House Training Tips
Whether you just received a puppy, or you've had the same dog for years, going to the bathroom in the house is never a good habit. Fortunately, this behavior can be changed but it will take some time to overcome. The more consistently the dog's feeding, exercise, free and training time can be managed, the quicker she will learn what's expected of her. Below are some tips that will help the training.
IMPORTANT TIPS TO REMEMBER:
Crate Training
Crate training can be very helpful to break any bad habit, and is critical with housebreaking problems
Controlling Impulses
The crate will teach your dog to control her impulsesDogs want to be clean
The crate should be large enough for your dog to be comfortable but not so large that she can hide or avoid contact with any “accidents” she may makeQuick Results
For quickest results use flat newspaper to bed the crate - no absorbent bedding like cloth or foam beds.Good Behavior Opportunities
You are looking for and setting up opportunities for good bathroom behavior. This means you have to watch your dog and be available to reinforce the correct behavior. If you have a safe fenced area where your dog can be unsupervised you still need to know the “business” was done. Knowing your dog went to the bathroom outside makes it reasonably safe for the dog to have free time in the house.Feeding Schedule
A regular feeding schedule should to be followed. Meals may be given in the crate so the crate becomes a “good place”. Thirty - forty five minutes after your dog eats take her out for potty break.Doggie Needs
Dogs generally will need to eliminate after exercise or play, waking up from a nap, or after chewing activity such as on a bone or toyThe Command
If your dog does not have a “potty” command pick one and use it to indicate when the dog goes outside. Say “good -----------!” Let her know she did the right thing. Everybody in the home needs to use the same command for outside bathroom.Potty Breaks
Take your dog to the same area of the yard for potty breaks. Reward the potty with verbal praise and some play. Food may be used but some dogs can become fixated on the food and not want to go search for the bathroom spot.Supervision
If your dog does NOT use the bathroom when outside and you know she may be waiting to go in the house, then put her back in the crate OR DIRECTLY SUPERVISE her. Remember every time she sneaks a mistake in the house it slows your house breaking progress.Feeding
If your dog is fed in the evening the meal should be no later than 5pmWhen?
Crate at night.Limiting Water Intake
Limit water an hour or so before the last time outside before going to bed at night. In severe cases where urination is the primary problem water intake may need to be monitored through out the day.Mornings
In the mornings the dog is allowed NO free time in the house before being taken outside. If she does not use the bathroom she should go back in the crate and take her out again in 15-30 minutes.
CRATE SPECIFIC TIPS:
The Crate Should Not Be a Punishment
Most dogs love their crates and will voluntarily retreat to this safe space to relax. Older dogs that have not been raised in a crate may disagree with confinement at first. Therefore, we recommend the first introduction to the crate be brief and rewarding. When your dog is hungry feeding favorite treats in the crate is a preferred method for crate introduction.
Using Treats
Try to get your dog to go in for a favorite treat by showing them the treat and tossing it in the crate. Hopefully your dog will go in and grab the treat. This is a good start. It's OK for the dog to go in for a few seconds then right back out. You don't have to close the door the first session. If she is going in for the treat - great. If not then gently place her inside and let her turn and take a treat from your hand while still in the crate. You can close the door and start increasing the time in the crate. The goal should be to increase the time and very soon give her the opportunity to eat a meal in the crate.
Training Time
Since the crate is being introduced in order to limit a behavior you will have to decide how much time you want spend “training” the crate. You can be as aggressive with the acclimation time as you feel comfortable with. Some dogs vocalize for hours when put in the crate. Some only last minutes. Normally, desensitizing to the crate as has been described makes accepting the crate easier for all.
Did you know that you should try not to repeat commands? Learn from Comet Canine's dog training tips and advice in our online dog training articles.
