Once you begin training your dog to not "use the bathroom" indoors, a real committment is necessary. It doesn't matter if you choose crate training, the training lead, or the do-it-yourself-keep-an-eye-on-him method, you must be consistent in carrying out the training and realistic in your expectations of your dog. Each dog's ability to control his bladder and bowels is affected by age, size, food and water intake.
What’s Involved?
It is important for your dog to have an established routine of eating and going outside.Feed him at regular intervals throughout the day. Never leave food out for free feeding for a dog that is not housebroken. Notice when he has to make a bowel movement and when he only urinates.Try to take him out at about the same time each day.
When working with a very young puppy plan to take him outdoors to potty no less than 6 to 8 times a day.Remember that outside is potty time.Don’t go outside and begin to play with him. Be matter of fact about it. He should associate going outdoors with potty first. Wait until after he has done his business to play with him. Always praise him when he goes.How fantastic!Just what you wanted him to do.
Remember, an overexcited young pup may “dribble” as he greets you or you play with him.DO NOT create a fuss about this. As he grows older, he will learn to control his bladder. To help, keep your greetings calm and don't over excite him in play.
When to take him to the potty place?
As soon as your pup wakes up in the morning.
About 10 to 15 minutes after eating or drinking.
Right after a vigorous play session.
Pay attention to his body language, is he is walking in circles, sniffing the floor – he may have to go out.
Just before nap time and before bedtime.
When he awakes from his sleep in his crate.
In general, take him outside every 2 to 3 hours if he is a young pup, and every 4 hours if an older dog.
PRAISE GENEROUSLY every time he goes potty outside.The more praise the better. A treat is not necessary.
Removing the water bowl 2 - 3 hours before bedtime, or about 8:00 - 8:30 p.m. will help him make it through the night without having to go. If you believe he is thirsty, offer him 2 or 3 ice cubes to curb his thirst. He will not suffer from a few hours with no water, and you may be able to sleep through the night. Withholding water at night is temporary. Once housebroken, he will have access to water 24 hours a day. For now, he will drink his fill during the earlier hours of the day.
Note:If you catch him going potty in the house, do not spank him, DO scold him with a disappointed “eh, eh” or “oh, no” and immediately pick him up and CARRY him outside to the potty place.If he is a larger dog, take him by the collar to the potty place.Be sure to keep his leash by the door so you can grab it on the way out.The correction must be immediate and the time it takes to put his leash on him in the house, he will miss the message, and more than likely he will finish his business at the door.Place his leash on him at the potty place. Praise him when he finishes his business.
Communication A Key to Success
Once accustomed to going out on a regular basis, your dog will have his own way of letting you know he needs to go.Sitting by the door you use to take him outside, whining, and quick short barks repeated intermittently, are a few of the ways a dog can let you know when it's time to go. Which ever signal you notice resulting in you taking him out is the signal he will use all the time. Pay attention to how he acts when it is almost time for his scheduled trip outside. Use of a training lead can help you keep an eye on him.
Always, always, always praise your dog for going potty outside.
If a potty mistake is made inside the home, DON’T yell at your dog.
DO act disappointed (oh, no) and immediately take your dog outside to the potty area.
Clean area with a disinfectant and remove all traces of odor by wiping with Vinegar. Don't use Ammonia as it smells like urine and dogs will return to the same smelly place to go again.
If you have immediate behavior concerns and you need assistance right away, or would like to schedule a consultation and evaluation to develop the best training strategies for you and your dog, contact TCDOA at 321-279-6679 or use the convenient Service Request form.
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