Helping
Whether you are bringing home a new puppy to housetrain or getting tired of an older dog's untrained ways, housetraining strategies can eliminate unwelcome accidents.
The Best Strategy
Most vets agree that crate training is the most effective way to housetrain both puppies and adult dogs. Choose a crate that your dog can move around in comfortably but isn't too roomy. This method of training relies on your dog's instincts. Dogs will not defecate where they sleep.
Employing Methods
Take your dog outside at the same times each day and to the same place each time. Puppies have to go outside more than older dogs, but establishing a routine is important for both. Keep your dog in his crate whenever you are not feeding him, playing with him, or taking him outside. Puppies will cry at first, but resist the urge to let them out. You'll find that dogs come to like their crate. It's a territorial instinct. They like to have their own space.
Tips for Success
Veterinarians suggest using a key phrase like "go potty" each time your dog goes out. They also recommend supervising new puppies at all times. They encourage crate training, but emphasize the need to take your pet out to play with him. Otherwise, your pet can experience separation anxiety.
Another helpful tip comes from the article, "Dog Owner's Guide: Housetraining." The writers recommend keeping your dog's yard clean by scooping up his stool. Because dogs search for the perfect place to go, a messy yard will inhibit his search.
Keep up with your training even if your dog makes mistakes. Experts say you should see success after two weeks of crate-training. When dogs are housetrained properly, they never forget.
Tags: crate training, each time