Depending on your situation, you’ll have to make some decisions concerning
where you want your dog to eliminate.
Before we continue, let me give you some important pieces of advice. Puppies
between 8 and 10 weeks old go through a fear period. During that time, it is
extremely important not to overly correct your puppy.
It is also important to let him experience new things at his own pace. Don’t
force him to do things. Instead encourage him with some “gooood boy” (or “goood
girl”) every time your puppy tries something new. If he does something he’s not
supposed to, like chewing on a chair leg, just distract him and give him an
acceptable chew toy.
If you have an older dog who is afraid of everything, follow the same principles. Go slowly,
never force your dog to do something is not comfortable with, but mostly don't forget to praise and
reward him when he has the courage to try something new.
To achieve success in housebreaking, you have to be or get prepared. You have to set up a specific
place for your dog to speed up his progress. You also have to choose a spot
where you’ll want your puppy or dog to eliminate. For example, when I
choose a "toilet zone" in my backyard, I make sure it's not too
close from the street so my puppy won't get too distracted and forget what
he's supposed to do: eliminate!
Anyone who possesses the necessary tools can do dog housebreaking. These tools
consist of knowing what to do and then have the patience and perseverance to see
it through. If you start housebreaking a dog or puppy, do so for a few weeks and then give up, you will be very
frustrated with what happens. Your dog will become very confused and thus will
continue to eliminate where he pleases, and will only occasionally go where you
want him to eliminate.
I'd like to give you another huge tip on the topic of praise and scolding.
You may say a quick, deep, "No," when your puppy or dog starts eliminating in the wrong
place, but stop there. If you start hitting or rubbing your dog's nose in the
mess, you will only intimidate your puppy.
Your dog may then become frightened of you or aggressive toward you, and
your whole training process is now about regaining trust. Always praise your
dog for doing the right thing. You may give treat rewards as well if you like,
but make sure you give them right away or your dog may not associate the treat
with doing the right thing.
Here's what another dog owner just like you had to say about the Definitive Guide to Housebreaking a Dog:
Nathalie,
I just wanted to thank
you for your help. We have had Lady (an English Cocker Spaniel) for a
little more six months. She is the cutiest dog but she constantly is peeing
and pooping in the house. We tried crating her while we went to work (we are
both teachers) and when we would get home, she would have gone in the crate
and was a mess. We started just leaving her in the master bathroom and that
was a little better. However, she would continue to go throughout the whole
house. It was driving me nuts.
I told my wife and girls (ages 10 and
5) we had to do something or the dog was going to go. That is when I decided to go online and
research. I saw your book and
decided to give it a try.
Would you believe, after using
your procedures the very first day, she did not mess the house once!
I taught the procedures to all my family and now we are seeing the
results.
Thanks again, Mike Sanford,
Fl
Tomorrow, you'll discover how a simple leash can accelerate
housebreaking.
Happy housetraining, Nathalie Lafleur www.dog-housetraining.com
To Order the Definitive Guide to Housebreaking a Dog, simply
click here
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