When we talk of housebreaking a dog, most people think of getting the dog to relieve himself in the right place and at the right time. This is certainly a major part of it. But housebreaking is more than just potting training. It involves his entire behavior in the house. It also involves his understanding 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 Dog Training Online by Dove Cresswell.) 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.
Dogs usually like to please their masters. Therefore, reinforce good conduct with words of praise, a pat on the head, and even with a favorite dog treat. So, in summary, encouragement and opportunity and consistency will all work together to potty train your new dog.
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.
This kind of training, say the best books on dog training, requires consistency and patience. So, if the dog goes into the forbidden area, then instruct him with words and force him out of the room or off of the furniture. Do this every time he trespasses so that he knows this is never allowed. If you make exceptions, it will only confuse him.
If the dog trespasses when you are not watching, but never when you are watching, he may be displaying a stubborn (and tricky) streak. One family made it clear their dog was not welcome on the furniture. When they came home and felt the warm spot on the softest chair, they knew the dog was violating the rules. In such cases, perhaps you need to trick the dog into thinking you are gone when really you are watching. Then when you catch him trespassing, a rap with a folded paper and a scolding will demonstrate to him that he dare not ever cross the line.
Most dogs like to please their masters. Therefore, when the dog doesn’t jump onto the couch, or enter the forbidden room, words of praise should be poured on. Let him know he has done very well to control his urge to join the group. But if you give in and let him into a forbidden area, then the dog has won and has really trained you.
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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