supported by Journey Dog Training and our Puppy Raising Blueprint course. The full course covers topics ranging from common problem behaviors and socialization to the humane hierarchy of dog training. It’s all taught by yours truly, Kayla Fratt. If you need more personalized training support, check out journeydogtraining.com - we have a variety of courses, e-books, and remote training services available. Just check out your options in the menu above.
This podcast is also supported by our members on Patreon. For as little as $3 per month, you can support this podcast and get perks like submitting questions for us to tackle at the end of each episode. Sign up over at patreon.com/pandemicpuppy.
Over the next few episodes, we’ll cover how to pick a puppy from a breeder, selecting a shelter and shelter puppy, and how to prepare for your new puppy!
For Further Reading:
- How to Find a Good Dog Breeder (written by Kayla)
- Dog Adoption Guide (written by Kayla)
- Kayla's dog selection spreadsheet (view only)
- Functional Dog Collaborative
Friday Jan 08, 2021
Friday Jan 08, 2021
Kayla speaks to Rebecca Hintz of Wintegrity K9 in Vacaville CA about deciding where to get a puppy. Find full show notes at JourneyDogTraining.com/pandemic-puppy
For the purpose of this episode, we are only comparing getting a dog from a responsible breeder versus a shelter. We are not discussing getting a dog from a pet store, online marketplace, grocery store lot, or backyard breeder because we do not support those venues of puppy acquisition. If you're unsure how to find a responsible breeder, stay tuned for upcoming episodes.
This podcast is supported by Journey Dog Training and our Puppy Raising Blueprint course. The full course covers topics ranging from common problem behaviors and socialization to the humane hierarchy of dog training. It’s all taught by yours truly, Kayla Fratt. If you need more personalized training support, check out journeydogtraining.com – we have a variety of courses, e-books, and remote training services available. Just check out your options in the menu above.
This podcast is also supported by our members on Patreon. For as little as $3 per month, you can support this podcast and get perks like submitting questions for us to tackle at the end of each episode. Sign up over at patreon.com/pandemicpuppy.
Over the next few episodes, we’ll cover how to decide between a shelter and a breeder, then how to pick a puppy once you’ve decided where to go! Not all puppy sources OR puppies are created equal, so be sure to tune in.
For Further Reading:
- Pet allergy: Are there hypoallergenic dog breeds? from Mayo Clinic
- Pandemic Puppy Raising Support Group on Facebook
- Should I Adopt a Shelter Dog or Buy a Puppy From a Breeder?
Friday Jan 01, 2021
Friday Jan 01, 2021
Kayla speaks to Rebecca Hintz of Wintegrity K9 in Vacaville CA about deciding if you're ready for a puppy.
This podcast is supported by Journey Dog Training and our Puppy Raising Blueprint course. The full course covers topics ranging from common problem behaviors and socialization to the humane hierarchy of dog training. It’s all taught by yours truly, Kayla Fratt. If you need more personalized training support, check out journeydogtraining.com - we have a variety of courses, e-books, and remote training services available. Just check out your options in the menu above.
This podcast is also supported by our members on Patreon. For as little as $3 per month, you can support this podcast and get perks like submitting questions for us to tackle at the end of each episode. Sign up over at patreon.com/pandemicpuppy.
For Further Reading:
Monday Dec 07, 2020
Monday Dec 07, 2020
Hello and welcome to the Pandemic Puppy podcast, brought to you by Journey Dog Training and the Pandemic Puppy Raising Facebook Group! I’m your host Kayla Fratt, and I’m so excited to be here with you. We are going to cover puppy raising right from the start on this podcast. And although I’m a professional dog trainer, this is actually going to by my first time raising a puppy, too! So I’m right in the trenches with you on the good, the bad, the cute, and the stinky.
Make sure you subscribe to the Pandemic Puppy Podcast wherever you’re listening so you can hear episodes on topics like nipping, socialization, crate and alone time training, littermate syndrome, preparing your puppy for outdoor adventures, developmental stages, breed tendencies, and SO much more.
For just $3 per month at patreon.com/pandemicpuppy, you’ll be able to ask questions about YOUR puppy that we’ll tackle each episode. This small fee helps us offset the costs of audio editing, website hosting, and more.