House Training A Puppy 2

House training your puppy is never a straightforward process. If originally your puppy has been brought up in less than ideal conditions (Where the young dog has had no room to toilet and has used its sleeping quarters instead) then unfortunately the problem is going to continue. You have to find an answer, and quickly, to this type of situation.

The majority of puppies will not toilet where they are sleeping. However if your puppy is not obeying this rule then you have to try and overcome this inbuilt habit. With normal house training you have to be vigilant most of the time, but with this kind of problem you have to watch your puppy in a more intensive way. It is not easy and requires a lot of time and patience.

One simple method is to keep him in within reach all the time. You can do this by attaching a line or strong cord to his collar; the other end must be fastened to your belt or anywhere on your body so that it does not interfere with your puppy or you. It is like an umbilical cord between the two of you. This method is very restrictive and time consuming, but great results can be achieved if you stay with it.

If your puppy has learned to toilet on a totally different surface from that which you have in and around your home, then you will have to retrain him. For example he may have learnt to go on concrete instead of a combination of grass, concrete and soil.

Most breeders do not have the time to train their puppies in the art of toilet training. Having to solve this problem yourself will require a lot of perseverance and being constantly vigilant. Usually during the first week of house training and while you are making a determined effort, you will probably notice that he has a preference for one area of your garden or backyard. This is normal.

It will be up to you to show your dog where he needs to go. You can do this by fencing off a certain area of your yard or backyard that you want him to use. Getting him out of these bad habits will not be easy. But you will have to persist until he realizes that he cannot win. Pack leaders should always know best.

People who live in apartments or small houses have a greater problem. You will have to train your dog to either use a wee pad or a litter tray. This method is more difficult to teach. In a normal situation, while outdoors, your puppy would run around sniffing and the scent he picks up would help to stimulate him to toilet. However with being indoors all the time this does not happen.

You will have to come up with a method of getting your puppy interested in investigating the litter tray. This may take time, but if you want a puppy that is well behaved you will have to persevere. You may find it helpful to use puppy pads. These are pads or blankets made of an absorbent material on one side and plastic on the other. They come in different sizes and are impregnated with a special scent that encourages your puppy or dog to use them instead of elsewhere in your home.

If you are unsure of where to lay the pads begin with them across a wider area than you require and then gradually reduce the area. Your puppy will eventually use the particular pad you have left for him. Then simply lay the remaining pad in the litter tray and this will encourage your puppy to use this particular spot.

However it must not end here, you must also train your dog to use grass. You will need him to use grass when you are out walking. You can encourage him to do this by using the soiled litter and placing it in the exact spot you want your puppy to use. This is assuming that you have a lawn or grassy area available.

There are bound to be mistakes; that is the name of the game. Make training your puppy fun and your puppy will learn faster. Make sure that only one of you teaches him the house training technique, so as not to confuse him.

Your puppy will test your patience, temper and determination. If you want to be his pack leader, then you will have to learn how he operates. A puppy is naturally inquisitive, full of mischief and fun. It is all up to you to make the experience of house training your puppy a worthwhile

Ian Nicholson lives in the UK and has been around dogs for over fifty years. He has worked in veterinary medicine, animal nutrition and livestock farming. He is offering a free e-book "7 Proven Steps To Better Older Dog Health" at http://www.choosebestdogbreed.com