Dogs are creatures of habit; and once they develop a habit, breaking it can be a long, frustrating process. Your dog needs guidance and encouragement from you to develop a toilet habit you can live with. Animal behaviorists have learned a lot about dogs over the last couple of decades, and there are many tips available that will make housebreaking your dog or puppy a less frustrating task.
When you consider some of the things your dog or puppy is willing to roll in, or put in their mouth, it's a bit hard to believe they're picky and specific about their toilet areas. Dogs will go to great lengths to avoid soiling near where they eat and/or sleep. That means any accidents an un-housebroken dog has will be far from its food dish and bed. To a dog, however, "far" can mean about 6-10 feet. This leaves lots of "fair game" space in your home, unless you guide the dog to suitable spots.
Whether your dog is a puppy, or an adult dog new to your home, the process is the same:
- Every few hours, take the dog outside to a place you designate as a "bathroom" area.
- 30 minutes after the dog or puppy eats, do the same.
- Stay in this bathroom area, and praise the dog lavishly when they relieve themselves.
- If the dog doesn't use the bathroom when you've taken them outside to the appropriate spot, try again 15 minutes later. Continue doing this until they've actually used the bathroom spot.
- When the dog is inside, watch closely for any signs of needing to "go". A dog will circle and sniff areas when they're about to relieve themselves.
How quickly your dog becomes housebroken depends partly on their personality, but mostly on your diligence in taking them outside at the right time. If your puppy is less than four months old, you should plan on getting up during the night to take it outside. Puppies over four months of age can usually "hold it" through the night, but if your dog cries to be let out, it is best to get up and let them tend to the urge. It is vital that you give your dog every chance to succeed during this time. Positive reinforcement of the proper behavior is the fastest way to teach your dog anything.
Accidents happen, and when they do, your response will affect how quickly your dog learns to "go" outside. If you catch your dog in mid-squat, clap your hands or call their name loudly to distract them. Once you have their attention, quietly and calmly take them outside. Be sure to praise your dog or puppy well when they finish relieving themselves outside properly.
If you find a wet spot or droppings on the floor when your dog is not around, simply clean it up. If your dog approaches to investigate what you are doing, ignore them. Don't talk to or pet the dog at this moment, because it could be interpreted as praise. Above all else, avoid yelling or physically punishing the dog, because they won't make the connection between their mess, and your anger.
Additional information and resources related to this article can be found at: http://www.mypetanimals.com/articles/200506/housebreaking-your-dog/
? 2005, Kathy Burns-Millyard
This article is provided courtesy of The My Pet Animals Shopping Portal - http://www.mypetanimals.com/articles/200506/housebreaking-your-dog/
This article may be freely published on any website, as long as the links are live, and this notice is left intact.
General Info.Brine shrimps, or artemia, are a zooplankton used mainly... Read More
Mabeke is a young gorilla who was born in captivity... Read More
Five years ago this August a funny little puppy came... Read More
Believe it or not boutiques for dogs are everywhere. Nowadays,... Read More
All positive commands should be spoken sharply and distinctly during... Read More
As much as you love the sound of your new... Read More
Since having a dog is such a common thing, do... Read More
Grooming means taking care of the physical maintenance of the... Read More
A crate is a valuable and useful training tool. Its... Read More
The answer is "no" if you are the type who... Read More
As a business, I've not been in the holistic pet... Read More
Because it is intelligent and energetic, a Westie terrier is... Read More
Whoever coined the phrase, "It's a Dog's Life" wasn't familiar... Read More
Dog SupplementsA good nutritional program of dog supplements is just... Read More
"Your cat has feline diabetes." If this is your vet's... Read More
Pregnant cats have to eat for two, three, four, five,... Read More
In part one we talked about forming good behavior traits... Read More
Preparing yourself and your household before, during, and after your... Read More
Pets provide an unconditional love that requires very little on... Read More
Do you want to save money, anxiety for your kitty,... Read More
HistoryThroughout the US and in many parts of the world,... Read More
Have you ever thought about what you need to do... Read More
Attention breeders, livestock owners and pet lovers! *Pets looking for... Read More
Is your dog due for a makeover? Has she been... Read More
Every month I am approached by dog owners of my... Read More
The first dog trick that is generally taught a dog... Read More
For realistic tips for humans who are moving with cats,... Read More
Dear Fellow Dog Lover,I assume you love your dog, or... Read More
So, you read somewhere that introducing a new kitten into... Read More
Okay, so it's not the cleanest or most appealing of... Read More
Everybody loves puppies. Who can resist those cute little faces... Read More
Dog food is very important for the health of dogs.... Read More
Over the past decade, breed rescue groups have become a... Read More
Hamsters are soft, furry and small. They make wonderful pets... Read More
Like us, birds need variety in life. To be happy... Read More
Dog SupplementsA good nutritional program of dog supplements is just... Read More
As much as you may love your cute, new puppy,... Read More
Puppies have a natural instinct inside that causes them to... Read More
What should you feed your cat to make sure he... Read More
"Magoo was a big, playful Labrador retriever who often got... Read More
Are you nuts? You think banging your finger with a... Read More
What is Separation Anxiety?When you leave the house, it is... Read More
When looking to purchase a purebred dog, you need to... Read More
Lovebirds are so named from the way they sit close... Read More
Betta fish, also called Siamese fighting fish are one of... Read More
Many parents know that the best way for children to... Read More
Losing your cat is a worrying experience, use these 'How... Read More
Pug puppies make wonderful pets. Pugs are very affectionate and... Read More
Nutrition and Your Dog's Behavior Proper nutrition is the fundamental... Read More
Which parrot is right for me? This is a question... Read More
Pet |