Easy Steps To Housetraining Your Dog

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     If there was only one thing the typical dog owner could teach his/her dog it would most likely be housetraining. Let's face it, none of us enjoy cleaning up after our pets - and the bigger they are the bigger their messes. Sadly, the smells linger and the stains are difficult to completely eliminate. This is a very frustrating topic for many dog owners. Most of these individuals will tell you that after trying everything they finally gave up on ever getting their pet housebroken.

The good news is almost any dog can be housebroken. The steps listed in this article are proven to work but they have to be followed consistently to be effective.

One of the most basic methods of housebreaking a dog is with the use of a crate. First I want to say that although I do not advocate this technique, simply because I do not like the idea of confining a pet in a crate, I will admit that this method works - in fact, it is almost fail-proof.

To use this method you will need a crate or kennel. The idea behind the routine is to keep your pet confined in his space - a space that he will not want to 'go potty' in because it is his space. You will need to insure that the kennel is large enough for your dog to be comfortable, and make it a cozy space.

Watch your pet closely. Keep in mind that puppies need to 'go' more often than older dogs. Just as you would with a small toddler that you were potty training, you will need to take your pet out to potty after a nap, after play, after a meal, and at various other times.

Each time your pet does as you want, which is relieving himself where you want him to, you should lavish him with praise or reward him somehow. If you choose to give your dog a treat you will need to keep in mind that treats include calories that will add up - and oftentimes these calories are not necessarily nutritious.

If you choose not to use a crate you can still use a variation of the same method and it will be just as effective - but more effort will be required on your part. You will need to keep the dog with you - in most cases you will want the pet in the same room at all times. Use the same intervals to take your pet to the appropriate spot to relieve himself. It's a good idea to have a code word for what you want your pet to do, and it's important to remember that there will probably be times that other people will be around when you use this word.

Taking your pet to the same spot helps the dog make an association with the spot and the activity. This is true whether you are using a puppy pad or a spot outdoors.

With a little effort your dog will be housebroken in a short amount of time. The important thing is not giving up. If you do you will be back where you started and the task will be more difficult than before.