Sunday, December 20, 2009

House Training

Housetraining Guide
6 steps to successfully potty train your dog



1) Is your dog healthy? If your pup has a physiological problem such as worms or a urinary tract infection, he has little or no control over his bladder or bowel.

2) Regulate food & water. Regulars feeding and watering schedules control the input so you can predict the output. After your dog is finished eating pick up the leftover food. Use common sense in regulating water. If your dog is outside all day he must have water at all times.

3) Supervise or confine at all times. Do not allow the pup in unsupervised areas of the house. Keep the pup in the bedroom with you at night in a crate, exercise pen or on a tie down. When you are home to supervise tether the dog to your chair or yourself so he can not sneak off and have an accident. In your absence confine the pup safely to a small room like a bathroom or laundry room or in a crate. Never tether the dog when you cannot supervise it.

4) Reward, reward, reward. Select one potty area for the pup. If you take him to the same place each time, he will start to go to his pee zone on his own. Allow 3-5 minutes to eliminate, otherwise continue supervision and confinement. When the pup relieves himself – immediately reinforce with praise and a food treat. Teach the dog to eliminate on cue (“get busy”, “tinkle”). Say this command as your dog performs the desired behavior.

5) Correction. Reprimands must occur during the act. Delayed punishment, even a few seconds after the behavior, does not work. Use sound and motion to correct the pup when he starts to relieve himself in the wrong area. As the pup starts to squat, startle and distract him. Go to the dog in a calm, neutral manner and take him outside to finish. Learn from mistakes, and watch your dog closer to prevent accidents.

Never – under any circumstances hit your dog!!

6) Odor Neutralize. Use a good odor neutralizer to clean up any messes. Nature’s Miracle and Outright are some brands sold in stores. White vinegar mixed 50/50 with water is also a great odor neutralizer. Do not allow the pup to watch you clean up accidents.







Be consistent. The more constant you are with these 6 steps, the faster your dog will learn.

Be patient. Your dog is learning something new. It will take time and effort, but the results are well worth it.

Watch your timing. The biggest mistake people make is not rewarding immediately after the desired behavior.

If your dog regresses, go backwards a little. Confine him more and reward him more often.






















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