House Training A Dog Archives

How To Housetrain Your Yorkie Puppy

Housetraining A Yorkie puppy can be easier than you think!

Housetraining your new Yorkie puppy doesn’t have to be difficult.   The key to any kind of dog training is repetition and consistency.  Choose one training method and stick to it!

A Schedule Is Important

With a puppy, it’s important to either take her outside to potty every hour, or set your puppy on her house training pad
This is necessary because a puppy’s bladder is immature.  She just can’t hold it for very long, so don’t expect her to.

Be sure to take her out or set her 0n her training pad after meals, too, since eating often stimulates a puppy’s bowels.

When your puppy actually does her business, either outside, or on the training pad, praise her and let her know you’re very happy with her.  Your Yorkie puppy wants to please you, and your praise will encourage her to keep trying.

Remember that she will have a few accidents.  This is to be expected, but you don’t want it to become a habit.

One Person Should Be In Charge Of Housebreaking Your Puppy

If too many people are involved, it’s easy to forget who was supposed to take the puppy out.   If someone forgets, the puppy can very quickly get in the habit of going in the house, which is a hard habit to break.  Avoid this problem by having only one person in charge of housetraining.

Your puppy will learn very quickly who to go to when she needs to go out.

Remember That Your Puppy Can’t Read Your Mind

You need to teach your puppy what you expect of her.  She wants to please you by doing what you want her to do, but she can’t do it if you don’t let her know what you want.

This is why keeping to a schedule is so important.  Understand that potty time is not playtime.  Your puppy is outside for a reason.  Train her to go quickly, and come back in right away.  This will prevent you having to wait around outside with her for a half hour on a cold night when you’d rather be snug and warm inside.

Housetraining is an essential part of puppy training.   Make it a pleasant experience for both you and your Yorkie puppy by remembering to be consistent, and by giving her lots of praise when she does what you want.

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House Training A Weimaraner — Eight Tips

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Eight Tips For House Training A Weimaraner

When you bring home your new weimaraner puppy, there are three things you should start working on right away.  The first is puppy socialization.  The second is basic obedience training.  And the third, and probably the most important, is house training.

Nobody wants a housepet that leaves messes behind wherever it goes.  In fact, many dogs are euthanized every year, simply because they have never been properly housetrained.

It’s up to you, as the owner, to teach your weimaraner good bathroom habits, right from the start.  Here are eight tips that can help.

1.  Puppies Can’t Hold It For Very Long

Remember that puppies have immature bladders.  They just aren’t capable of holding their urine for very long.

Give your puppy a break, and make sure you take her outside or set her on her training pad at least once every hour.

Sometimes dogs have trouble holding their urine because they have canine urinary tract infections or canine diabetes.  An older pet who suddenly becomes incontinent should have a vet check-up as soon as possible.

 2.  Keep An Eye On Your New Pet

Whether your pet is a puppy, or an older dog, be sure to keep an eye on her for the first few days.  It may take her a week or so to settle in, and you want to be sure she understands where she’s supposed to go potty.  You don’t want her slipping into a bedroom or closet to do her business, so it’s best to keep doors to other rooms closed for a few days.  Once the habit of going in the house is established, it’s very hard to break.

 3.  Watch Out For Signs That She Needs To Go

All dogs will do certain things to tell you that they need a bathroom break.  If she’s acting restless, walking in circles, or just sniffing around, take her outside immediately.  If she’s already started to go, get her outside right away so she can finish up out there.

4.  Take Her Out Regularly

You should let your weimaraner out as soon as she wakes up, either first thing in the morning, or after a nap.  Also take her out after she eats or drinks, or if she’s acting nervous or excited.  Let her out after a rousing play session, as well.

As mentioned above, don’t expect a puppy or an older dog to hold it too long.  You’re just asking for an accident.

Establishing a routine will make house training a weimaraner much easier.

5.  Feed Her On Schedule

Most animals need to go right after they eat.  If you feed your weimaraner at the same time every time, she’ll need to go out at the same time every day too, which makes it easier for both of you.

6.  Train Her To Let You Know When She Needs To Go

Your pet can be trained to tap your leg with her paw when she needs to go.  Avoid training her to bark as a signal, as excessive barking can become a big problem with dogs.

7.  Don’t Bring Her Back Inside Too Fast

Weimaraners and other dog love being outside.  Spend some time outside playing with her after she does her business.  She won’t delay going potty in order to stay outside longer because she’ll know that you’ll be playing with her instead.

8  Reward Her When She Does What You Want

When your weimaraner puppy urinates or defectates where you wanted her to, praise her and slip her a tasty treat.  She’ll figure out pretty quickly that doing what you want has a great payoff, which will make her want to do it again.

Repetition and consistency are very important when house training any dog.  A little effort now will pay off for years to come.

