House Training

Nobody said house training was easy but it can be broken down into 3 main steps to make it simpler!  Accidents happen because of us not our dogs!  We have to remember to set our dogs up for success to avoid punishment or dirty carpets.

You are outside with your dog when it is bathroom time.  You and some tasty treats should be outside with your dog when it is bathroom time.  You can make sure that you witnessed the dog eliminating for your self and you are there to immediately reward the dog.  Many people make the mistake of waiting at the door and rewarding the dog when it comes back to the house.  All this is doing is teaching the dog to come faster into the house for a treat instead of concentrating on doing their business outside.  Be patient and give your dog a chance to sniff around.  You can also add a “go potty” cue while your dog is eliminating for future use. 

When your dog is inside it is under your CONSTANT SUPERVISION.  You have to keep a close eye on your dog at all times.  You may need to restrict them to an area using baby gates or tie their leash onto your belt loop.  Only give them free roam when you can watch them and they are not showing signs of having to go to the bathroom.  These are some good indications as to when your dog will have to go outside:

• when they first wake up 
• they ate or drank
• letting them out of a confined area such as a crate
• after exercise or playing
• anytime they are sniffing the floor or circling
• sauntering off and maybe heading for where they had soiled before
• going towards the door
• pacing or whining
• become familiar with your own dogs cues before they go to the bathroom

Your dog is crated or confined in a puppy proofed area.  When you cannot give your dog constant supervision then they must be put in their crate or an area like an x-pen.  If you have to be away from your dog for any length of time a crate in an x-pen or puppy proof room is recommended.  The x-pen should then have potty training pads or newspaper so if they have to go they have a spot to do so.  The number of hours a puppy can “hold it” while confined is the number of months old they are plus one.  Small dogs it is usually less then that.  Feeding your dog on a regular schedule and not free feeding them will encourage more predictable elimination times.  Implementing good leadership skills and training with your dog will also help especially for older dogs that still are soiling in the house.

Hints

Do not reprimand or punish your dog by yelling at them or rubbing their noses in their mess.  This will only cause your dog to be scared of you and to hide their messes.  If you catch them in the act clap your hands or quietly say no and pick them up to take them outside where you want them to go.  Clean the mess up with a commercial, enzymatic cleaner designed especially for neutralizing odors.  Never reprimand your dog when you see the mess but were not there to witness them doing it.  Punishing them after the fact does nothing to train them. 

• When teaching them to hold their bladders a bit longer it is recommended they have been accident free for approximately 2 weeks before extending the time much more.  Just remember that every mistake they make will set you back.
• Exercise your dog well before bed time which will encourage them to eliminate.

Good Luck!