How to Housebreak Your New Puppy or Older Dog
by Jane Webb(31)Housebreaking your new dog or puppy isn't as hard as it sounds. The hardest part is being consistent with the training - and that is the part you control. The decision to crate train or not could make a difference in your results because a dog usually won't relieve himself in his bed or den.
Puppies, before about 3 months of age aren't able to control or hold their flow of urine. With a puppy, you really do spend your waking hours while housebreaking following your puppy around, if he is an inside dog.
Dogs give signals when looking for a place to "go". The pup will keep its nose to the ground looking for the right place. When he needs to defecate, watch his backside. You will see his anus puff out slightly. When you see these signals, immediately lure, carry or call your dog outside to the area you wish him to use as his toilet.
Puppy training pads - Do they work? I've heard of great success and failures with them. Personally, using layers of newspaper with one layer slightly wet with your puppy's urine will draw him back to the paper to go. After your puppy eliminates, toss all the dirty papers and replace all but one sheet. Your puppy will be drawn to the papers next time he has to potty. Keep the papers in the same place, ideally, by the back door so your puppy doesn't become confused. If you prefer, the puppy pads do have a layer of plastic and work well under the newspapers to keep your floor clean and dry. Over time, you can remove the papers and your dog will go to the back door anytime he wants to go outside.
With an older dog, housebreaking may take more attention on your part. Older dogs sometimes find a favorite spot indoors, possibly to mark as their territory, especially if you already have another pet.
Male dogs are more likely to mark, or urinate indoors when another dog is around, especially if it is visiting.
When a dog has an accident, don't punish him. He will associate the punishment with going to the bathroom. Instead, as silly as this sounds, if it is solid waste, remove it to the outdoors. Yes, this really works. The dog knows it is his and what you did with it.
When your dog does his business outside or on his puppy pad, praise him. Dogs will respond to praise and saying "Good girl" or "Good boy" will stay with a puppy, especially if it is a breed that loves to please its human.
A few days of diligence on your part will be worth the clean, unwanted scent-free house. If you are consistent, you can housebreak a puppy or dog within a few days. While accidents still will happen, you and your puppy will be happier knowing the boundaries you have set and enforced. Stick with it. It is worth it!
Article submitted Wednesday, February 10, 2010 & read 406 times.
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