PupCare/Training-3

Important Note: The Polish Lowland Sheepdog is a wonderful and remarkable breed, but it is NOT the  breed for everyone.  It is important that you can provide training that is firm, fair, consistent and positive .  It is important that your family  members all agree as to what the PON should or should not be allowed to do.  All PON breeders will tell you this breed will continue to be what you have made it as a puppy.  It has an amazing memory.  You must never allow it to do as a puppy what you don't want it to do as an adult.  Training ,socialization and grooming are most important and if you don't have time to do this  right now, this is NOT the breed for you .

Having said this , if you have the time to train, socialize, and groom you will find the PONs to be the most devoted, fun-loving, loyal, smart, intuitive "friend"you will ever own.  It is often said, "Once a PON owner always a PON owner: and that is why so many PON owners often end up with more than one PON.  It is NOT recommended you get a second PON until the first is a year old and well on its way to being trainedd. 

CRATE TRAINING

Why crate train you Polish Lowland Sheepdog?  It seems so cruel.  No longer is this believed  to be true.  It is totally the way to go for many reasons and your PON breeder may have additional ones.

1.  The PON puppy has a place of his own...a refuge where he is safe and secure.

2.  Housebreaking is much easierwhen crate training your puppy.

3.  The puppy cannot get into poisons, wires, etc. while you are away from the house.

4.  Some hotels will accept crate trained dogs when others may not be welcome.

5.  Restaurants may find a cool place a place for your dog while you are on vacation.

6.  You know your puppy will be safe while you sleep at night. 

What size crate do you need? The dog should be able to stand up and turn around.  Too large a crate will make housebreaking more difficult as the pup will quickly set up areas to sleep, areas to eat, play, go potty, etc.  If you want to buy an adult crate, petition it off to the proper size and let it expand as the pup grows. Keep the right size kennel to allow quick and easy potty training. 

Always have water in the crate.  When housebreaking  you may have to remove water from late evening until morning.  Stainless steel pails hung on hardware hooks work well.  Make sure they have a safe toy and a little blanket if they want it.

There are several nevers.

1.  Do not force your puppy to go in.  Food as a bribe started young works well.  Use a command such as  "House"  and "Cookie" and he will learn to fly in for a treat.

2.  Never use the crate as a punishment.  It should remain a safe home and refuge.

3.  Never leave you pup or dog in there for an unreasonable length of time.  They need to be out exercising , playing and being  part of the family.

4.  Never want to start crate training.An older dog will not adjust to the crate in the way a young pup will or may never adjust. By age two you may want to put the crate away.  Some people may use the bottom half as a future bed.

LEAD TRAINING

Young pups think they own and are charge of the world.  This often comes through when you take your first walk together. Using a regular puppy collar and a lead start walking in the direction you want to.  If the pup starts pulling, quickly give a jerk on the lead and walk in the opposite direction.  Do NOT hesitate.  Do NOT be concerned if it throws the pup a little off balance.  Just keep walking using common sense.  Keep walking at a reasonable pace and change directions often.  The pup will begin to watch you and pay attention.  

Do not allow the puppy to bite on the lead  Jerk it away and say a loud "NO."It is important to begin lead training early but don't overdo the walking. A pup is a young baby and short sessions several times daily is more productive than long training sessions. You can combine potty training and lead training teaching both at the same time.

SHAKER CAN

The shaker can is an oldie but a goodie when it comes to training.  The trick is NEVER let your pup near enough it to sniff or figure out what it is.  Take a metal can (not aluminum...coffee works well) and put 5-6 pennies in it and tape on the lid securely.  When the pup misbehaves shake the closely to him and say "NO."  You may also toss it near him just missing...don't let him get to it.  This way the pup learns it means no and he will learn he is misbehaving...not knowing exactly what it is. The shaker can be used for barking, taking things he should not have,getting off furniture,on the edges of cabinets, waste baskets where it bounces down, et. It has been used for heel nipping which is typical of a herding pup.  But again, Do NOT allow them to get hold of it or the mystery is gone.  If used correcctly it may become enough to just pick up the can. The shaker can if used correctly can be useful with an adult dog as well. 

LIMIT TOYS AND TYPES OF TOYS

Beware of Rawhide toys and chews.  Rawhide smell and tastes like shoes and ohter leather products...do don't be surprised if your shoe shows up missing.  In addition, once it becomes small, your puppy or dog may swallow it and choke.  It was a hard lesson when the webmaster  at 2 a.m. ended up at the vets with a piece stuck in the throat of her dog.  It turned out okay, but no more rawhide unless carefully supervisored.  Also much is imported and little known about it except it may be toxic to your dog.

SQUEAKER TOYS may be another problem.  The breed is very strong and they can very quickly dismantle the squeaker.  It can be get caught in their throats or may even be able to swallow it.  Supervise play with  such toys or look for ones without them.  You may also want to look with toys, often baby, where the pup cannot removed parts. 

TENNIS BALLS and PONs are a true match.  However, some PONs have large mouths and can swallow the balls. Having seen an x ray of a dog with it in its stomach requiring serious surgery it is advised tennis balls be used with supervision.  

Some of the safest toys are NYLABONES and  KONGS,  and as the PON gets older you will need one for tougher dogs.  Some pups do not like puppy ones, but perfer a little larger.    You can also place a nylabone in the kong opening and create a whole new toy.  

SHEEPSKIN (FAKE)  are great toys for young pups.  They are soft, can be carried around, and can be used for play also.

FRIZBEES are great toys for PONs that like to retrive.  They come in small to larger sizes.    Many  are made to float in water and can become a nicee water toy.  By the way, if you have a pool make sure you always teach the pup how he can easily get out of the pool...and in around deep water dog life jackets are a great safety precaution.  

The main thing is to know what toys are going into your dog's mouth and which ones require closer supervision..  It could save a vet trip. 

POTTY OUTDOOR TRAINING HINT

Puppies should go out at least every three hours --when awaking after eating, after playing, etc. However, do NOT just let your puppy out and expect it to go.  There is a whole new world out there to explore; leaves blowing, pretty flowers, sticks, etc.  But instead place your puppy on a lead, take it out and stand in ONE PLACE where you want him to go until he goes, using a command if you choose.  One he goes praise him , give him a treat if you choose,  turn him loose (observed of course)  and let him play and explore. Over the years it has been shown that if you don't control going out (for either pee or poop) , you might find your pup goes outdoors and has a wonderful time, but then will come in and go on your favorite rug.  Housebreaking should begin with your breeder before you get the pup so check and see what kind of schedule they had. 

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