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Most 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;
-
Where will the puppy sleep at night
-
Where will the puppy stay during
the day or when you are not there
-
Where will your puppy be
when you are home
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.
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!
-
Keep your puppy
on-leash, attached
to you, and supervised, or...
-
Keep your puppy
confined in the crate, or...
-
Place your puppy outside
or in area where it is free to go to the bathroom and where it is
safe and secure.
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. (Call to schedule a
consultation, receive our housebreaking pamphlet and help with
housebreaking, or purchase our downloadable "How to" ebook online)
The Natural Guide to Housebreaking Your
Puppy $6.95

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