subject: Going Outdoors For A Purpose [print this page] Why do they call it house breaking? At best its an exercise in house fixing. After all, the goal is to keep your puppy from pooping and peeing all over your home. Considering that the place was doing just fine before you brought the baby back, arent you really crap-proofing your humble abode?
Its probably hard to remember when you were less-than a year old, but trust us when we tell you that you didnt pop out-of the oven with a Bachelors Degree in Toilet. Ask your mom. Your body functions took a little training to hit the can and not your diapers.
Little pups are kind of the same in this regard. When they got to go, they go. They have no idea that its wrong to leave something behind on the carpet. So, when you scold them for leaving a little yellow water behind, they begin to freak-out. Why? Because you are exhibiting crazy behavior to them. Enough of this kind of lousy, unproductive reinforcement and you might as well buy stock in Prozac now. Both you and the grown-up canine will end-up swallowing these capsules like candy in a few years.
Whats the trick to crap-proofing the house? Try these suggestions:
Start with crate training. The area should be only as big as your dog plus one foot. Just enough so the puppy wont be able to go at one end and sleep at the other clean part of the crate.
At first, leave the container clear of towels or blankets.
Once they awaken, let them walk out of the crate, but quickly pick them up and take them out.
Place the sweetie where you want them to go.
Wait. Dont distract the dog while waiting for the magic. You dont like to be interrupted on the throne. Neither do they.
After pup poops or pees, give them a good dog and a happy pat on the head.
Time to play! Pick either outside or inside. Your choice.
Back indoors; keep your eyes on the puppy totally. After playtime, naptime in the crate.
Time to eat? Room service! Let them eat in the crate.
Give young buddy about 45-minutes after their meal before you repeat the process as before. If they dont go, pick up the small guy to return indoors. You should supervise them for another playtime. After a while, carry them back outside and give it another shot.
If inside you see Champ sniffing around or walking in a circle, make a clap-sound. Distract them. Pick them up and return to the outdoors.
A puppy can hold their water a touch longer overnight. Nevertheless, you will wake up in the middle of the night for a few weeks to take a moonlight stroll with Buster.
Be patient during this adjustment period. Traumatizing your puppy at this stage will only cause you to buy more stock in Prozac. You do not want anyone to get overly distressed just because of their bathroom habits. Thats a silly ditch to die in.
