pets_492x3251Truly house trained dogs will never eliminate in the house, no matter what, until you take them out to specifically do so (excluding medical conditions). The concept is the dog should be able to eliminate on a schedule set for them.

There are four critical elements to reliable housetraining: 1) use a crate, 2) establish a schedule with reasonable expectations, 3) be disciplined, and 3) use proper methods for cleaning up accidents. Follow these guidelines and housetraining can be achieved in 7-21 days with most dogs eight weeks and older.

Crate Training |
Use a crate for safe confinement when you can’t provide 100% supervision. Proper sizing of the crate is very important. The dog should have just enough room to stand and turn around. Normally, dogs are fastidious and don’t want to lay in their own soil. If they have too much space, they can eliminate in one area and move away from it.

Schedule|
Establish a consistent schedule for mealtimes and walking; do not free feed. Set reasonable expectations considering the age of the dog. Puppies and seniors require more frequent breaks. Do not provide food or water within 2-3 hours of bedtime to lessen the chance they’ll need to go overnight. Take the dog out on leash so you can learn to recognize their individual behavior/body language for urination or defecation.

Discipline|
Set the dog up for success by being disciplined enough to actually follow your plan. While indoors, the dog is under direct supervision or crated until fully trained. If you observe signs the dog needs to eliminate (e.g. intense sniffing or circling), startle the dog to break their concentration, hook on a leash and hustle them outdoors. Provide a command, then after the dog eliminates in the area you want, give them tons of praise.

Clean Up|
Dogs’ noses are sensitive and they can find any spot where they previously eliminated so it’s critical to use the right type of cleaner.
The only types that work include an enzyme solution, e.g. Nature’s Miracle or Simple Solution. The enzymes in these products actually detect and consume the urinary or fecal molecules so the dog can no longer smell it. Enzyme cleaners are not intended to spray and wipe up immediately so read the label for specific instructions. Do not draw attention to clean up or you may inadvertently reward the dog for eliminating indoors.

Note: Never reprimand or punish the dog after an accident. Dogs are incapable of associating the scolding with the accident and it may create fear or anxiety. Find the technique most comfortable to you and your pet, and housetraining your pet won’t be a chore.

Pauline Houliaras is a resident of Canton, Certified Professional Dog Trainer and co-owner of Doghouse Girls, a local dog walking, training and pet sitting service. [www.doghousegirls.com]