AIREDALES OF COOLEAMBER

Training

All About Puppies (Training, Health, Toys, Names)

Using a Crate

I strongly urge you to purchase a dog crate. Used properly this will make your life with a dog much easier. A crate approximately 24” x 36” and 26” high is the right size for an adult Airedale. It is enclosed and comes apart easily for cleaning or transporting. It is also airline approved.

Uses for a crate:

1. Housebreaking

2. Confinement during puppy hood

3. Confinement after a bath or until you can bathe a soiled dog

4. Feeding place for dogs in a multi-dog household.

5. The dogs "bed" or place of refuge

6. Confinement for the dog when you have visitors who don't like animals, repairmen, etc.

7. The dog’s portable home when you travel with the dog

8. A cool resting place (metal plate) during summer months

As you begin to use the crate, your goal is to ensure that the dog enjoys the crate and views it as a safe haven, not punishment. A crate is not cruel. The dog is a den animal and will come to feel very relaxed and secure in his crate. For a puppy, line it with a bed of washable material such as a flannelette sheet, blanket or large towel. Once he is old enough not to chew his bed, you can treat him to one of those nice cushions or fleece mats available for crates.

Crate Training

When you get your puppy home, take it outside for elimination and then play with the puppy. As you sense the puppy is getting tired (about one hour), take it outside again and then put the puppy in the crate. Never put the puppy in the crate without giving it a chance to eliminate first. Use the words you would like the puppy to associate with the crate. (I use "Kennel”). Be sure the crate is placed where the puppy can see you but is not in the middle of loud activity. You might try the corner of the kitchen or the family room. Put a biscuit or small safe toy in the crate. If the puppy starts to cry, say "NO" sharply once or twice (ONLY!). If the puppy continues to cry, ignore it (leave the house and take a walk if you can't stand the noise). Do not let the puppy out of the crate when it is crying. You will reinforce that crying leads to being let out of the crate. After about an hour or so (more if the puppy is sleeping quietly) let the puppy out of the crate while the puppy is quiet. Praise the puppy for being good. Take the puppy outside immediately. At first it is safest to pick the puppy up and carry him outside to avoid an accident. Repeat this sequence a few times the first day and you are well on your way to crate training. As you approach bedtime be sure to give the puppy a lengthy play session. Then reposition the crate into a bedroom where a family member sleeps. This is ideal but not mandatory. The scent of the family member will help the puppy know someone is near. Take the puppy outside again and then place it in it's crate. Be prepared to sit up awhile as the puppy cries. Remember, use a sharp "NO" and do not let the puppy out of the crate when it is crying. Soon (hopefully) the puppy will go to sleep. Since the puppy will not soil in his crate you will be awakened at about 4 AM by a crying puppy who needs to eliminate. The puppy will probably not be able to sleep through the night until he is about four to five months.

Some Crate Do's & Don'ts

1. Do purchase a crate large enough for a full sized Airedale, however start with a small crate if possible so it doesn’t become a bed and bathroom.

2. Do confine your airedale puppy (up to one and one-half years) to the crate whenever you can't directly supervise him. This will avoid chewed-up shoes, moulding, etc.

3. Do allow your dog to eliminate immediately prior to being crated.

4. Do crate your dog when you've just had "enough" or are tired and want peace and quiet.

5. Don't allow your dog to whine or bark incessantly while crated. Use a sharp "NO". Call me if this behavior persists. I use a squirt of water from a spray bottle and say “No”.

6. Don't disturb your dog when he is in his crate. Never pull a dog out of a crate or allow children to poke or bother a dog when he is crated. It is his refuge.

Housebreaking

There are a number of methods that work for housebreaking your puppy. Just remember to be consistent, gentle and patient. He does not have control over bodily functions until about four months so he should be confined when in the house until he is reliable. Give lots of praise with each success.

Helpful Hints

1. Toilet him as soon as he wakes up, right after eating or drinking and after playing or being held.

2. Remove drinking water at least 2 hours before bedtime.

3. Toilet him in a designated area of the yard and use a cue word to trigger the response. We have taught our dogs to relieve themselves "on command" with the words "get busy". It makes this chore easy whenever we travel away from home with them.

Training

Basic training and manners should start right away, but obedience exercises shouldn't be undertaken until at least 8-12 months when he is more mature and can concentrate. Most airedales have a determined and curious disposition (which is also part of their endearing personality). Guidelines for behaviour need to be established from puppyhood, otherwise he can be unruly and subsequently be excluded from activities and people he would enjoy. The relationship between dog and master should be one of mutual respect. Agility is great fun; Airedales really enjoy this activity and at the same time he is learning commands.

Tips

1. Airedales by nature chew and should be taught not to bite hands. Say "NO" firmly and give him a toy or other distraction. Gently holding his mouth closed for a few seconds may help or shake him by the scruff; but don't lift him off the ground when you do this.

2. Don't hit or yell at him as he will quickly learn to distrust you. Instead, scold him when you catch him in the act and show him what you expect. Avoid using his name when you are correcting him. Discipline should be prompt, consistent and always followed with praise. It goes without saying that no one be allowed to tease or be rough with him.

3. Simple early words could be: his name, come, go for a walk, cookie, supper, kennel, get busy (or other cue to relieve himself) and NO.

4. Pick the puppy up with both hands, one under his bottom and the other under his chest. He is heavy and could be injured if not supported. Never lift him by the scruff, as this hurts him.

Play, Toys and Treats

The Airedale is forever young at heart; a playful mischievous character from “puppyhood” to old age. His enjoyment of toys and games with you will endure throughout his life. It is, however, important that he is given toys and treats that are safe for him, as Airedales have extremely powerful jaws and like to exercise them by chewing. A blockage of the bowel caused by swallowing an indigestible object is a serious condition, often fatal.

Puppy Toys: Knotted sport socks, old tennis ball, milk carton or other box (staples and tape removed), and sheepskin, squeaky or hard rubber "dog toys".

Adult Toys: "Kong" (black is the strongest), racket ball, old tennis ball, heavy knotted rope.

Treats: Hard dog biscuits, rawhide, pieces of raw carrot or apple, large knuckle bones only.

Do Not give nylabones, balls small enough to swallow, wood, stuffed animals with eyes etc. or treats with lots of preservatives or coloring in them.

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