Some Advice About Raising Your Puppy

When he is free in the house keep an eye on the pup. When he begins to squat scoop him up and carry him outdoors. Always praise him extravagantly when he performs in the right place, and he will soon understand what you are trying to accomplish. Because a young pup must relieve himself so often, many people use the paper-breaking method. That is, instead of taking the puppy outdoors, they take him to a newspaper spread for that purpose some place in the house. This may be easier, especially if you live on the top floor of an apartment house, but it is not the best method for a Brittany. Also, there comes a time when you have to train him from paper to the outdoors. It is much more practical to do the training in one fell swoop. In a city apartment, don't put the pup on the rug while you get your hat in the morn­ing or you will have a puddle. Get dressed first, then take the pup out of his bed or pen and carry him until you get him to the sidewalk.

Some people think that it is difficult to housebreak a kennel dog. It has been my experience that dogs which live in outdoor kennels most of the time are quite easily house­broken for the reason that they have never acquired the habit of using any place other than the ground, concrete yard or, perhaps, bare kennel floor.

If your puppy is kenneled outdoors, take him out for a run or some play and after he has had a good evacuation (and only then) bring him into your home. Let him nose around and learn what a house is. Then very soon take him outside again. Do this often and for gradually longer periods, always being watchful. In a short time the puppy will go to the door to be let out when he feels the urge to "go."

It is surprising how many otherwise intelligent people will tell you to "rub the puppy's nose in it." Don't do it. It doesn't teach the puppy anything except that the person he has learned to trust has done something that terrifies and sickens him. It will not train him to be clean; neither will scolding nor chastising long after the deed is done. A puppy has a short memory. If the preventive process is faithfully carried out, your puppy will be housebroken so soon that you can brag about it.

Puppies should never have toys made with squeaking devices that might be swallowed or toys made of shreddable rubber. Hard rubber balls should be of pure latex rubber. The best toys are those made of leather or treated bone.

Your puppy will never be carsick if you take him for frequent short rides while he is young and hold him in your lap. Never take him for his first ride after he has just eaten. If he dislikes the movement of the car, get him used to sitting in the car while it is motionless.