THE REFINED CANINE, LLC

Celebrating TEN Years  1997 - 2007

   House Training Your Puppy or Dog

     By Michelle Douglas CPDT CDBC

The single most common problem in young dogs & puppies is house soiling.  This is the first problem most dog-owners need to solve, and one which requires the utmost patience.  There are seven easy steps to house train a dog.  Before you begin, you will want to have a complete health examination by a veterinarian.  It is common that a house training problem can actually be a health problem, such as a urinary tract infection, or a dietary problem (we will address nutrition in a future article).  It is important to remember that a dog is never “sort of” house trained, he either is or is not.  If your dog has accidents, even only a few times a week, he is not completely house trained. The most common mistake in house training is people will try to paper train a dog before or at the same time as house training him, this only confuses the dog and gives him permission to go in the house.  If you want to have your dog go outside, do not put newspapers or house training pads down in the house.  If he makes a mess, just clean it up.  If you do put down papers or pads, I assure you it will take at least twice as long to house train your dog, probably longer.

Step number one:  Confine the dog to a space (like a crate) which is large enough for the dog to be comfortable.  This is for when the dog cannot be supervised.  When you can watch him, he should be with you.  The goal is to be able to eventually leave the dog unsupervised in the house.  The crate should be a fun and secure place for the dog to spend time.  As well as aiding in house training, it will prevent the dog from hurting himself and destroying your house.  Be sure to put a few chew toys in with him to occupy his time.  No Food or Water should be put in the crate,  this can create quite a mess both in the crate and on the dog.  Also, if the food/water is there, the dog will consume it, thus creating the need for him to relieve himself.  However, you will want to make an exception in the summer when the weather is hot, your dog may need to drink water more often.

Step number two:  A regular food and water schedule is an important factor in house training.  All dogs should be fed at least twice a day to prevent other types of intestinal health problems.  Choose a time in the morning and again in the evening when someone can take the dog outside both before and about 20 minutes after feeding time.  Water should be put down at feeding times,  as well as midday and about 1 hour before bed.  In the summer time water should be given more frequently but remember what goes in must come out so pay attention to the signs that it is time to go out.

Step number three:  A regular elimination schedule is just as vital to an easy house training.  Dogs learn very well through repetition or conditioning.  Important times to remember are first thing in the morning, after breakfast, every time he comes out of the crate (or you come home), after supper, and right before bedtime.  If there are still accidents, make note of the time,  Often it will occur at the same time each day;  you may add this time into your regular schedule. 

Step number four:  When you take your dog outside during this house training phase,  take him on a leash.  It is very important to make sure the dog goes to the EXACT SAME SPOT each and every time he goes out.  He will learn that “this is the place where I’m supposed to do this.”  Once his smell is there and not on your expensive rugs he will no longer be attracted to the rugs.  This will also make cleaning up the yard easier, as he will learn to relieve himself in one particular spot.

Step number five:  Teach words for the dog to associate with elimination.  Dogs are capable through conditioning to understand a number of our words.  So once you arrive at that special tree in the yard say the exact same word (like “Go Potty”) and eventually your dog will go potty whenever and wherever you say. 

Step number six:  Once he has done his business outside PRAISE HIM!  Bring extra special treats out with you to give to your dog.  At this time if your yard is fenced you may let him off leash and maybe play fetch or another favorite game as an extra reward.  Always give plenty of verbal praise with whichever reward you give.  If your dog does not eliminate after about 20 minutes, bring him in and put him in his crate or tie his leash to your waist.  Try again in another 20 minutes. 

Step number seven:  BE CONSISTENT!  Everyone in the house must take these steps each and every day.  If one person allows the dog to go in the house he will always go in the house. These methods are all positive reinforcement based non-physical methods that produce the desired result. Other methods involve punishment such as rubbing the dog’s nose in it or spraying him with water, I have found that these methods do not teach the dog not to go inside, only that sometimes you are grumpy.  Those methods also draw attention to the bad behavior, which may actually encourage the dog to do it just to get attention (even scolding is attention). It is always better to make any learning experience positive for the dog. The only time he may be corrected (verbally “NO!”) is if you catch him in the act.  Otherwise clean it up and don’t make a big deal out of it, if you ignore mistakes in the house the dog will be less likely to make them.

RECAP: 1.CONFINE WHEN NOT SUPERVISED – in a crate or puppy-proof room.  2.FOOD AND WATER SCHEDULE – Feed your dog at the same times every day.  3.ELIMINATION SCHEDULE – Take the dog out at the same times every day: First thing in the morning, before and after each meal, last thing before bed and any other time he may commonly need to go out.  4.SAME SPOT EVERY SINGLE TIME – We’re talking within a square foot or around a certain tree.  5.ASSOCIATION WORDS – “Go Potty!” and use a happy voice too.  6. PRAISE – Treats, play, a favorite toy, and a high-pitched “Good Dog!” “Good Potty!”  7.CONSISTENCY – Everyone must have the same rules so the dog does not get confused.

TIP #1:  When cleaning up a doggy mess, use a product designed to neutralize pet odors, such as Nature’s Miracle or Simple Solution, I have had clients tell me that Gonzo also works great.

TIP #2:  If your dog doesn't seem to send a clear signal to you that he has to go out, hang a small bell from the door knob of the door that you take him out of.  Each time you take him outside, ring the bell and then open the door as usual.  After a week or so, your dog will ring the bell himself to alert you that he has to go!

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