6 Great Tips To Toilet Train Your Dog

One of the toughest jobs that a family faces when a new puppy comes home is getting the dog housebroken, which is essentially training your dog to urinate and defecate outdoors and not use your home and furnishings as a toilet. Many people think that toilet training your dog is a tough task, but it doesn’t need to be. If you arm yourself with relevant information on the best ways to get your dog house trained, you are on the right path to having a dog that goes to the bathroom where you want him to go.

When to House Train

A dog can be toilet trained at any age, but it is recommended to begin toilet training between the ages of eight and twelve weeks old. If you set up a housebreaking routine as soon as you bring your puppy home, it will get the right idea of where to do his business soon enough. A crate is a great tool for toilet training a puppy. It keeps it confined when there is no supervision and most dogs learn quickly that if they make their business in the allocated crate, they will have to sit in it. Most dogs are fairly hygienic and won’t enjoy having to sit in dog excrement.

The Advantages of Using a Crate

Be sure that there is enough room in the crate for your pup to turn around, but don’t leave so much room that he will be able to eliminate and lie down far away from it. Many dog owners view a crate as a jail cell or use it as punishment, but your dog will love having his own space where he can escape from the hustle and bustle of the household for some quiet time. Make your dog’s crate a happy place and don’t use it for punishment. You can feed your dog in the crate, or while he is in there, offer him some treats. Place a favorite chewy or toy in there with him, add blankets and he will have a cozy den to escape to whenever he feels the need. Utilizing a crate for your dog can keep him out of trouble and not only in housebreaking.

Keep Your Eyes Peeled

Keeping a close eye on your puppy is vital in getting him properly housetrained. Whenever you see that he is sniffing, circling or beginning to squat, immediately take him outside to the place where you want him to go and see if he eliminates. If he does, praise him lavishly. A good idea is to have a cue, such as “hurry up” so that your puppy knows what you want him to do. When he is going to the bathroom repeat the cue and then give your dog lots of praise for a job well done. It is better to take the dog out and nothing happens then take a chance of an accident happening.

Have a Schedule

Feeding, cleaning and walking your dog on a regular schedule will make housebreaking that much easier. Puppies are like children and they thrive on a routine. Try to take your dog out around the same time everyday so they can adjust their bodily functions. The first thing you should do in the morning is take the puppy from the crate and don’t let his feet touch the ground. Bring him to the place where you want him to go, give the cue, and praise upon a successful completion. Take your puppy out at least every two hours, after eating or drinking and especially after play. Before you know it, your puppy will be letting you know it is time to go out and do his business.

Don’t Let the Puppy Roam

Letting your puppy roam around the house is a sure way to have accidents. If you decide you don’t want to use a crate, and even if you do use one, confining the dog to certain areas of the house can make housetraining easier. It is difficult to keep track of a puppy when he has the run of the house, but if you gate him in the kitchen, he will still be able to be part of the action and can be better supervised.

Don’t Get Discouraged

There will be times when you first begin housetraining where you feel your pup is just not getting it. He may have accidents in the house. There is no need to be discouraged. If you stick to your routine, keep a good eye on your dog and make frequent outings to his outdoor bathroom, in no time your puppy will be toilet trained. Another good idea is to use the same door all the time when you are taking him out so that when he has to go, he will scratch on the door to be let out. Once this happens, you will know that your puppy truly is beginning to understand that going to the bathroom in the house is a no-no.