subject: How to Properly House Train Your Dog or Puppy [print this page] How to Properly House Train Your Dog or Puppy
Understand that dogs cannot reason retroactively. Your dog needs to know that relieving himself in the house is unacceptable. This can only be accomplished by catching him in the act. Resist the urge the urge to punish after the fact, IT DOES NOT HELP. It will only serve to confuse and frighten the dog.
Develop a feeding/elimination schedule and stick to it. It will be much easier to train your dog if he is not allowed unlimited access to food. A consistent eating schedule will also benefit the owner, since the dog will begin to relief himself on a consistent schedule, you can better schedule your life. Always take the dog outside within 15 minutes of eating.
Acquire a kennel. An airline type kennel with a door is a simple, relatively inexpensive example. You can even make one, but it must contain the dog (he can't escape) and not be much larger than the dog. Dogs will avoid eliminating in a confined space. Until your dog is trained, always put him in the kennel when you can't observe him. After being in the crate for 60 minutes or more, always take them outside immediately upon your return.
Start immediately and be consistent from the time you first bring the dog home.
As soon as the dog finishes, praise it excitedly. Once your pup is finished, praise and reward him immediately. You need to let your dog know that he is behaving properly.
Get everyone involved. If more than one person will be involved in the training process, make sure everyone is following the same procedure.
(Remove the dog's water early in the evening and to not feed or water it after 7:00pm. This will help to minimize late night excursions to the back yard.
Accidents must be cleaned immediately and cleaned well.. Dogs will be tempted to eliminate in the same spot again if any odor remains from the accident. On hard surfaces, use an appropriate liquid cleaner. On carpets, use carpet cleaner.
Use a clicker to make the whole process easier and faster!
