General Training

[Metsavana]

Hello folks,
So far I've taught my puppy how to sit, shake hands and how to ask for stuff nicely, but I'm having difficulty teaching her how to fetch stuff (e.g. ball, stick) and to use the toilet on the newspapers. So I have a few questions what is the best way to teach a young puppy to fetch and how do I go about potty training my dog?

Thank you,
Strength and Honor
-P.Miller

[BaconsMom]

Fetch is one of those things that they just get eventually. Bacon is a hunting dog, bred for retrieving, and it took him a bit to get the hang of giving things back to me.

For potty training, unless the papers are going to be the permanent way of potty for your pup, dont use them. Get your pup used to going potty in the correct spot (most likely outside) by taking them there several times a day (usually at about 8 weeks, every 30 mins or so), use the command "potty" or whatever you are going to use, and then highly praise them when they go. I mean like dance around and lots of pets, and good boy!!! Make it a party, and they will learn that going potty in that place is good.

[JenC]

Dogs need to learn to potty outside.