Dog Housebreaking Tip #2

Time for Executive Decisions!

Depending on your situation, you’ll have to make some decisions concerning where you want your dog to eliminate. 

Before we continue, let me give you some important pieces of advice. Puppies between 8 and 10 weeks old go through a fear period. During that time, it is extremely important not to overly correct your puppy.

It is also important to let him experience new things at his own pace. Don’t force him to do things. Instead encourage him with some “gooood boy” (or “goood girl”) every time your puppy tries something new. If he does something he’s not supposed to, like chewing on a chair leg, just distract him and give him an acceptable chew toy.

If you have an older dog who is afraid of everything, follow the same principles. Go slowly, never force your dog to do something is not comfortable with, but mostly don't forget to praise and reward him when he has the courage to try something new.

To achieve success in housebreaking, you have to be or get prepared. You have to set up a specific place for your dog to speed up his progress. You also have to choose a spot where you’ll want your puppy or dog to eliminate. For example, when I choose a "toilet zone" in my backyard, I make sure it's not too close from the street so my puppy won't get too distracted and forget what he's supposed to do: eliminate!

Anyone who possesses the necessary tools can do dog housebreaking. These tools consist of knowing what to do and then have the patience and perseverance to see it through. If you start housebreaking a dog or puppy, do so for a few weeks and then give up, you will be very frustrated with what happens. Your dog will become very confused and thus will continue to eliminate where he pleases, and will only occasionally go where you want him to eliminate.

I'd like to give you another huge tip on the topic of praise and scolding. You may say a quick, deep, "No," when your puppy or dog starts eliminating in the wrong place, but stop there. If you start hitting or rubbing your dog's nose in the mess, you will only intimidate your puppy.

Your dog may then become frightened of you or aggressive toward you, and your whole training process is now about regaining trust. Always praise your dog for doing the right thing. You may give treat rewards as well if you like, but make sure you give them right away or your dog may not associate the treat with doing the right thing.

Here's what another dog owner just like you had to say about the Definitive Guide to Housebreaking a Dog:

Nathalie,

I just wanted to thank you for your help. We have had Lady (an English Cocker Spaniel) for a little more six months. She is the cutiest dog but she constantly is peeing and pooping in the house. We tried crating her while we went to work (we are both teachers) and when we would get home, she would have gone in the crate and was a mess. We started just leaving her in the master bathroom and that was a little better. However, she would continue to go throughout the whole house. It was driving me nuts.

I told my wife and girls (ages 10 and 5) we had to do something or the dog was going to go. That is when I decided to go online and research. I saw your book and decided to give it a try. Would you believe, after using your procedures the very first day, she did not mess the house once! I taught the procedures to all my family and now we are seeing the results.

Thanks again,
Mike Sanford, Fl

Tomorrow, you'll discover how a simple leash can accelerate housebreaking.

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Need to read the First Housebreaking Tip again?

CLICK HERE FOR TIP #3