Housebreaking tips
Dealing with a dog who is not house trained can be messy and frustrating, but with a few rules , the task can be achieved without too much hassle.
The first thing when it comes to house training your dog is patience. Eventually, your dog will pick the house training process at its own pace, and while training your dog if there are any setbacks do not worry about it your focus and time should be on the result. Do not punish your dog in any shape and form as it will only create more frustration.
Limitations:
Some dogs or puppies have small bladders they need to eliminate more often than other dogs. They need frequent instructions on where to go. These kinds of dogs cannot hold for more time, they do not have much control until they are at least sixteen weeks old, often it is not possible for a pup to be house-trained that soon.
Proper confinement to avoid accidents:
Crating is the best and easiest way to house-train your puppy or a new adult dog in the home. Confine them when you are not able to watch over them and give them chances for success. Often new owners give their dogs too much freedom, thinking that they can handle it. However, with each accident some dogs will start to think they can potty anywhere even inside the home. This is why we believe avoiding puppy pads instead crating is a better option. The goal in using a crate is to encourage your dog not to eliminate in it’s area. Make sure the crate is only large enough for the dog to stand, sit and lie in it.
Bedding:
Some dog owners want to take their pets to bed while they are laying so that they can cuddle and spend some quality time while relaxing, but avoid taking them at too early of an age into your bed. It is not uncommon for younger dogs to eliminate while on your bed and to shove it aside.
Pick a spot:
Decide what area in your yard you want your dog to poo, take your dog there every single time you release him/her from crating, or after taking a meal, nap or after playtime. It will be easier for you if the crate is closer to this area as well.
Set a schedule:
Generally, dogs or puppies will need to potty shortly after waking up, eating and playing. By setting a schedule you can better predict when your dog will need to go outside. If you have a new dog take them to a potty place at least four-six times a day.
Reward a job well done:
It is always in your interest to reward your dog if he/she eliminates in the area which you designate for them. You must praise them and reward them. Avoid sending them alone out in the yard as they can easily be distracted it is better to be with them. You can always treat your dog but praising them more often is always helpful.
Create a command:
Start using the command as you notice the puppy squatting, then repeat it a few times, then praise. This practice will soon be helpful for elimination faster instead of waiting.
Do not punish:
There will be accidents, never punish your puppy if he has an accident inside the home. Do not punish your puppy for that as it will put fear in them and next time they might be afraid to potty in front of you because of that fear and it will often create further problems for you.
Introduce space:
As your puppy stays accident-free in the designated area, you can gradually expand his space by introducing him to a new room. After more success open up another area for your dog to visit, but if accidents started happening again confine them back to their original area
Get out of bed:
During the night time, you may need to take your dog outside more than once. Do not be angry with your dog or push him to hold his balder for an excessive period of time. If accidents happen at night it is important for you to take him out more often. If there is a mess in his personal space in the future he might adjust to his filth which will make things more difficult for housebreaking.
Avoid Puppy pads:
In our experience it is not in the owner’s interest to use puppy pads as they will be used to it and when you take away those pads it will create more confusion for your puppy and accidents will happen inside the home. Also puppy pads can contain harmful substances and younger dogs often confuse them for chew objects. Train them without pads.
Refresher course:
A new dog in the home will likely need a refresher course, even if was previously house-trained. Shelter dogs require more time and training. The stress of being in a new place from a shelter can contribute to an accident. The best way to handle a new dog is to assume the dog was never house-trained, guide them step by step until they adjust to new conditions and environment. Do not forget to praise them or surprise them.