Housebreaking your Dog or Puppy

Dogs want to please their owners.One of the problems is that they are not clear about what the owner wants.Just because the dog owner turns the dog out in the yard a few times a day does not mean that the dog is getting the right message.

Dogs don't always make the connection that they were put outside to give him the opportunity to "go". It is therefore, the dog owners' responsibility to see to it that a connection is made.The dog owner should find a way of preventing the dog or puppy from going in the house and only having the opportunity to go outside.The dog will learn to communicate with the owner about going when told to go and will learn to let the dog owner know when he needs to go.

One of the easiest ways to housebreak a dog is by using his natural instinct of keeping his sleeping quarters clean.In the wild dogs would sleep in a den.We can provide a "den" in the form of a dog crate. This becomes his bed - a bed he cannot get out of.

In order for this approach to work it is important that the crate be the appropriate size.A 'too big' would allow room for the dog to go and still continue to sleep in another area of the crate.One that is too small would not allow for comfort.

By providing a crate you are mimicking a natural den, which is what your dog would seek if he was in the wild on his own.He would not want to be out in the open, but rather he would want the security of a tree trunk, cave or other available shelter.

Since puppies naturally spend a great deal of time sleeping they will soon associate the crate with sleeping. Giving the dog or puppy a treat or two each time they enter the crate can help to make this a positive experience for the animal and less stressful for the owner.Saying the word "Crate" at the time the dog enters will help the dog associate the term with the crate.This will be the beginning of training for the future.For example, you may want to command your dog to go to his crate when there is a knock at your door.

Allowing the dog or puppy out only to relieve himself should be your initial goal. As the dog learns and gains more control, the time outside of the crate can be extended.The crate can be kept near you so you can alleviate the dog fears and give him attention as well as frequent treats. The crate should not be used as a punishment.This is the dog den.It's his place of safety.Make it comfortable for him. Provide toys and treats as well.

Each time that you take the dog out, immediately take him outdoors to relieve himself.When he "goes" make an issue of it by lavishing him with praise. Make sure your dog realizes that he has pleased you. After your dog has relieved himself you should take him back inside.This is to build the association of the outdoors with "going".

Your dog will need to relieve himself after sleeping, eating and exercise.If you let your dog run loose you should partition off a section of the house or a room in order that you can keep up with him and any messes he may make.Many people find baby gates useful for this. It is advisable to keep a very close watch on your dog until you are certain he is housebroken. He will not make a mistake but you might....your mistake might be letting your dog run loose too soon.

By keeping your dog in a crate and only letting him out to go outdoors or out when you will be watching him closely, your dog will be housebroken very quickly.The process is practically fail proof.In addition it provides your dog with a space that he feels is his own.