Another key to Housebreaking

Another key to Housebreaking is giving your dog a limited amount of space. Baby gates across doorways or a pet crate help to make a more confined area and help your pet to recognize this as his living space.

Their natural tendency is to go outside of their own living space to urinate so making this association for your pet will make your job easier. Lining this space with old news papers is a good idea at first as it facilitates a much easier cleanup of any accidents your pet might have. Also be aware that some surfaces are more pet-friendly than others. Try to confine your new pet to areas of the home with tile or vinyl floors which are much easier to clean. Avoid letting them have access to carpet or hardwood floors which retain odors and can be extensively damaged by an errant pup.

Remember to limit the amount of water your dog has access to at the end of the day as you will otherwise be making a walk with your pet in the middle of the night.
A quick walk outside at regularly timed intervals is advisable to training as this helps your pet to set an internal schedule.

Be certain to use a consistent keyword to tell your pet why you are out in the yard such as “potty” or “toilet” or anything you choose and do not return indoors until they have relieved themselves. Also remember to give praise when your dog relieves itself in appropriate places such as on newspapers or outdoors. Again consistent training is the key.

If your pet does have an accident indoors, correct the animal immediately and then clean the area using non-ammonia based products. Instead use an Enzyme based deodorizer to clean the area and be sure to remove all odor of the accident or the animal will repeat the behavior again.
If you follow these simple rules, your carpets and your new pet should be able to coexist peacefully and relatively free from stress.

Housebreaking Your Puppy

Housebreaking is the first thing you will teach your new puppy. This should be started as soon as you take your dog home, but it takes patience. In general, puppies are unable to control their bladders and bowels until 12 weeks of age. If your puppy is younger than that, extra patience is required.

Set a schedule for your puppy when you begin housebreaking. Try to get up at the same time each morning, taking your puppy outside right away. Feed your puppy at the same times each day and take him outside immediately after eating.

Watch your puppy for signs such as sniffing, circling and pacing – these usually mean it is time to go. If you see these signs, take him outside immediately. If you catch him in the middle of an accident, say “no” firmly and take him outside to finish, praising him if he does. Never punish him by hitting or pushing his nose in the mess! This will only teach him to fear you. If you find an accident in the house, but do not catch him in the act – do not punish him. He will not associate the punishment with the action and will only become confused.

Pick a word for the action, such as “outside” or “do your business.” Use this phrase consistently so he will learn it as a command. Always bring your puppy to the same area outside while housebreaking. The odors in this area will encourage him to urinate and defecate here again. If he does his business, praise him.

When you are away from home, your puppy should stay in a crate. You may buy a larger crate for your puppy to grow into, but place a divider in it so that it is only large enough for your puppy to turn around and lie down. Instinctively, your puppy will not want to soil his own area. Be careful not to let your puppy stay in the cage for more than 4-6 hours, or he may have no choice but to relieve himself. If you are away from the house regularly, as many of us are for work, return home in the middle of each day to let your puppy outside. Arrange for someone else to let your puppy out if you will be unable to come home.

If you choose not to crate your dog when you are away from the house, set him up in a room with a non-absorbent floor. Place training pads at one end of the room and his bed and toys at the other. Generally, dogs prefer to urinate on absorbent materials, but they tend to avoid doing so in their own beds. Ideally, he will gravitate towards the training pads. This method may take longer than the crate method.Remember these rules:Praise him when he behaves.Keep a solid routine.Never punish him physically when caught in an accident. Do not correct him unless you catch him in the act.Housebreaking may take several months, so don’t give up. Remember that your puppy wants to please you, he just needs to learn how. Be clear with him when you praise or correct his actions. Eventually, you will see results.