How to Housebreak a Dog Quickly

My boy and girl!

New dogs are a joy but training can be a pain, this guide will break it down and make housebreaking your dog one of the easiest parts.

Things You'll Need

• A dog
• A crate large enough for your dog to stand and turn around comfortably
• Some patience

Instructions

1. Housebreaking a dog is most similar to potty training a child. It is different than teaching your dog to do tricks such as rolling over or retrieving slipper because not urinating or defecating in their living space is normal behavior for any healthy dog. The problem with your house is that it is too big, the dog sees only part of it as proper living space which leaves the remainder of your home suitable for use as a toilet. The biggest problem I see with owners of new dogs is not that their training methods are off or that they are doing anything wrong, the biggest problem I typically notice is a lack of consistency or dedication to sticking to the training method. One has to remember that dogs are super specific learners and lapses in training throw them off much more than they would a person because they have difficulty generalizing the meaning of the training from the actual methods or day-to-day course of training. So when your dog is brought outside and rewarded for doing his or her business outside on Thursday that doesn't mean that they know on Friday that they have to wait until you take them outside to find a suitable place to potty. Unfortunately, the guest bedroom is as far removed from your dog's living space as is the outdoors.
   To properly housebreak I recommend two important factors, the first is confinement for the periods while your dog is not with you. The second is consistency on your part while you are home with your new dog. If you want your dog to be housebroken quickly these two things are very irreplaceable

2. The thought of leaving your dog confined while your away can be hard on a lot of pet owners, it seems mean to crate them for an entire day. To answer that I often remind people that dogs are simply domesticated wild animals and their counterparts, wolves, live in dens that are nothing more than small dug out areas that they use as shelter. Making your dog's crate into a place where they feel safe is paramount to making the entire training process a success. For that reason I never suggest crating your dog as punishment or forcing them into the crate, rather take the time to coax them into the crate gently and reward them every time they enter the crate. For difficult dogs feeding them in the crate with the door open can be helpful. The reason for the confinement is that most dogs will not urinate or defecate in their living space and a confined living space is ideal at this point. Remember to leave food and water in the crate for your dog. If you are going to be leaving the dog alone for more than eight hours at a time you may want to think about having someone stop by and let the dog out. This person would also have to be taught the way in which you treat your dog when they are brought outside to potty.

3. When you are home and have your dog with you out of the crate aim to take the dog outside once every two to three hours, this is difficult but remember that time spent doing it right now means you won't have to worry as much in a week. (I have had success with this method in as little as three days) Take the dog outside and wait patiently for five minutes, do not play with the dog or even speak to them except to tell them to go make. If the dog does urinate or defecate (they won't every time) reward them with play and if you like a treat. Be sure to reward them every time they potty outside. Do not play with them on the times you take them out to use the bathroom but feel free to take them outside to play and if while out there playing the dog uses the bathroom, praise them and reward them well.

4. Finally do not punish your dog for accidents, you wouldn't rub a toddler's face in their dirty underwear and from a learning perspective your dog is no different. Accidents will happen and the best way to deal with them in my opinion is to immediately bring your dog outside and if they finish going to the bathroom outside, praise them. If they do not just sit with them for a few minutes and take them outside in two hours time.
   A dog is a wonderful addition to any home but just like anything they require maintenance and work. A few hours of work everyday for the first week will save you hours of cleaning and frustration in the weeks to come.