STORM2K

Having had a number of dogs over the years I wish to offer this advice to you.

The best time to leave a dog home alone is after at least one month of steady training on things such as when/how to use the bathroom, what NOT to tear up, barking, etc. Those things are some of the more important ones, for obvious reasons. I'm sure your neighbors would not be happy to have a constantly barking dog next door to them; especially if you are away and no one is around to make him/her stop barking (in humane ways of course:)).

As for the bathroom part of things; that will take some time depending on the age and breed of dog that you choose. Some learn quicker than others; just as humans do. I can't really offer any specific advice as to which breeds learn potty training the fastest.

Now for controlling excessive barking. Many people should realize (hopefully) that barking is man's best friend's way of communication. They obviously cannot speak English like we humans can. So they bark; just as cats meow and birds chirp. The more a dog barks, the more it has to say or is trying to say. But there is a point when it can get to be too much; so what exactly is the best way to stop excessive dog barking you ask? I do NOT recommend bark collars, as all they do is usually zap the dog in its vocal cord area; which I consider to be mean treatment of animals. Rather; I would just be patient and gently (or if ABSOLUTELY necessary; use a stern tone) and tell your dog something like: "No Barking! No!" Be firm about it and don't deviate (stray) from what you are trying to teach him/her. Otherwise they will just think that you are being a goof and they will stop or slow their learning process. Continue to repeat this (being as gentle but as firm as possible) until your dog has mastered the art of not barking excessively. When this is accomplished; reward him/her with something like a trip to a dog park (least likely because it would likely encourage more barking); or reward by giving him/her doggie treats or whatever you choose.

The same basic advice would/does/will apply to teaching your dog how not to go about tearing everything in your house to shreds. If you have majorly valuable objects that you wish to not have chewed or clawed to death; then I recommend putting them out of harm's way should you choose to buy or adopt a dog. That is the easiest and most simple (and safe!) solution. You are taking a huge risk if you leave things such as clothes, shoes, etc. in the open where your dog can claw, chew, bite at them, etc.

very nice, but that is why i prefer cats. they are much more independent. good info!!

Our youngest is a chewer. Our shoes have to go in the closet! Our middle one is a humper. No more explanation needed. Our oldest is a jumper. When she hears the yappy little dog down the street, she scrambles over the 6' fence and heads over.

Good advice Joshua. Our Golden is wonderful in so many ways but we flunked puppy school! She's been very hyper from the beginning, around other people especially. She looked at that group setting, a dozen dogs and owners, as play time. It was so challenging. Looking back maybe we should have had private lessons, but they were double the price. We did somethings great - she was housebroken at 4 months. It took all 4 of us to let her out as soon as we saw her sniffing or circling the carpet. She never wanted to go on wood or tile, only carpet (go figure). We used the same words over and over - do you have to go out? Then we'd wisk her outside before she knew it. In time she began walking up to our back door, which is all glass, and lifting a paw slightly. I can hear her nails on the glass from almost anywhere in this house. However, my family claims they can't......drives me nuts! She's over 4 now, so they've become lazy in letting her out a lot. Oh they'll do it but I'm in tune with her, more than they are. That's one thing that we did right. And in time we could see that she wasn't a chewer. We could leave almost anything on the floor and she wouldn't touch it. I know we got lucky in this department. The only time she puts a sock or shoe in her mouth, is to get our attention. She'll even walk up to us with it in her mouth as if to say - you're ignoring me, chase me! But if I had to do it over, I'd use the one word commands - sit, come, stay, no, etc. a lot. With tiny, low fat treats for rewards (puppy school said popcorn is a good treat). I'd brush her everyday, and pretend to trim her nails. She hates the brush and we have to have her nails trimmed by professionals. These are all things our Vet said to do. We listened to some, ignored others. He said to confine her to a small area of the house. Never let her up on couches or beds. Well, we flunked there too! We took our upstairs gate down one day, when she was a year old. She went from bed to bed. My girls thought that was the cutest thing. Now she has the run of our house, and loves to cuddle on the couch with us. We all laugh - if the Vet could see us now. But again she never chews or scratches furniture. She just wants to be with us 24/7. That's the type dog she is. I grew up with Cairn Terriers. They weren't as people orientated as Goldens are. Mainly I've discovered what works for one dog may not work for another breed.

Mary

Great advice Josh. Thanks for sharing! Might I add you're a pretty good writer.
...Jennifer...