Facebook Twitter Stumbleupon

House Training a Dog

House training a dog is not difficult but it does require time, planning and consistency. The length of time required to train your dog is directly related to how consistent you are. You must also make house training a positive experience. Always give praise when your dog performs properly.

Your praise must be delivered with enthusiasm and you must also establish yourself as the alpha dog leader. Your dog wants to please his alpha leader. 

Remember a puppy will have to develop the ability to control of his bladder. The first few days you may have varying success at house training. If you are have a positive and entusiastic attitude your dog will work hard at controlling himself  in order to please you.

Establishing a Set Pattern

House training a dog requires the establishment of regular consistent patterns. One pattern that can be established is the time your dog eats. You should set a specific time each day for eating. A half an hour after eating is a good time to take your dog outside to relieve himself. Remember to praise enthusiastically every time he performs properly.

Each evening before bed time you should also take your dog outside. You need to stay with him until he has defecated outside. As soon as he has completed this task you can bring him back inside. Each morning after waking up you will need to take your dog outside, as well. You should stay with him until he has completed his task. 

As mentioned before, always praise your dog when he performs properly. Never scold a puppy for soiling an area. If you catch him in the act firmly exclaim “no” while picking him up and take him outside. Scolding after the fact is confusing to your dog. He will not be absolutely sure what he did to cause the scolding. A confused dog is a disobedient dog.

Since puppies need to develop muscle control having set times to go outside helps establish a predictable pattern. Your dog will learn he can wait until the appropriate opportunity and thus please his alpha dog leader.

Your puppy should be taken outside every couple of hours throughout the day to relieve himself. His bladder is not very large and he cannot be expected to hold it indefinitely.  You need to set a specific routine.

A specific area of the yard should be established for your dog to perform his job.   A puppy should be taken to the same area of the yard each time he is given the opportunity to go potty. This affirms your communication and eliminates any confusion as to why you are standing outside in the yard. This outside area should be cleaned up after your dog uses it..

House Training a Dog

House Training a Dog – Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement creates the desired result faster than reprimanding bad behavior.  Friendly enthusiastic praise works best. A man’s normal voice may sound harsh even if the words are words of praise. Male members of your household should try to temper their vocal tones. Occasional reinforcement of deeds with a treat is recommended.

Patience is a virtue. In house training a dog patience will produce results faster than frustration and anger. Your dog wants to please you and will do his best to live up to your expectations.

Crate Training

Instinctively your dog wants to be clean. He does not want to soil an area where he will sleep or eat. A crate just large enough for your dog to comfortably sleep in will provide him with a secure shelter and an area he will want to keep clean. You must provide your dog the opportunity to relieve himself at regular established intervals. The occasional messes should be thoroughly cleaned.  Crate training can be an effective way of house training a dog.

House Training is Not Difficult

House training a dog is not difficult. It does require that you establish a set pattern and adhere to it. Your dog will learn to hold his urges until given the opportunity if you are consistent, positive and patient.