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Keep things positive when house training a puppy.

Keep things positive when house training a puppy.

When you’re house training a puppy, it’s easy to get too focused on the accidents that are bound to occur.  Your frustration level rises, and you scold your new puppy.

The saddest thing you’ll ever see is a puppy that’s been scolded.  He’ll hang his head, while seeming to shrink in front of you.  That little tail is tucked between his legs.  He’ll look at you with those big eyes, sadly wondering what he could have done to make you so upset.

And if you’re annoyed at him because he had an accident, he’s not only sad, but confused.

Are You Paying Attention To His Cues?

When a puppy has to go, he has to go NOW.  He can’t wait five minutes while you finish that computer game, or load the dishwasher, or for the next commercial on the TV.

Small children can’t wait to get to the potty, and neither can a puppy.  The reason is because his bladder is smaller, and he doesn’t have a lot of control over it yet.  It’s up to you to make sure he gets outside or to his puppy training pad on a regular schedule so he doesn’t have an accident.

Scolding him for an accident only shows him that it’s easy to make you mad.  He’s also learning that your love is conditional.  But he hasn’t learned anything about potty training, which is what you wanted him to learn.  See how easy it is to teach him what you don’t want him to learn?

Keep Puppy House Training Positive

The best way to train your new puppy is to use positive reinforcement.  Teach him what you want him to do by praising him for what he does right.  Your little buddy really wants to please you.  He’s so happy when you praise him, and lavish attention on him, that he wants to please you again so you’ll praise him again.  This is a cycle, but a good one!

With constant repetition of this cycle of positive reinforcement, puppy training becomes much easier.  He’s learning to associate pleasing you with good things happening to him.  But it’s up to you to make sure you keep him on a schedule to prevent pet stains and odors in the house.

Remember That Accidents Happen

Even an older, house-trained dog will have an accident now and then, especially if his normal routine is upset.  Moving to a new home, visitors, remodeling, and a new baby are only a few things that can cause a pet to break house training.  If you find he’s had an accident, clean it up without making a fuss.  Don’t scold him or rub his nose in it.

If he seems to favor a certain room for his potty activities, restrict his access to it by closing the door, or putting a baby gate across the opening.

If you’ve recently boarded your pet at a kennel, you may need to revisit his house training lessons.  Start with the crate training again, and keep track of when he goes.  This makes it easier to take him out at a time when he’s most likely to go, which reinforces the lesson.

Are Health Problems Causing Him To Have Accidents?

Certain health issues may cause your pet to have problems with house training.  You may not realize it, but puppy urinary tract infections are very common.  If your puppy just doesn’t seem to get house training, it could be because she has a  canine bladder infection.

Diarrhea in puppies will also cause him to have accidents in the house.  If you’re leaving canned food out for him, it can cause him to get sick.  Also make sure nobody is feeding him table scraps and stuff a dog shouldn’t eat.

Puppy training is much easier when he’s healthy.  Don’t scold him or punish him for things he can’t control.

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House training a puppy takes time and commitment.

House training a puppy takes time and commitment.

Puppy house training can be very challenging.  But there are very few dogs who really can’t be house trained.  Most of the time the problem lies with the owner.

As in all dog training, consistency is the key when house training a puppy.

How Long Will House Training Take?

That’s a good question.   The answer is, it takes as long as it takes.  If you’ve ever potty trained a child, you know that some kids catch on right away, while others just don’t seem to be interested.  Puppies are the same way.  Some will figure it out over the course of a few days, while it takes other dogs several months.

It’s important to realize that it’s up to you to teach your puppy what you want.  He doesn’t automatically know.  Puppies have an instinct to be clean, and not potty where they eat or sleep.  But the place he chooses to go probably won’t be where you want him to go.

Is It Easier To House Train An Older Dog Or A Puppy?

The jury’s out on this question.  Some people think an older dog is easier to train because he has developed enough bladder control that he he can hold it longer.  He may already have some house training experience, too.

Others feel that it’s easier to train a puppy because you don’t have any bad habits to overcome.  It really does depend on the dog.

What’s most important, though, is that you keep things positive to avoid  pet stains and odors.

Punishment Is Out

It used to be thought that whacking a dog with a rolled up newspaper when he had an accident in the house was the best way to train him.

All this does is to scare your puppy.  Unless you catch him in the act, the puppy won’t have a clue what he did wrong.  House training goes much better when he’s rewarded for doing what you want him to do.

Crate training is the preferred method for puppy training now.  As mentioned above, puppies don’t like to mess where they eat or sleep.  Confining your puppy to his crate takes advantage of this instinct.  You let him out every hour or so, and take him either outside, or to his puppy training pad right away.

But it’s important to stick to a schedule during the training period.  If you’re a free spirit who comes and goes whenever, this won’t work for puppy house training.

