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Dog House Training in 7 Steps
When you adopt a new dog, it is essential that you introduce
consistent potty training rules. Dog house training may sound
difficult, but if you follow these seven simple rules, you will
quickly have a house-trained dog.
STEP ONE: KEEP A JOURNAL
It is essential when puppy potty training that you know how
often your dog needs to relieve himself. If your dog's routine
is stable, he will usually have a consistent bathroom routine.
Record what time they went and what business they did. Figure
out how long they are holding it. That is your baseline. It is
important during this time that you feed your dog on a schedule.
Don't leave the bowl of kibble on the ground, or it will be
difficult to predict accidents.
STEP TWO: USE YOUR CRATE
A crate is an invaluable tool for puppy potty training. Now that
you have established a baseline with your journal, you know how
long your dog can hold it. He can probably hold it longer
through the night, but don't expect a puppy to hold it longer
than 4-6 hours.
STEP THREE: TAKE HIM OUT
When you are house-training your dog, you must always go outside
with him to see that he goes. Walk him (don't carry him) out the
door you eventually want him to use to alert you. This will
build a routine. Once he does his business, wait a few more
minutes. Most puppies will go again almost immediately. You will
learn your puppy's routine. Any time he does his business
outside, praise him and give him a treat or fun game.
STEP FOUR: HOUSE FREEDOM OR CRATE?
If your pup does his business, he may have house freedom. Of
course, this should be supervised, but if he can hold it one
hour, he should get 55 minutes of freedom playing with you or
just following you around the house. If he does not, he must go
back in his crate. Take him out in another half hour or so to
try again. Once he does his business, he has earned house
freedom.
STEP FIVE: REPEAT
Once that 55 minutes (adjust to fit your dog) has elapsed, it is
time to start all over again. Take him outside and wait for him
to do the appropriate business. If he does, give him a reward
and allow him house freedom. If he does not, he goes back in his
crate.
STEP SIX: PREVENTING ACCIDENTS
Your dog should never be running free in the house without you.
If you cannot supervise, put him in his crate. You can't punish
for accidents after the fact because dogs don't learn that way.
If you see him start to show the signs, such as sniffing,
turning in a circle or squatting, start clapping your hands and
rush him out the designated door. Don't get angry, just act
urgent. Once he gets outside, reward him for going.
STEP SEVEN: PUTTING IT ON CUE
If you would like to hurry your dog along, put bathroom on cue.
To do this, wait until he is going and give your command, such
as "do your business." Then praise and reward. Repeat this
several times to give your dog the chance to associate the words
with the action. Then give your dog the cue before he goes. If
he does, give him a jackpot reward of several treats. If you
expect your dog to relieve himself on walks, don't start the
walk until after he has done his business. Walks are a great
reward!
As with most training behaviors, consistency is the key. If you
follow these seven simple steps, your dog will be house broken
in only a few weeks.
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