5 Tips on Housebreaking Dogs

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Housebreaking dogs can test the patience of the most experienced dog owners. Lack of success is the unfortunate reason why many people give up their dogs.

Just remember that all dogs ultimately want to please their owners. Some dogs require more patience and training than others. These 5 tips will help ensure your success…

1. Start training ASAP.

The sooner your dog learns to NEVER go to the bathroom inside your house, the better for both of you. Start training as soon as you bring a new dog home. That means constant supervision on your part so that you can bring him to the right spot at the right time. Pay attention for signs that your dog needs to eliminate, like circling or sniffing. When you can not supervise him, keep him in a crate or confined area.

2. Set up toilet area.

Choose a specific area outside your house. If you have a puppy, make sure it is close enough to the door. The area may be a section of gravel, sand, dirt, or grass. If you choose grass, make sure it's in an area you don't mind turning yellow or dying. Avoid areas in obvious view or in the path of people walking and children playing.

There is a helpful spray product to use on areas where you want your dog to eliminate. It is sprayed right on training pads, newspaper, or an outdoor area you want him to "go" on. Just spray approximately the size of a two inch circle. Allow your dog to sniff the spot. He will soon realize that this is the approved place. Repeat frequently, particularly upon awakening, before retiring, and after meals. It is called Puppy Trainer Housebreaking Spray 8 oz spray.

3. Set up schedule for feeding and bathroom times.

Dogs learn well with routines. A consistent schedule will reduce the chance of him having an accident. He will learn to "hold it" until the regular time to go. A typical bathroom routine would be taking your dog out when you wake up in the morning, after he eats, and before bed. Puppies will need to go more frequently.

4. Never punish your dog for eliminating in the house.

If you find a soiled area, it is too late to correct your dog. Just clean it up and bring it outside to the toilet area. Make sure you clean the indoor soiled area well. Dogs tend to eliminate in areas that smell of urine or feces.

If you catch your dog in the act of going to the bathroom in the wrong place, give the command "Outside" or "No" in a sharp voice. It will startle him into stopping what he was doing. Quickly take him outside to the correct place. Praise him after he finishes.

Rubbing your dog's nose in the mess and scolding him will cause confusion. Your dog may become afraid of you or afraid to eliminate in your presence. This will teach him to "hold it" in your presence and eliminate in an area inside the house where he doesn't want you to see. Some scolded dogs try to lick up or eat their mess to hide it from their owners.

A different spray product can be used to prevent your dog from urinating in the same spot in your house. Just spray it over the carpet or area you don't want him to go. It works for one week or longer and is odorless after one day's use. It is called Pet Organics No-Go Housebreaking Aid No-Go

5. When you aren't home, set up a long-term confinement area.

Housebreaking dogs is still possible if you are not home all day. Most dog owners have to go to work during the day. Since your dog should not be left in his crate for more than two hours during house training, set up a larger confinement area.

Choose a room that has floors that are easy to clean. A bathroom, laundry room, or kitchen is a common choice. You can buy gates to close off doorways or exercise pens to partition rooms. Remove anything your dog can access that would get him into trouble.

The confinement area should contain your dog's water, bed, chew toys, and a toilet area. His bed or crate will ensure he has access to his sleeping area and provide comfort while you are gone.

Set up the toilet area away from your dog's food and water. You can use a set of newspapers. Pet stores also sell absorbent housebreaking pads and trays.

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