This article shall give a few pointers on the fundamentals of house training your dog. House training your dog can be achieved surprisingly quickly if you follow a few simple steps and take the time to be consistent.
Make sure to give your dog a routine. Always be sure to take them outside first thing in the morning, straight after meals and just before bedtime, these times are crucial.
Also within that routine you should take some time to take your dog outside every two hours, every one hour for puppies, this ensures that the message is repetitive as to where you want them to go. Routine works well with dogs, it serves two purposes, it reinforces where you expect them to go and also helps to establish you as their pack leader.
Accidents will happen, do not under any circumstances chastise your dog for this. You will only succeed in confusing them and breaching the bond between you. Make no fuss and clean up in silence. However hard you may find this.
Some think it is a good idea to lay paper down close to door to the garden. I personally have never been a great fan of this idea. I think this sends a mixed message to your dog. If you want them to go outside make the effort to take them outside regularly. If you lay paper down you are saying “I want you to go outside but here is also OK. A mixed message that will confuse you dog.
Punishment following an accident will certainly set the toilet training process back and may well lead to behavioural problems further down the line. Accidents are not a personal attack on you.
Keep a watchful eye on your dog, do not expect them to tell you when they need to go outside. Do not let your dog wander all around the house unsupervised, watch for your dogs excessive sniffing or circling, if you notice this take them out immediately.
Successful toilet training for your dog depends on your good timing so the more effort you make the quicker your dog will get the message as to where it is you expect them to go.
Dogs like to have a routine they respond well to it, they are also keen to please if you set them up to succeed and fulfil your end of the bargain you will be amazed at how quickly your dog responds.
In this article we have covered some of the basics things you can do to house train your dog, whether a puppy or an adult dog. Remember the dog doesn’t know where it is expected to go, that is your job description to make that clear.
When you take on a dog you take on a huge amount of responsibility, be your dogs pack leader and your dog will reward you with unconditional love, affection and respect for life. Take a little time, be patient with your dog, and your dog will be clean very quickly.