A crate or ex pen is pretty much a given for house training. As a baby, they need to go out a lot. As the get older, you can stretch out the time until they can hold it for several hours at a time. In a pinch, when a day out winds up being way longer than planned, my (adult) dogs have held it for 12 hours, but it's not something I regularly ask of them.
I always say that the "best" food is one the dog does well on, likes to eat, and you can afford. The best food for my dog might not be the best food for your dog. That said, my dogs are currently getting Purina Pro Plan kibble. Treats range from grocery store brands to the occasional high-end fancy shmancy brands. As mentioned already, regular kibble makes for good training treats if the are food motivated.
I always say that the "best" food is one the dog does well on, likes to eat, and you can afford. The best food for my dog might not be the best food for your dog. That said, my dogs are currently getting Purina Pro Plan kibble. Treats range from grocery store brands to the occasional high-end fancy shmancy brands. As mentioned already, regular kibble makes for good training treats if the are food motivated.
