George
Veterinary Clinic
| The Key to house training a puppy or adult dog is to be present when the dog needs to go out. A puppy does not have the ability to hold its bladder until 16-20 weeks of age. Do not expect a young dog to get your attention when it's time to go. There is a general "three time rule" for young dogs having to go outside:
The most important rule of any type of training is showing your dog what you expect of them and then praising them for any behavior you want repeated. You must be present, which means keeping your eye on the dog and making sure the dog eliminates outside. The more you dog eliminates outside and is praised for doing so, the more comfortable the dog will be going outside instead of eliminating inside. Feeding your dog at scheduled times is very important. Leaving food down for your dog will not only cause irregular elimination, but will create a fussy eater. Only allow your dog to drink water when you are at home. Pick up all water at early evening to ensure the dog will go through the night without eliminating. Keep evening time "quiet time" with your dog, and they will not require hydration before bedtime. Keep your dog in a crate at night in a small enough space that the dog can stand and turn around. Keep the crate near your bed or close enough that you can hear the dog so you can take him out if he whines or cries. This will help the dog learn to signal you when he needs to go. Avoid making mistakes. Once you begin house training your dog, if an accident occurs, it is not the dog's fault. The dog will only eliminate in the house if you leave the opportunity open. Take the time to do it right. Once you have the dog on an elimination schedule, you are home free. You will find your dog becoming more and reliable. Soon you will see most dogs exhibiting cues when it's time to go. You must praise your dog for stopping negative behavior instead of punishing the dog for doing the negative behavior. Do not set your dog up for failure.
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