How to Housebreak A New Dog

Housebreaking a dog is more than just getting the dog to relieve himself in the right place and at the right time. It includes this, but it also involves his entire behavior in the house. He must learn things like what rooms he is allowed to enter and what places he is not allowed to lie on.

A new dog can wear out his welcome fast when the owner finds out he urinated on the carpet. (A more exhaustive list of dog behavior problems is available in How I Trained My Dog in One Evening.) Of course, if he is a young pup, he can’t help it. If he has go to, he goes. It’s natural. Therefore, the training process must begin as soon as possible.

If you got your pup when he was eight weeks old, you got him at the ideal time. But remember, the dog usually can’t control the urinating muscles until he is about twelve weeks old. This underlines how important it is to take your dog outside often during the first days of ownership. Especially get him out a short time after a meal. Every hour would be good for the first few days at least. When he goes in the proper place, reward him with voice and treats.

When the pup goes in the right place (outside or in a designated box indoors), be sure to praise him profusely. You might even give him a favorite dog biscuit. This assures the pet that he is pleasing you. So, often opportunities and much praise will reinforce his acceptable behavior.

Perhaps your dog is not welcome in every area of the house. For example, you may not want a black shedding dog on the white couch! Perhaps the dog is to stay out of your bedroom or at least off of your bed. Your pet must understand these rules.

Consistency and patience, say the best dog training ebooks, are the keys to such training. So your dog is found sleeping on your bed, a forbidden place. Scold him, speak to him clearly that this is not allowed, and pull him off immediately! You must do this consistently until he learns this is not allowed. Don’t make exceptions for this will only confuse him.

If the dog trespasses when you are not watching, but never when you are watching, he may be displaying a stubborn (and tricky) streak. One family made it clear their dog was not welcome on the furniture. When they came home and felt the warm spot on the softest chair, they knew the dog was violating the rules. In such cases, perhaps you need to trick the dog into thinking you are gone when really you are watching. Then when you catch him trespassing, a rap with a folded paper and a scolding will demonstrate to him that he dare not ever cross the line.

Most dogs like to please their masters. Therefore, when the dog doesn’t jump onto the couch, or enter the forbidden room, words of praise should be poured on. Let him know he has done very well to control his urge to join the group. But if you give in and let him into a forbidden area, then the dog has won and has really trained you.

Hope you enjoyed this article. Learn more tips and read reviews of top dog training books at http://www.dogtrainingbible.net.