Behavior Tips : Housebreaking Quick and Easy

A major step in your dog’s learning process is successful housebreaking. This task is crucial for any dog owner to enforce proper housebreaking rules and techniques. Many dogs are given up since owners have never properly devoted enough time or effort to the task of successful housebreaking.

Do not allow your dog to be forced into a shelter or abandoned by not devoting the appropriate amount of time for this important training. You owe your dog a great deal more than a quick try and a swift boot out the door. Dogs are like people and the housebreaking process may differ for different breeds or specific dogs.

The first step to the housebreaking process is to limit the dog’s run of your house. By confining your dog to a specific area in your home, preferably one with easy to clean flooring in case of an accident, you will lessen the potential problems that may occur.

You will be able to spot any accidents immediately and will not be surprised later on by unwanted spots or items left by your dog that has gone unnoticed. This confining is especially important when you leave your home for work or for any other reason. While you are at home, carefully monitor your dog and watch for him to show any signs of needing to relieve himself.

Unless you want to train your dog to relieve himself indoors, immediately train your dog to relieve himself outdoors. This depends on your specific wants and wishes, as well as your home. Many owners of small dogs who live in apartments are unable to take the dog outside to relieve himself on a regular basis. For this reason, you may want to designate a specific corner of your home as an area where you dog can do his business.

Purchase special pads that will absorb any liquid and cover up odors when training your dog to relieve himself indoors. If you want your dog to strictly do his business outdoors, training your dog to go inside may only confuse him and further complicate the housebreaking process.

When training your dog to relieve himself outdoors, the key is frequent trips outside to give him the opportunity. Make sure your dog uses this time outside to concentrate on performing his business and not playing. You may need to take separate trips outside to physically separate the importance of these two tasks. This will prevent you later on from walking in inclimate conditions while your dog wishes to play instead of perform his necessary business.

Also, consider creating a command that encourages your dog to focus on the task at hand. This command will encourage your dog to complete his business as quickly as possible.

Do not berate, strike, or yell at your dog when your find accidents. Unless a dog is reproved at the exact moment of having the accident, any actions you may take will only confuse or frighten the dog. The only time you should reproach a dog for having an accident indoors is if you catch your dog in the act. Remember not to physically or verbally abuse your dog if you catch him in the act, since these violent actions can cause the dog to develop an unhealthy fear.

Proper ways to correct your dog when you catch him in the act of relieving himself indoors is to sternly and firmly command your dog to stop, then immediately take him outdoors and command him to finish his business.

You should be aware of your dog’s behavior that lets you know when he must relieve himself. Dogs exhibit their need to relieve themselves in different manners, some bark or whine while others become frantic with their actions. Carefully note your dog’s behavior and immediately take him outside is he is exhibiting signs that denote his need to do his business.