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.
executive chauffeured services Bradford .. Madison to Airport carBringing home a new puppy, ushers in a wave of... Read More
Congratulations. You've decided to buy a bird, and you even... Read More
Dog food is very important for the health of dogs.... Read More
To vaccinate or not to vaccinate? That's become the burning... Read More
Location of your aquariumSo, you bought your very first fish... Read More
Pomeranians have tiny mouths and itty bitty teeth, but not... Read More
Herbology, basically, is the use of herbs in the treatment... Read More
Has your pet recently been coughing, eating less, or being... Read More
Teaching your dog to heel is one of the most... Read More
Which kind is your pet? The pooch who is the... Read More
Many cat owners believe that their good little kitty would... Read More
The West Highland Terrier is a friendly dog, and is... Read More
Have you ever held any Westie puppies? These tiny creatures... Read More
Since having a dog is such a common thing, do... Read More
Last summer, we added a new pet to our family... Read More
I'd like to talk to you about pet vaccinations. I... Read More
Can you comprehend a time when dog food, cat food,... Read More
My wife and I have been married for 32 years.... Read More
Just like humans, dogs are subject to diseases and illnesses.... Read More
Westie Grooming ? When your west highland white terrier becomes... Read More
Puppies need to go to the bathroom after they play,... Read More
Pets provide an unconditional love that requires very little on... Read More
Goldfish care is critical for the health of your goldfish.... Read More
There seems to be an alarming trend to have cats... Read More
Some Dogs like Boxers unfortunately, are prone to several potential... Read More
O'Hare Chicago prom limo ..According to recent statistics, an astounding 65% of all U.S.... Read More
What should you feed your cat to make sure he... Read More
It was November and I had spent 3 months searching... Read More
The days are getting longer, and if you have a... Read More
The real apistogramma's come from southern America, they all have... Read More
Potty Training Your Puppy:Make sure you feed your dog at... Read More
The idea of picking up a horse's hooves can intimidate... Read More
Many people consider their dog to be part of their... Read More
The West Highland White Terrier or Westie, has it's origin,... Read More
One of the cutest looking dogs around is the Lhasa... Read More
You've seen them in movies and on TV shows, and... Read More
A German Shepherd puppy can become a very welcome member... Read More
Just like children, westie puppies learn through play. Playing games... Read More
Goldfish HealthcareYou would think that it's unfair that such a... Read More
Are there so many great dog breeds out there that... Read More
The first dog trick that is generally taught a dog... Read More
An easier and more pleasant journey with your chosen Boxer... Read More
Do you own a horse? If so, then you have... Read More
So you'd like to know how to build a dog... Read More
Showing off your dog in front of friends and family... Read More
There are thousands of local and online Pet Stores but... Read More
Witnessing your precious dog or cat having a seizure can... Read More
Tired of cleaning the cat box? Here are some tips... Read More
Incredible advances in veterinary medicine are making it possible for... Read More
A poorly trained dog can embarrass its owner and offend... Read More
Pet |