AboutAnne Springer, BSc.,CPCT, IPDTA, APDT Expertise I'm happy to answer questions on behavior and training. I prefer a training philosophy much like your physician might adopt when treating patients - first, do no harm. Dogs are generally best trained using humane methods that make sense to them and put you in control, not necessarily by physical means, but by controlling the dog's access to resources, such as food, toys, access to the outdoors, etc. I want your dog to behave, but also to trust you and rely on you for guidance.
Experience Professional trainer, owner of Paws for Praise, LLC in Danvers, MA. Educated, bonded and insured, all breed experience. We use positive training and behavior modification techniques, and are committed to having the dogs that come through our center be both as well trained and behaviorally healthy as we can help their humans make them.
Organizations International Positive Dog Training Association (Regional Director for Massachusetts)
APDT
Therapy Dogs, Inc.
Truly Dog Friendly
Publications Gloucester Times, Ipswich Chronicle, and more
Education/Credentials B.S., Cum Laude, Salem State College
Diploma, Dog Obedience Training/Instruction (Apprenticed also)
Graduate, New York School of Dog Grooming
Pet CPR/First Aid Certified
Certified Pet Care Technician
AKC CGC Evaluator
Therapy Dogs Inc. Tester/Observer
Question I have a 3 years old Shih Tzu mix rescued from a puppy mill where she was left in a crate to breed. The foster mom had her with her constantly, but I want to train her to a crate for whenever I go to work and I will have someone come in to walk her. Right now someone stays with her while I am at work, but she is like my second skin and times I need to go out but do not want to leave her. I just lost my husband and we are good for each other, but maybe too good. She weighs 10 pounds DOES NOT PEE/POOP IN THE HOUSE but I walk her. Would she better in large travel crate or in large wire crate, so she has room to play. Recently she was out visiting and I had carried her there in a mesh sided dog over the shoulder carrier I put it on the floor and opened one side, and after she looked around where we were, she went back into the carrier and fell asleep. I will train her while I am in the house to stay in the crate and show her that I will always return, and then go out for short periods and come back in to the house and show her that I will come back and praise her, she does not eat treats, only buries them. Any suggestions on what I should or should not do or anything that might help. She is the love of my life and I do not want to do anything to harm her.
Answer Chances are that she was kept in a wire crate as a breeder, so you might want to consider leaving her in a large travel crate. If she doesn't soil the crate, it's fine to give her a bit of room to move around. There's a great book called "I'll Be Home Soon" that you can use to train her correctly to accept the fact that you are going to leave her alone at times, but will always return. I'm sorry about your hubby, I lost the love of my life, too, so I understand how much a dog can mean to you at this time. Good luck!
