Housebreaking Your Dog

Housebreaking a dog can be a frustrating time but it is an essential lesson in how to train a puppy. It may seem like no matter what you do you cannot get your dog to “Go” outside and then end up cleaning up a mess or puddle in your home. This can drive you to consider pee-pads and dedicating an area inside your home for your dog’s relief. It may even be that your dog knows exactly what you need him to do when he is outside but chooses not to do it – just to test your housebreaking strategy. Shouting, baby talk, and overall frustration play right into the dog’s poor potty habits.

Usually the issue can be cured by improving the strategy for housebreaking your dog by focusing on a conscientious training schedule. Teaching him when you are giving him the opportunity to relieve himself is the first order of business. This lesson is the beginning of any and all dog obedience training.

Training Tips for Housebreaking Your Dog

If you suspect there may be a medical issue related to housebreaking your dog, have your veterinarian check for a medical issue.

• Schedule: If you’re waiting for your dog to “tell” you when they have to go, you’ll be more successful if you take your dog out for full relief on a regular schedule. 
• Location: We recommend training for outside relief, instead of pee pads, whenever possible. You get more time outside with your dog which is great for building a natural and secure relationship with your canine.
• Crate: Crate training your dog teaches a calm state of mind that is integral to our training methods, but it also reduces free roaming and using your house as the bathroom. Free roaming the house is a recipe for accidents! Learn about Full Crate Training.
• Leash: Keep your puppy on a leash inside to have better control. Be patient and teach a command like “Do your business” or “Potty” when you take him to the designated spot. Potty training is a leash exercise.
• Management: Monitor the amount of food and water he gets throughout the day. Ensure he isn’t over-drinking or gorging himself at mealtime.
• Praise: Do give gentle praise after your dog has relieved himself. Do not use baby talk. This is a good time to practice ignoring your dog while being aware of their progress.

Trust that this issue will be overcome with your patience and a consistent schedule! Young dogs generally get right with the program whereas older dogs may need more rigorous dog obedience work to overcome poor potty habits. And as always, clean up after your dog! Keeping a sanitary yard and community is important for the health of humans and canines.

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