If there’s one thing that all dogs need to learn it’s house training. And, yet, it’s often one of the things that owners seem to have problems teaching their dogs. Here are some suggestions to help you with house training your dog.
House Training Basics
The basics of house training are fairly simple: you need to teach your puppy or dog to relieve himself outside. In order to do this you should put your puppy or dog on a simple schedule. Take your dog outside at the following times:
- When he wakes up in the morning
- After he eats
- After naps
- After big play sessions
- Before he goes to bed at night
It may seem like you’re taking your dog outside a lot, and you are. The reason for this is because you want to give your dog every opportunity to relieve himself outside and these are times when dogs often need to potty outside.
When your puppy or dog does relieve himself outside on one of these trips you should make sure that you praise him and give him a reward. Let him know that he’s done something great. This is what you’re training for so make a big deal over your dog. This will help him catch on and figure out that this is what you want him to do.
Signs
You should also watch your puppy or dog for signs that he needs to go outside at other times. These signs can include sniffing the floor, looking for secret places to use the bathroom, looking at you, walking or sitting by the door, or going back to a place where he’s previously had an accident. Any one of these signs can be an indication that your dog needs to go outside. When you detect one of these signs you should quickly take your dog out and give him the chance to potty.
Precautions
You should also take the sensible precaution of feeding your dog an early dinner to help him with his house training. Don’t feed your dog his dinner past about 8 pm. This will help him go all night without needing to go outside to relieve himself. You should also put his water away shortly before you take him outside for the last time at night.
After your dog is reliably house trained you can keep the water out at night again.
Accidents
Your puppy or dog may still continue to have a few accidents before he’s completely house trained. This is normal. Try not to get too upset about them. Your dog is still learning at this stage. If your dog does have an accident you should place the blame on yourself. Try to pay closer attention the next time so you can pick up on your dog’s signals.
If you catch your puppy or dog in the act of having an accident you should clap your hands or do something to get his attention and make him stop. Then quickly take him outside so he can finish. Then praise him for relieving himself outside.
If you follow these suggestions for house training your dog you can have him house trained in just a few weeks. If your dog is completely house trained as a young dog then his training should stay with him for his entire life. Some dogs may be reluctant to go outside when it rains or if there’s snow, but they have not forgotten their house training. You simply need to insist that they comply with it.
Of course, this article is only able to cover a small selection of the facts on house training your dog. There are many different facts to consider and it’s important to get them right. When possible, get a good solid guide to show you everything you need to know about house training your dog.