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Housebreaking HelpMost owners have the highest expectations, with the least understanding, when it comes to teaching their dogs how to go to the bathroom outside, while on a walk or in a designated area.
To really establish how you are going to accomplish this daunting task, you must determine these three things;
Crate-training is the simplest and most effective way I know of to housebreak your puppy or older dog. However, not all puppies take to the crate. You can still effectively housebreak your dog without one. Installing a doggie door can oftentimes solve many housebreaking issues.
Sizing? Dog crates should be big enough for your puppy or dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down with a water bowl or lick bottle. (Note: Remove water at night) If you put your pup in a crate that is too large, it will most likely relieve itself in one corner and lie down in the other. Pet store puppies often go potty in the crate or kennel because, for however long they were for sale, they were "forced" to relieve themselves in the crate. It very much goes against a dog's nature to do so. But, under those circumstances it is understandable. Never leave your young pup in the crate longer than a few hours. Older dogs can remain a little longer but be sure not to overdo it. Keeping a dog crated too long can be very uncomfortable and may make your dog dislike the crate.
If you have a puppy, you have 2 choices: 1) Get a dog crate that fits the current size of your puppy, with the understanding that as your dog grows, you will need to purchase a larger and more appropriate-sized dog crate; or 2) purchase a dog crate that your puppy will eventually grow into.
If you choose this second option, you will need to shrink the space down for your puppy by placing some boxes or some kind of divider panels in the back of the dog crate. If you give him too much room, he is likely to use one side of the dog crate to sleep, and the other side as a bathroom.
Dogs must eliminate and puppies more often than older dogs because of more food intake with less control of their bodily functions. Dogs do not come into the home automatically knowing that the bathroom is outside or, if necessary, on paper or a pad. Teaching your puppy or dog to hold it’s bladder and bowels requires you to utilize it’s natural instincts. Teaching it how to let you know when it must go outside is hit-and-miss. Since many young dogs have not learned how to let you know, close supervision is necessary.
Remember the old-fashioned nose-rubbing technique? Believe me when I tell you that your dog knows that what you are rubbing its nose in came from its own body. What it does not know, and will never understand, is why you're determined to shove it up its nostrils. This method only serves to make your dog fear your hands coming close to its face. It does not teach your dog where its bathroom is and where it is not. Dogs simply do not have the ability to equate this or any correction with the act of going to the bathroom.
Never correct your dog during or after the accident as you may soon find your dog has decided you don’t like when it goes to the bathroom and might therefore never go in front of you again. This can be a major problem for owners who must walk their dogs for bathroom duty.
With housebreaking you must be extremely consistent, always supervise your puppy, and allow it the opportunity to go to the bathroom. Supervision and prevention are the keys to successful housebreaking. I cannot emphasize this enough. Setting your dog up for success is fundamental to housebreaking your dog. If the dog goes to the bathroom where it is not supposed to, it is your mistake and not the dog's. Never correct your dog for this mistake. It was your lapse in supervision and your dog's lack of understanding.
Supervision = dog on-leash and attached to you, or something secure near you. Prevention = supervision prevents accidents. Remember these rules of housebreaking and I know you will have success with less mess!
Young children should not be left with the responsibility of supervision. There are too many distractions and you will just become frustrated.
Supervision is vital to quickly teaching your puppy or dog where the bathroom is. When inside and not confined, have your puppy or dog on-leash and attached to you so it cannot sneak away to go potty. The leash could also be attached to a heavy piece of furniture close to where you will be sitting.
Dog Trainers, obedience, puppy classes, doggie day care and doggy sitting available in: San Diego Ca * Poway * Rancho Santa Fe * Rancho Bernardo * Fairbanks Ranch * 4S Ranch * Santa Luz * Del Mar * Escondido * Carmel Valley * Pt. Loma * Vista * San Marcos * Encinitas * La Jolla * Solana Beach * San Carlos * Mission Valley * Pacific Beach * Mission Beach * Oceanside * El Cajon * La Mesa * Clairemont * Carlsbad * Rancho Penasquitos * Olivenhain * Mission Hills * Tempe * Scottsdale * Chandler * Gilbert * Paradise Valley New classes beginning in Vista, Encinitas, Del Mar, Carlsbad and Oceanside
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Housebreaking 101
John's Natural Dog Training Company
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