How To Housebreak Your Puppy
One of the initial situations that you must learn to deal with when purchasing a new puppy is house training. This is an effort to train the puppy to use the bathroom outside instead of inside. Most people find this process frustrating. However, if you have the patience and prepare properly, you can get the job done without too much trouble. You might be interested in some info on housebreaking a puppy.
There is no shortage of ideas and opinions on this subject. Some techniques are useful, while other are not. Often, these myths are cruel and ineffective. Take a look at some information and techniques that have been proven to be effective much of the time. Understand, however, that your success will depend on many variables.
You need to have realistic expectations with this process. Understand that puppies are very immature and simply have a tough time controlling their bowels and bladder. For this reason accidents are often unintentional and can continue after the puppy has learned its responsibility. Be prepared for this with patience and understanding. Make sure that you are consistent with your technique and approach to this process, or your puppy will only get more confused.
An important early step in this process is setting a schedule and sticking too it. When you wake in the morning, immediately take the puppy outside to use the bathroom. Puppies generally wake up with a need to urinate, so take advantage of this by anticipating this need to go and equating it with going outside. Also set an eating schedule and take your puppy outside immediately after he or she eats. This is another typical time when a dog will need to use the bathroom. Anticipation and preparation is ideal, so keep these important moments in mind.
Be mindful of your puppy’s activity, namely sniffing, circling the floor, hovering in corners and general pacing. These are clear signs that the dog may need to go, so immediately take it outside. When you catch the puppy making a mistake, give it a stern “no” and quickly take it outside. Never hit your dog or resort to other cruel, ineffective techniques. Also, never punish a dog unless you have specifically caught it using the bathroom inside. If you find the mistake after the fact, there is no reason to punish the dog, as it will not understand exactly what the punishment is for, further confusing the pooch.
Two key items you may need are puppy pads and kennels. Kennels are ideal for times when you must leave the house. Dogs will not want to relieve themselves in such a confined space, encouraging them to wait until you get home to go to the bathroom. However, the puppy may have no choice but to use the bathroom if you are gone for too long. Puppy pads are great for avoiding messes. They are also good for teaching the dog to go to the door when it needs to relieve itself. Try slowly moving the pads toward the appropriate door over time. The dog will learn to go to the door when it needs to go outside.
Housebreaking a puppy is a tough task, but it is very achievable. Preparation and anticipation are key. By understanding when puppies typically need to relieve themselves, you can set up a schedule to aid you and the dog. Utilize a kennel when you must leave the house, and use puppy pads to avoid messes and teach the dog to migrate towards the door. In time, the puppy will learn these important lessons.
More tips about housebreaking puppies are available for you.
Tags: dog training
dog training | Gio Rigt | 02 September 2010 |
