Housebreak Your Dog in a Week
Housebreaking a puppy in 7 days or less can be a difficult task, especially for older dogs that are stubborn and set in their ways. However, it is possible to train both puppies and adult dogs with consistent training methods and praise. Using the tips and techniques provided below, your dog can learn to use the bathroom outdoors in as little as a week.
Commit to Proper Supervision
For this housebreaking method to be effective, you will need someone to supervise the dog for the duration of the week. This may mean that the dog has to stay in a cage during the day while you work and be watched carefully during the evening hours. While the dog is being supervised, observe for signs that may indicate the dog needs to use the bathroom. These may include sniffing the floor, walking in circles, whining, crying, barking or standing at the door. Once you figure out how the dog lets you know he needs to go outside, use this to your advantage and pick up on the signs before an accident occurs.
Take the Dog Out Regularly
The dog should be placed on a bathroom routine and brought out at the same times each day. Puppies typically need to be brought out a minimum of every two hours. Adult dogs are able to hold it for at least four hours. It’s best to bring your dog out after eating, drinking, sleeping and playing.
Each morning before doing anything else, bring your dog outdoors and wait until he or she goes. This may take time and patience but it’s important to hold out until they go. Before going into the cage for the day, bring the dog out again. When returning home, after dinner and again before bed, the dog should be brought out and allowed time to use the bathroom.
If you do not plan to get up in the middle of the night to let the dog out, provide a doggy door or puppy pads so that the dog can relieve themselves during the night. Dogs should not have free reign of the house while you are asleep and should be kept in a cage or in one room, preferable with tile floors for easy cleaning in case of accidents.
Use Praise and/or Treats
Whenever your dog successfully uses the bathroom outdoors, it’s important to provide praise so that the dog understands that they did something good. Dogs love to please their owners and when a pet owner provides praise or gives their dog a treat for using the bathroom outdoors, they will enjoy the feeling and continue the good habit. If the dog happens to have an accident in the house, and they will, it’s important not to scorn or punish the dog. Simply ignore the behavior and do not look the dog in the eye and walk away. They will soon realize that this behavior will not earn them any of your attention and move on to activities that will gain them attention.
Remove the Dogs Water at Night
After 8 PM each night, pick up the dogs water bowl and do not allow access to any water source in the home. Similar to potty-training a child, a dog should not have water during the night as they might not be able to hold it until the next morning, causing unintentional accidents. After bringing your dog out in the morning, be sure to replace their water bowl along with their breakfast.
Housebreaking a Dog
When housebreaking a dog, don’t expect to be successful right away. The process of housebreaking a puppy in 7 days or less may not always work. It can possibly take as long as a few months. Dogs under the age of 6 months have little control over their bladder and therefore have occasional accidents. It’s important to stay consistent during the housebreaking process and do not give up. Your dog can sense your frustration and this can slow down their progress. With the tips and techniques provided above, you can have your puppy or dog housetrained in no time at all.
Resources
www.raisingspot.com/training/housebreaking-dog
