How To Housebreak Your Dog

This post was written by London Dog Walker on March 17, 2010
Posted Under: London Dog Walking

You may know how to housebreak a puppy, housebreaking a grown dog is much the same. However there are certain differences to housebreaking a dog which you should be aware of. Adult dogs aren’t like puppies because they can control their bladder and keep from having accidents when they get excited. But when housebreaking any dog, the key to success is patience, praise and lots of love.

The first thing to do is buy dog crate for your new pet at the local pet shop. This won’t just help you housebreak the dog, but it will keep them from getting into trouble. Since accidents do happen, why not buy some cleaning supplies, while you’re shopping for a crate.  

The second you get your dog home, the housebreaking program begins. Rather than introducing the dog to the people in the house, take him first to visit his brand new yard. Let him thoroughly explore the yard to get used to his surroundings.  Due to the excitement of the experience it could take a while before the dog goes to toilet. However do not take the dog inside the house until it has gone to the toilet. When he relieves himself, give him lots of praise for doing so.

Remember that accidents will happen at the start so do not get annoyed when they do. The two main reasons that your dog may have accidents are the new environment and new diet. Chances are the dogs diet will change now he has new owners, therefore it may affect his digestion. So, its always wise to take Fido outside often as he adjusts to his new diet. Do not think you are failing when accidents occur, they are expected.

Whatever you do, don’t yell at the poor pup if he makes a mistake. This is the biggest mistake you can make. It isn’t necessarily your dog’s fault, because he might not have been able to tell you that he had to go to the bathroom. Take it outside straight away and let it finish, then clean up the accident. Its important to rid the spot of the odor.  That way you won’t have any repeat accidents in the same place.

Soon your pet will develop his own routine.  After all, dogs are creatures of habit. Work out a potty routine that is good for the dog and for you as well. Your dog will have to use the bathroom on a regular basis during the day, so you will have to adjust your schedule to meet your dog’s needs and also adjust when you feed him. Keep in mind you might have to change your schedule during the training process.

By putting your friend in his crate while you’re gone, you’ll help prevent unnecessary mistakes along the way. Even dogs that are not housebroken will rarely go to toilet where they sleep. If you have to leave for a while, be sure to let your dog out to go to the bathroom when you get home so that the training continues. And when you’re gone a long time, make sure to have someone reliable take him out.

Lastly, remember to give your dog a lot of praise when they go to the bathroom where they are supposed to, especially when you are first starting out. Before you know it, your new friend will adjust and make himself right at home. It may be a while before your dog is completely housebroken, and you may have to deal with a couple of accidents while you wait, but if you train him consistently and correctly, you will housebreak him.

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