Dogs are hygienic creatures, and will never purposely soil near their food bowls or bedding. However for animals who until recently were not used to living in houses, everywhere other than bedding and food areas is fair game. Therefore it is vital to train your dog where exactly he can relieve himself.
The younger the animal is, the quicker he will pick up on what he is being asked to do. Lots of praise and encouragement is needed along the way. Whatever the age of your dog the following technique can be used to successfully house train him.
It is important that you take your dog to the spot where he can relieve himself every few hours. Leaving it any longer than this will result in accidents. Additionally take him out after his meals. Wait with him until he has finished his business, do not leave him alone. Afterwards shower him with lots of praise. Should he fail to ‘go’ then take him back inside and try again in about fifteen minutes. Puppies which are younger than four months will need to be taken out regularly during the night as well as in the daytime.
Whilst indoors watch your puppy or dog. Should you notice that they are sniffing or circling the floor, then quickly take them outside. By regularly taking them out and watching for tell tale signals it will not be long before your dog identifies going outside with relieving himself.
Should your dog have an accident indoors calmly remove him outside. To stop him continuing to ‘go’ indoors, distract him by either shouting his name or clapping your hands. If he ‘goes’ outside and finishes what he started, then praise him. Upon coming back inside the house clean up any mess but totally ignore him, even if he comes over to you.
How long it takes to house train your dog will depend upon many factors; age, personality, how often you successfully catch him going outside, your ability to deal with accidents etc. Try to remember to praise each success as if it were the first and ignore any accidents. Before long you will find that he is successfully identifying going out with relieving himself and he will be standing at the door asking you to let him out.
Learn more about dog and animal care. Stop by Val Hopkins’s site where you can find out all about Vets in Reading and what they can do for you and your pet.
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