Do you know one of the top reasons owners relinquish their dogs to shelters is they claim their dogs can’t be housebroken? It’s sad but true.
I want to help stop this madness by offering you tried-and-true tips that can help make the process much easier. A majority of house training is up to the parents. Parents have to be consistent, patient, and persistent and offer plenty of opportunity for their dog to learn the desired potty behavior.
First, it’s important to make sure that your dog is healthy and doesn’t have any issues that would prohibit proper house training. Keep in mind that puppies can only hold it approximately one hour more than their age. For example, if a puppy is only three months old, a puppy can only hold it for about four hours maximum.
Until your dog has become potty trained, don’t let him out of your sight. Most dogs like to keep their living areas clean and will sneak off and go potty in an area that isn’t used often.
Don’t let your dog have free will of water. You should never deny a thirsty dog water; however, if you allow them to have free access to water, you will never know when they drink and when they have to go.
You have to catch your dog in the act of going potty. If you don’t catch them, let it go. Dogs do not have the mental capability to understand that you are punishing them for an earlier act of going potty.
Put your dog on an eating and potty schedule. Dogs are creatures of habit and do well with a schedule. If your dog does not go potty during your scheduled break, bring him back in and put him in his crate. Wait approximately 10 minutes to try it again and then take him out again. Praise him lavishly once he does go potty outside.
With a little love, consistency, patience, persistence, and repetition, you and your pup can live in a potty-free home!
If you would like a free copy of detailed house training tips, please send an email to fydosforum@gmail.com
• Robin Massey is a canine specialist and owner of FYDOLAND Dog Care Centers. If you have any comments or questions, please send them to fydosforum@gmail.com
