AKC vs. Other Registries | House Training | The Crate Debate

AKC vs. Other Registries

Many people are not informed as to the benefits and assurances of having their pet registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC). Some do not care if there are papers at all, and others are led to believe that other registries are just as good.

While there may be some foreign and breed specific registries that are reputable, there are quite a few in the USA that are not.

What is the difference? Well, AKC sets the standard. These other registries offer dual registration and will register your dog if you have AKC papers.

So, while you may think papers may not be important, think of this. Do I positively want a purebred puppy and to be able to verify my pets pedigree? If your pet is not AKC or backed with DNA then you can only go by appearances. Do I want a breeder who I know meets certain requirements from routine inspections? You can rest assured with AKC.

Another plus that AKC offers is a 60-day trial of pet healthcare insurance. When you mail in your AKC puppy paper that we provide, you will receive this plan along with your puppy’s official AKC Registration Certificate.

House Training

You may read a lot of articles on the subject of House-Training and hear a lot of things, but you will have to decide for yourself how to manage your pet. Do not raise your puppy by “accident” or by default. They are grown before you know it.

It is critical that you inform yourself and that the entire household decides on the plan and how to consistently carry it out. A good plan and consistency are the key ingredients you need and your puppy will respond quickly.

We believe in the methods espoused by Margery West in the free 45 page book we provide when we receive your deposit. She has 30 years worth of training different breeds and is President of the National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors. (All sentences in quotes are excerpts from her book.)

“Management is especially important in house-training. The crate is the preferred method of confinement.” Of course, your pet cannot and should not be in a crate all day and night, but you must supervise them when they are not. Be sure to read The Crate Debate. Used properly they are not cruel and your pet will love you for it. A well-trained pet is like a well-trained child, everyone loves to be around them.

Remember, during the training process accidents are practically inevitable. “When you find one, let it be a reminder that it’s YOUR mistake – you slipped up with confinement or supervision.” Do not punish as they may or may not understand and you may cause other behavior problems.

When you “catch” your puppy in the process do not get excited, but treat this as a teaching opportunity. Never punish, never rub his nose in it, and never hit your pet. Just say your “no-reward marker” like “Wrong” or “No” in a low firm tone and quickly rush him out.

If you really love your pet, you will invest in him by training him properly.

The Crate Debate

To crate or not to crate is the debate in pet lover’s circles. You need to inform yourself and be objective before deciding against it. As with many things that are good, used wrongly they develop a negative image.

“Anyone who has watched crate-trained dogs trot willingly and cheerfully into their crate will realize this isn’t such a bad thing. Some people are amazed the dogs actually LIKE their crate.”

They are useful in house-training, and if you need to restrict your pet’s activity due to injury or illness. Crate training will reduce his anxiety if he ever has to stay at the veterinarian’s. If you go on a trip it can be his home or “den” away from home. All this can be very difficult (for you and your pet) if the dog isn’t crate-trained.

Read more about the crate in the free 45 page book we provide when we receive your deposit. The above quote is from this book written by Margery West, President of the National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors.

Click here to read table of contents.

Remember, “too much confinement is as bad as too much freedom”.

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