Training a crested for me has always been an easy task when it comes to potty training. But through the process of trial and error here are a few tips that make the process easier.
#1 Kenneling is an almost sure way to teach them to do their business in a designated place. Cresteds are naturally cat like clean dogs, and they do not appreciate being locked up with their dirty business. If you kennel them simply take them out immediately after being kenneled and put them where they they need to go whether it be on the pee pee pads or outside. Let them play after that and repeat the process. Encourage them when they do go in the proper place. If they decide not to go, put them back in the kennel.
#2 Fencing (my personal choice). Puppies shouldn’t be left to roam about the house without supervision. They are small, they can choke, get trampled (if you have kids or large dogs), fall down stairs, eat something dangerous, etc… They should always have a designated area where they are protected when you are not watching. I like to have a set up of a small fenced area, big enough for the bed, food and water and a tray with dog litter. I don’t use Pee-Pee pads because some puppies like to pick them up and chew them. The littler is safe, absorbent and easy to clean. They also feel natural in digging in it as they would outside. I put the bed immediately next to the littler box. as they step out, they end up right in there. Since they dont like to pee where they sleep its only natural for them to go on the litter. Your breeder should already have them well on the way to this process. After a week in your home or when you feel the dog is comfortable expand your play pen to have extra room. This time the dog will need to make a decision on where he goes. If he has too many accidents go back to the old plan for another week. Remember to clean up any accidents well so they do not smell that its a potty area. Let them out to play only after they do their business and put them back in when you think its time for them to go again.
#3 Taking your dog outside. This is only AFTER the dog has had all of its required shots. At this time the easiest is kenneling, but both methods can work. If you have your pup fenced, just take the dog outside when you think its time but dont get rid of the litter for a least a week. You can leave it overnight until they are a little older and remove it during the day time. You will need to take puppy outside every 2 hours in the beginning to catch the process. If you dont leave the overnight littler remember you will need to wake up in the middle of the night and take him outside. They can not hold it through the whole night otherwise. By 4-5 months of age your dog should have no problem holding it through the night as long as you wake up early to take them out.
Chinese Cresteds and Obesity
Sometimes, we notice that our graceful bundle of joy appears to be bulging at its waist line. That adorable hairless (or not) little critter starts to resemble an overstuffed sausage of sorts. As pet owners we sometimes get in the habit of giving them treats, and not considering that as a part of the meal. Or worse, leaving a full bowl for them to come back to as the feel necessary. I cant speak for all breeds, but Cresteds are well known for munching all day long if given the opportunity. They feel it is ALWAYS necessary to eat, whether it be leftovers that your toddler dropped, or the cucumber buts that you dont use for your salad. Just remember dog obesity is not making anybody happy. The quality of your pets life will be greatly reduced as well as the length in many cases. Weight your dog, and follow the recommended feeding amount on your high quality dog food. If you find yourself in this situation already take action:
1) Buy diet reduced fat food (or reduce the feeding amount, though this may leave a HUNGRY pooch that will be wining all day long)
2) Start with longer walks at a brisk pace without stopping, let them top and sniff on the way BACK.
3) Stop the treats, and if you want to give a snack use veggies pr fruit. My girls like apples, carrots, Brocoli, melons though they Want to eat just about anything. Peel the skin off the apples though since they are hard to digest.
Have questions? need help? post a comment
Alaskan Malamute Puppies in California
On a side note, our friend had a beautiful littler of AKC Alaskan Malamutes. Champion Bloodlines, fantastic pedigree hand raised bundles of joy. 5 girls and 5 boys!
Contact SundownDak@aol.com for additional information.
Chinese Crested Blog – LETS TALK SKIN!
Here we can talk about our hairless love bugs and help each other with issues we might be facing from skin, to behavior etc…
My Post #1 is about skin however. Specifically the little mini tyrant that affects so many of our hairless friends…Blackheads or Dog Acne!
In my experience many things can cause this, no amount of good breeding can totally eliminate this problem from all Cresteds. Some will get it in adolescence, which will typically clear up as they grow up.
But lets look at the most typical causes:
1) Does your dog eat human food, i mean fried or processed human food?
2) When was the last time you changed their clothes? Or bedding?
3) Where is the Acne, is it on a specific area, in the furnishings (hair)?
4) When was the last time you washed the dog?
Think of your dog like a person. If a person has particularly oily skin, it needs to be maintained a certain way. Not washing it, laying on dirty pillows, eating junk food or simply not washing it will cause it to break out.
Depending on how bad the situation is here are a few helpfull tips:
1) UPGRADE food and drop the treats. If you want to give a treat give a veggie. I highly recommend Nutra, LIMITED ingredient food.
2) Wash your dog once a week, Cresteds naturally release an oil to protect their skin, which sometimes clogs the pores.
3) Don’t moisturize with heavy lotions. Use light face lotions, or baby lotion
4) Always use sunscreen when out for extended periods of time.
5) Wash that bedding and change the clothes. Stick to cotton as it will not cause irritations.
If you have a bad issue and you have made the necessary changes, now you have to clear up the acne you are already stuck with. #1 you have to wash the dog, more often until it clears up. You will need to do some scrubbing at times if the acne is really dense, with slightly abrasive sponges.
Here is what has worked for me in the past and some friends recommendations:
1) The clean and clear pore cleaner (the vibrating one) works wonders.
2) A good old soak in the bath to release the dirt.
3) Some grease cutting old fashioned hand bar soap in a bath
Remember to moisturize lightly after so the skin is nice and soft. I use Disney brand Baby Eczema cream. Put it on a regular paper towel and rub rub rub all over the body. Its very thick and more than enough rubbed in with the paper towel. If there are black heads, it also lubricates them and helps them come right out. You will see them right on the paper towel.
And PLEASE dont use olive oil. I have heard people using this on their dogs and have seen the horrors that it will do to the skin. If you wouldn’t put it on your face, it doesent belong on a crested either.
Questions? More tips? Post them!