Steps to Housebreak A New Dog

Housebreaking a dog usually means getting the dog to use the bathroom in the right place and at the right time. This is certainly important. But housebreaking is a lot more than just potting training. It includes all his behavior in the house. This includes his understanding of where he can go and when.

No one wants to find out their dog urinated on the carpet. (A more exhaustive list of dog behavior problems is available in Dove Cresswell’s Dog Training Online.) Of course, pups can’t help it if they are indoors and need to go. They don’t have the knowledge or capacity to wait. They do what is natural. Therefore, it is important to start the training process on day one.

If you got your pup when he was eight weeks old, you got him at the ideal time. But remember, the dog usually can’t control the urinating muscles until he is about twelve weeks old. This underlines how important it is to take your dog outside often during the first days of ownership. Especially get him out a short time after a meal. Every hour would be good for the first few days at least. When he goes in the proper place, reward him with voice and treats.

When the pup goes in the right place (outside or in a designated box indoors), be sure to praise him profusely. You might even give him a favorite dog biscuit. This assures the pet that he is pleasing you. So, often opportunities and much praise will reinforce his acceptable behavior.

Perhaps your dog is not welcome in every area of the house. For example, you may not want a black shedding dog on the white couch! Perhaps the dog is to stay out of your bedroom or at least off of your bed. Your pet must understand these rules.

Consistency and patience, say the best dog training ebooks, are the keys to such training. So your dog is found sleeping on your bed, a forbidden place. Scold him, speak to him clearly that this is not allowed, and pull him off immediately! You must do this consistently until he learns this is not allowed. Don’t make exceptions for this will only confuse him.

You may suspect the dog is violating the rule but only when you aren’t around. This is an indication he knows what is right. For example, one family made it clear their dog was never to get on the furniture. But when they came home, they found a warm spot on the softest chair. You could lock him out of the room, of course. You could also catch the dog doing this when he doesn’t think you’re around. A scolding along with a rap on the bottom with a newspaper may be necessary to tell him this conduct is not acceptable, ever!

Dogs are pleasers, so praise for right conduct goes a long way. Any reward you can think of will reinforce the good conduct, and withholding the reward will reinforce the cost of bad conduct. Be patient and don’t give up! In the long run, both you and your dog will be glad.

Hope you enjoyed this article. Learn more tips and read reviews of top dog training books at http://www.dogtrainingbible.net.

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