Dogs bring a great deal of joy and happiness to life. Everything that is worth having takes some effort, and that is the case with having a dog. Housetraining takes time and effort, but if it is done correctly, you will have a dog that is a pleasure to have as a companion for years to come. Housetraining a dog is easier if you follow a few pieces of advice.
Puppy Problems
If you have a puppy, don’t start trying to housetrain until the puppy is about 12 weeks old. Before that age, puppies can’t control their bladders well. Trying to housetrain a very young puppy will do more harm than good.
Schedule
When you begin to housetrain a dog, it is essential that the dog is on a feeding schedule. You should feed the dog high-quality dog food at the same times each day. Food should not be left out all day so that the dog can free feed.
You need to get your dog on a schedule when housetraining. When you first get up in the morning, you should take your dog outside to go to the bathroom. About 30 minutes to after eating, the dog should go out again. Always take the dog out just before its time for bed or just before you are going to be away from the house for an extended period of time. If you notice that your dog is circling and sniffing, take him out immediately. This is a sign that the dog is looking for a place to eliminate.
Placement Outside
Before your dog is housetrained, your dog needs to be confined to a limited area. Dogs can be housetrained because they do not like to go to the bathroom in their living and sleeping area. Keep your dog in a crate or in one room of the home.
When you take your dog outside to go to the bathroom, take your dog to the same place each time. Your dog will smell the scent of his urine, and he will get the point that this is the place to do his business.
Praise
When your dog goes to the bathroom outside, always praise your dog. Let your dog know that he or she has done something really good, and you are proud of them! Dogs want to please, and they respond to praise better than anything else.
If you follow this tips, you have an excellent chance of having a housetrained dog in a short time!
Lisa Landman is a strong advocate of adopting pets and has six rescue dogs! Want to see photos of her dogs? Check our her dog gallery or Twitter!