Your puppy needs to know that you’re going to keep your end of the bargain, and let him out on a regular schedule.  Otherwise, when he can’t hold it any longer, he’ll have to go in the crate.  And if he gets used to doing that, you’ve just made house training him much harder.

Make the commitment to house training your new puppy.  The time you put in now will make life easier and happier for both of you.  Plus you’ll be  building a life-long bond with your new companion.

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Crate training your puppy can make house training much easier.

Crate training your puppy can make house training much easier.

Puppy house training doesn’t have to be a long-drawn out, messy process.  In fact, it may be easier to train your new puppy than it is to train your teenager!

Puppies have an instinct to be clean.  They don’t want to eat or sleep in the same area where they potty.  Use this inborn instinct to your advantage when house training your puppy.

Your New Puppy Has A Lot To Learn

A puppy who has just been brought into your home will normally go through an adjustment period.  He’ s just left his mom and his litter mates.  Instead of having playmates constantly available, he’s suddenly an “only child” who has to wait for you to pay attention to him.

On the other hand, if you have several children, you puppy may be overwhelmed with the amount of attention he’s getting.  It’s easy for him to get overtired and stressed out.

Crate training is a good way to provide a puppy with his own space where he can rest and recharge his batteries.  It also takes advantage of his instinct not to make messes where he sleeps.

Consistency Is Important When House Training A Puppy

It’s best if one adult in the home is in charge of caring for your new pet.  You may find that you need need to train your family right along with your puppy!  Everyone must be working together, or it will be very difficult, if not impossible, to  house train him.

Only one person should be letting him out of his crate.  When he’s released, you need to take him outside or to his puppy training pad right away.  If he’s turned loose with no supervision, the inevitable result will be a mess.  And you’ll be missing out on a valuable training opportunity.

Put your puppy on a schedule right away.  A young dog should have a potty break at least once an hour.  He can’t hold it for too long.  If he you (or someone else) leaves him in there too long, he’s liable to potty in the crate.  Once he loses the instinct to stay clean, house training him will be more difficult.

Pet stains and odors don’t have to be part of life with your new puppy.  Be consistent with your training right from the start.  And take advantage of his natural instincts to make house training him easier.

Don’t you wish it was this easy to train your kids?

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Tips For House Training An Adult Dog

House training an older dog can be a challenge!

House training an older dog can be a challenge!

If you’re faced with house training an adult dog, you’ll need to be realistic.  House training an older dog takes just as much time and effort as house training a puppy does.  These dog training tips can make your job easier.

Your Dog Needs Time To Adjust To His New Home

It’s easy to think that because your new pet was potty trained in his former home, he’ll automatically be potty trained in your home as well.  This may not be the case.

Don’t make the mistake of assuming that he’ll automatically “know” what to do.  Your new pet is probably a little stressed from being in a new home.  It will take some time for him to adjust to his new surroundings.

Remember that you need to teach him what is acceptable behavior in your home.  His former owner may not have cared about him peeing on the floor.  Your dog needs to learn the ground rules in his new home.  Just assume that he’s a puppy who doesn’t know what’s what yet, and go from there.

Crate Training Older Dogs

In order to avoid pet stains and odors throughout your home, you may want to try crate training him, just as you would with a puppy.  Or keep him in a room where the floor is easily cleaned.

Put him on a schedule.  Take him out every hour or so for potty breaks.  When he does his business where he’s supposed to, pet him and praise him.

If he has an accident in the house, don’t yell or smack him with a newspaper.  His former owner may have done that, and if that’s the case, you’ll need to be extremely patient.  It will take time to win his trust.  Give him time to get comfortable in his new home.

Potty Training Tips For Dogs

Adult dogs can be quite discriminating in their potty locations.  It’s important to find a spot that’s not too close to where he plays, eats, or sleeps.  Once he finds the right place, take him to that particular location every time he goes out.

Pay attention to his elimination patterns.  If you know when he needs to go out, you can let him out before he has an accident in the house.

Set a schedule for meals.  He may not be used to this, so give him time to adjust to having an organized life.  Most dogs need to go after a meal, so let him out after he eats.

My Dog Is Lifting His Leg And Peeing In The House

The annoying dog behavior problem is quite common with adult males.  He’s marking his territory by urinating on it.  It’s very hard to break a dog of this habit.  Neutering him may help to stop this behavior.

Be Consistent

You CAN teach an old dog new tricks.  But you do have to be consistent.  House training an adult dog can be more of a challenge than training a puppy is, simply because he’s already learned certain habits.  By being consistent, it will be much easier for him to learn what you want him to do.

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Crate training a puppy is an easy way to house train your pup.

Crate training a puppy is an easy way to house train your pup.

