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Tips for Housetraining
Housetraining Advice
You will need:
- A crate only large enough for the dog to stand up and turn around comfortably in
- Schedule for going outside
- Treats for whenever you go outside with the dog
- Good observing skills to prevent accidents
- Patience
Crate
The dog/puppy must be crated whenever you're away or can't actively supervise (e.g., when you're busy around the house, sleeping, etc.) This will make him/her hold on so that you can have success outside later. If you find the dog/puppy is soiling his/her crate, the likelihood is that the crate is too large: He/she can use part of it as a toilet or he/she is being kept in a crate that is too long.
Schedule
You must provide the dog/puppy with a set schedule for eating and for going outside. If you are away for longer than 4 hours, have someone come to the house to take him/her out. Optimally, there is always someone at home during the housetraining period.
A typical schedule looks like this:
- First thing in the morning
- A few minutes after each meal. This is often when dogs/puppies will have to poop. You will discover your own pet's rhythm.
- For puppies: every hour on the hour. Take the puppy outside on leash for five minutes in a small area. Always return to the same spot so he/she begins to associate the area with its purpose. Don't interact with the puppy. Have a play period once he/she is finished. If nothing happens after five minutes, bring him/her back into the house and crate him/her for another thirty minutes. Then try again. If he/she climate, he/she may have a free period in the kitchen or confinement area, or, better yet, a nice walk. This acts as an added bonus for performing.
- During the night, A very young pup (6 to 7 weeks) may need to go out once during the night.
Treats
Every time your dog/puppy eliminates outside, lavish him/her with enthusiastic praise during the act and follow with an extra special treat (e.g., a small piece of cheese or hot dog). If you find that the praise makes him/her stop in the middle of eliminating, save it until just after she/he finishes.
Good Observing Skills
Your dog/puppy will give off signals that he/she needs to eliminate. It's essential that you learn what these are so you can prevent mistakes. Common behaviors include circling, restlessness and sniffing. Whenever you see these, take the dog out!
Patience
Don't lose your cool. Especially with puppies, many dogs will have accidents, especially in the beginning of training. Since your puppy will be supervised at all times when loose in the house, you will be able to provide the proper feedback as the dog begins to eliminate or, even better, take him/her out before he even starts (see "good observing skills..." above).
If you catch him/her starting to eliminate inside, interrupt him/her with a sharp sound. This may even prevent him/her from finishing. Urgently say "outside" and then get the puppy there as quickly as possible. Stay outside for the 5-minute period and praise & treat if he finishes eliminating. If not, bring him /her back inside and either supervise or crate him/her for another try later.
Accidents
If the dog/puppy has an accident in the house or in the crate and you did not see it happen, NEVER punish him after the fact. Simply clean up the spot and then apply a commercial odor neutralizer or 50% vinegar to water. This will help prevent a certain location from smelling like an "indoor toilet". Most importantly after any accident, vow to supervise more closely in the future and/or add another outing to your schedule.