How to House Train a Dog

A dog is a man's best friend. But if they're not properly trained, dogs can also be royal pains in the neck. Probably the most common issue that dog owners face with their pets is accidents in the house. Here are six easy steps to prevent accidents so that you can enjoy your dog to the fullest.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Get a crate or kennel for the dog. Make it a welcoming place by putting your dog's favorite chew toys in there. A crate is a good place to put the dog when you are not able to supervise him. Dogs instinctively try to keep their sleeping area clean, so the chances of an accident in a kennel are greatly reduced.

2. Set up a regular feeding schedule. Dogs, especially puppies, need to go to the bathroom about 30 minutes after they eat. Having a regular food and water schedule will help you to establish a regular bathroom schedule.

3. Take the dog out at the same time of day, several times a day. Take her out every time she gets out of the crate, every time you get home, right after waking up, after eating and right before bed. Take the dog out every time she stands at the door.

4. Take the dog to the same spot every day. The dog will quickly learn that this is where he should go to the bathroom, and he will recognize his smells in that spot.

5. Praise her profusely every time she goes to the bathroom in the proper spot.

6. Be patient and consistent. As hard as it may seem, you must follow the routine every time, every day. Your dog needs that consistency to learn, and it will pay off when you have an accident-free home.

Tips & Warnings

• Give the dog a treat and praise him when he goes into his crate.
• If you find the dog going to the bathroom in the house, immediately scold him and take him to the proper area. Praise him when he goes in the right place.
• Don't punish your dog when you find that she had an accident in the house. She won't learn, and she will just be afraid of you.

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