Crate training for puppies is a very effective way to house train your new companion.
Like all animals, a dog won’t go to the bathroom in the same place where he sleeps or eats.  Which is why if your have your puppy’s training pad

Crate Training A Puppy

The idea behind crate training is that you are teaching him to be ready and willing to go when you say so.  A puppy who’s been in a crate for a short time will more than likely need to potty when you let him out.  That’s when you either take him outside, or set him on his training pad.

Keep in mind that you can’t leave your pup in the crate all day.  He won’t be able to hold it, and will go in the crate.  If this happens on a regular basis, he’ll lose his inborn instinct to go potty in a different place from where he sleeps.  Then you’ll really have problems house training him.

When crate training your puppy, you must be at home so you can keep an eye on how long he’s in the crate.  45 minutes is long enough between potty breaks when you start house training him.  As he begins to get the idea, extend the time he’s in the crate by about 15-20 minutes each time.

Keeping a log of how long he’s in the crate, and how often you take him out will help you monitor his progress.  You’ll also learn what time of day he needs to go, and how long he can go between potty breaks.

What Happens If He Has An Accident In The Crate?

If he makes a mess in his crate, always clean it up before you put him back in there.  Otherwise, as mentioned above, he could lose the instinct to be clean.

Never punish him for having an accident.  Just shorten the time between potty breaks.  If your dog doesn’t potty after several breaks, make it easy on yourself, and keep him in the kitchen or bathroom.

Be consistent about the time between potty breaks.  Don’t expect a puppy to go more than an hour and a half to two hours.  You want to reinforce the idea that he goes when you take him out of the crate, not while he’s in the crate.  When he does his business quickly, give him lots of praise.  Your dog wants your affection and approval, and when he gets it, he’ll respond quickly.

More Puppy Training Tips

You can combine house training your new puppy with leash training, as well.  When you take him out on his leash, give him five minutes to do his business.  This isn’t the time for aimless wandering.

You puppy will learn that short potty walks have a purpose, and that a casual walk is for fun.  Believe me, you’ll be happy you taught him this lesson when he wakes you up at 3 AM on a frosty morning needing to go out!

Don’t distract a dog with a full bladder by playing with him, or getting him excited.  This is a sure recipe for an accident.  Instead, after he potties successfully, give him the run of the house for a short time.  He’ll learn that when he goes where you want him to go, he’ll be rewarded by having fun with the family.

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Puppy house training is essential!

Puppy house training is essential!

House breaking, house training, what’s the difference?  They mean the same thing, right?

Well, not exactly.  There’s a big difference in attitude associated with these two words.  Think about it.  “Housebreaking a puppy” is starting with the idea that you have to force your pup to learn to do his business outside.  You can do it that way, but it’s always best to keep things positive to prevent dog behavior problems later in life.

Start off on the right foot with the attitude that you’re going to train your puppy.  Instead of forcing your new companion to fit into your household, you’re going to teach him the best way to get along with everyone in your home.  And of course, getting along with everyone includes house training.

Puppy House Training Tips

Bringing your new puppy home is a great moment.  But now is not the time start paper training your puppy.  And swatting him when he messes up is a big mistake, too.

Look at this from your puppy’s viewpoint.  Suddenly he’s alone in a whole new place.  His mom and litter mates are nowhere to be seen.  There are new people, maybe small children squealing and jumping around, maybe a mean old cat, or another dog in the home.  That’s a lot for a young puppy (and even an older dog) to take in.

Your new puppy doesn’t have a clue where it’s okay to potty and where it isn’t.  Your job will be to teach him what areas are acceptable for this activity, and what areas are off-limits.

House Training A Puppy Takes A Lot Of Time

Keep your puppy close by, so you can keep an eye on him.  When you see him sniffing around, looking for a place to go, pick him up gently and say “no” without raising your voice.  Put him on his house training pad, or take him outside.  When he goes in the right place, give him lots of praise.

You’ll need to repeat this process in every room in the house.  Don’t allow him free run of the house yet.  You need to be able to keep an eye on him until he gets the idea.

Patience is the key.  You’ll probably be picking him up and taking him outside or to his potty area dozens and dozens of times before he gets the idea.  But he will.

Expect A Few Accidents

Even an older dog who is scared of a loud noise like a thunderstorm may have a potty accident.  So your puppy may break his training if he’s scared and alone.

Be on the alert for puppy bladder infections too.  A puppy with a urinary tract infection may find it impossible to hold his urine.  Female puppies are especially prone to this problem.

A sudden change in bladder habits can indicate a health problem, especially as your dog ages.   Canine diabetes is another condition that can cause incontinence in dogs.

Changes In Routine Can Cause House Training Accidents

If you have house guests, of course your routine changes.  And if you start a remodeling project, everything is a mess.  Now is when you really need to keep reinforcing those puppy potty training lessons.

Keeping a positive attitude, along with lots of patience, will lead to success in house training your puppy.


 

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