Housebreaking a dog usually means getting the dog to use the bathroom in the right place and at the right time. This is certainly important. But housebreaking is a lot more than just potting training. It includes all his behavior in the house. This includes his understanding of where he can go and when.
A new dog can wear out his welcome fast when the owner finds out he urinated on the carpet. (A more exhaustive list of dog behavior problems is available in Dog Training Lessons.) Of course, if he is a young pup, he can’t help it. If he has go to, he goes. It’s natural. Therefore, the training process must begin as soon as possible.
If you got your pup when he was eight weeks old, you got him at the ideal time. But remember, the dog usually can’t control the urinating muscles until he is about twelve weeks old. This underlines how important it is to take your dog outside often during the first days of ownership. Especially get him out a short time after a meal. Every hour would be good for the first few days at least. When he goes in the proper place, reward him with voice and treats.
Dogs usually like to please their masters. Therefore, reinforce good conduct with words of praise, a pat on the head, and even with a favorite dog treat. So, in summary, encouragement and opportunity and consistency will all work together to potty train your new dog.
Are there places in your house you don’t want the dog to go? For example, a black shedding dog may not be welcome on the white couch! The pup not yet potty trained may not be welcomed in the carpeted floors. How do you get your new dog to understand these rules?
Such training, say the best dog training books, is done by consistency and patience. If the dog goes into the forbidden area, then instruct him with words and drag him off, or out. Do this every time he trespasses so he knows this is not allowed, ever. Don’t make exceptions for anything for he won’t understand exceptions.
If you suspect your dog is trespassing when you are not watching, but not when you are, then it is obvious he likes the place but knows it is wrong. One family made it clear their dog was not to get on the living room furniture. But when they came home and felt the warm spot on the softest chair, the dog was caught. Try tricking the dog into thinking you are not watching when really you are. Then when you catch him disobeying the rule, rap his bottom with a paper and scold him so that he gets the message this is never allowed, watched or not.
Dogs are pleasers, so praise for right conduct goes a long way. Any reward you can think of will reinforce the good conduct, and withholding the reward will reinforce the cost of bad conduct. Be patient and don’t give up! In the long run, both you and your dog will be glad.
Hope you enjoyed this article.
Posted under Dog Articles, Dog Tips, dog training
This post was written by admin on March 22, 2009
