Dogs are creatures of habit; and once they develop a habit, breaking it can be a long, frustrating process. Your dog needs guidance and encouragement from you to develop a toilet habit you can live with. Animal behaviorists have learned a lot about dogs over the last couple of decades, and there are many tips available that will make housebreaking your dog or puppy a less frustrating task.
When you consider some of the things your dog or puppy is willing to roll in, or put in their mouth, it's a bit hard to believe they're picky and specific about their toilet areas. Dogs will go to great lengths to avoid soiling near where they eat and/or sleep. That means any accidents an un-housebroken dog has will be far from its food dish and bed. To a dog, however, "far" can mean about 6-10 feet. This leaves lots of "fair game" space in your home, unless you guide the dog to suitable spots.
Whether your dog is a puppy, or an adult dog new to your home, the process is the same:
- Every few hours, take the dog outside to a place you designate as a "bathroom" area.
- 30 minutes after the dog or puppy eats, do the same.
- Stay in this bathroom area, and praise the dog lavishly when they relieve themselves.
- If the dog doesn't use the bathroom when you've taken them outside to the appropriate spot, try again 15 minutes later. Continue doing this until they've actually used the bathroom spot.
- When the dog is inside, watch closely for any signs of needing to "go". A dog will circle and sniff areas when they're about to relieve themselves.
How quickly your dog becomes housebroken depends partly on their personality, but mostly on your diligence in taking them outside at the right time. If your puppy is less than four months old, you should plan on getting up during the night to take it outside. Puppies over four months of age can usually "hold it" through the night, but if your dog cries to be let out, it is best to get up and let them tend to the urge. It is vital that you give your dog every chance to succeed during this time. Positive reinforcement of the proper behavior is the fastest way to teach your dog anything.
Accidents happen, and when they do, your response will affect how quickly your dog learns to "go" outside. If you catch your dog in mid-squat, clap your hands or call their name loudly to distract them. Once you have their attention, quietly and calmly take them outside. Be sure to praise your dog or puppy well when they finish relieving themselves outside properly.
If you find a wet spot or droppings on the floor when your dog is not around, simply clean it up. If your dog approaches to investigate what you are doing, ignore them. Don't talk to or pet the dog at this moment, because it could be interpreted as praise. Above all else, avoid yelling or physically punishing the dog, because they won't make the connection between their mess, and your anger.
Additional information and resources related to this article can be found at: http://www.mypetanimals.com/articles/200506/housebreaking-your-dog/
? 2005, Kathy Burns-Millyard
This article is provided courtesy of The My Pet Animals Shopping Portal - http://www.mypetanimals.com/articles/200506/housebreaking-your-dog/
This article may be freely published on any website, as long as the links are live, and this notice is left intact.
Wood Dale Chicago prom limo .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareDogs and kids, it's a combination that at it's best... Read More
Obesity is one of the greatest health concerns facing dogs.... Read More
Your cat scratching at your furniture can not only leave... Read More
The large animal organizations and the public money.It is said... Read More
A pet can be as important a member of the... Read More
==========The Scoop on Premium Dog Food========If you're interested in premium... Read More
You love your dog. You would do anything for your... Read More
Cute cat names? Max is popular, Lady a favorite for... Read More
Canine mastitis is a breast infection in brood bitches, usually... Read More
The most common dog problems:Dog Owner's commonly ask me the... Read More
General Info.Brine shrimps, or artemia, are a zooplankton used mainly... Read More
Teaching your puppy crate training is the first and best... Read More
Your poor pooch is scratching himself all over. Plus, you... Read More
If you've ever watched as a cat "flipped" over fresh... Read More
To teach a dog to jump, with your right hand... Read More
In a world of computer games, the Internet and shopping... Read More
Our pets depend on us for their every need, including... Read More
There are many places to find Westie merchandise, but before... Read More
Tips to getting the right GoldfishGoldfish are a temperate breed... Read More
* Lock things up that could cause harm* Keep the... Read More
It's no secret that Americans love their pets. In fact,... Read More
Part2: Does your puppy want to be crate trained?Yes! in... Read More
DogtraWhen looking for a dog training collar or containment system,... Read More
Boxer Dogs Information - What Are Boxer Dogs? Boxer dogs... Read More
As with every training tool used to modify a behavior... Read More
Antigo wedding limo ..Let's take a look at the different stages, but before... Read More
The most important thing to remember in analyzing the behavior... Read More
Part 2: Protecting your petIf you own a cat, then... Read More
When it comes to the art of giving, a gift... Read More
Animal welfare organizations and humane societies have been very successful... Read More
1.) Versatility- A good dog trainer will use techniques and... Read More
Preparing yourself and your household before, during, and after your... Read More
Get to know your beloved dog better with these insightful... Read More
As pets go hamsters are fairly easy to take care... Read More
A couple of years ago a Japanese electronics company came... Read More
Fleas have plagued dogs, cats, and their owners since time... Read More
My love of horses began at the age of 11... Read More
Dog grooming is relatively simple for most dogs. I have... Read More
If you're reading this I think it's safe to assume... Read More
Parrots are becoming more popular as pets with each passing... Read More
Tired of cleaning the cat box? Here are some tips... Read More
Caring for a kitten is a lot of work. With... Read More
Dogs need mental and physical stimulation. They're also very inquisitive... Read More
Attempting to train your dog to walk on a leash... Read More
When you get a new puppy it is imperative that... Read More
In the purebred West Highland Terrier puppy market, there are... Read More
You want your dog to swim?We're going to try to... Read More
You've picked out the perfect puppy. You spent hours on... Read More
Settling a puppy into a new home successful is often... Read More
Internet Fraud, Classifieds Scams, Abuse and Suspicious Replies are world... Read More
Pet |