How to Pottytrain or Housebreak a Stubborn Dog

If you have a puppy who is proving difficult to pottytrain or if you have adopted an older dog who is not yet housebroken, this article is to help you out.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Newspaper or training pads
• Pet stain remover, like Pet Stain-Off or Nature's Miracles Stain & Odor Remover
• Potty box (optional)

1. Before you can begin effectively potty-training your dog, you must remove the odor from where she has gone previously. Your dog will always prefer to go in favorite spots.
   
   If the accident is on a hardwood floor on ceramic tile, use a floor cleaner like Orange Glo with a mop. Bleach works well on tile. A mixture of 1/2 water and 1/2 vinegar also cleans well for both hardwood floor and tile--but be sure to clean it well with water afterwards.
   
   If the accident is on carpeting, the job is much harder. A steam cleaner is helpful, but not essential. A spot remover, like Orek Pet Spot Remover for Carpets, will work. You can help neutralize the spot with the vinegar mixture. Sometimes, though, it takes a professional cleaner to remove a spot fully.
   
   If your dog has peed on the wall or along the baseboard, use a damp paper towel with a little soap or a disinfectant wipe.
   
   Naturally, any blankets or rugs that have been peed on must be washed, even if they are the dog's.
   
   If you sleep with your dog, use a mattress protector. It is very difficult to clean a mattress well.

2. For dogs difficult to train, expecting her to go outside is probably not feasible. Your dog may have a weak bladder or (particular to the Italian Greyhound breed) have an aversion to outdoor weather. If you work outside of the home, as most of us do, you cannot expect your dog to withhold using the restroom for nine or more hours.
   
   Doggie doors are available in all sizes, and may be an option for your dog. If your dog doesn't mind rain, snow, or excessive heat, the doggie door will allow him to go outside as many times as he requires.
   
   If you have an apartment or you don't wish to use a doggie door, designate an area for your dog to use the restroom. Many commercial potty boxes are now available. Potty boxes can cost hundreds of dollars, but a simple, durable plastic container will work just as well. If you have a male dog, consider getting a box with a small entry zone, to help eliminate spill-overs onto the floor.
   
   Place the potty box in an area that will always be accessible to your dog, but not too visible to guests. Placing the box in an area with ceramic tile or hardwood floor is best, in case of spills. Dogs will sometimes urinate around, rather than in, the potty box as they are learning to use it. Bathrooms and laundry rooms are ideal. Your dog only needs one potty box--having two places may confuse her into thinking she can use the restroom everywhere. Besides, one potty box is plenty to maintain.
   
   Potty boxes can be filled with newspaper, potty pads, special litter for dogs, or may come with simulated grass. The problem with dog litter is that some dogs eat it. Simulated grass can be messy. Potty pads are often not very absorbent, and cost a lot. Newspaper is both economical and efficient. Ask your neighbors to set aside their newspapers for you. You will be recycling and saving money at the same time.

3. Set meal times for your dog. Fresh water should be supplied all day. Whenever you are home, keep your dog on a leash close to you. He will tug when he needs to use the restroom. The more closely you watch your dog, the more able you will be to predict when your dog needs to go to the bathroom. All dogs have "tells" or certain signs demonstrating they need to go, such as anxiousness, restlessness, sniffing, and circling.
   
   If leashing isn't practical, listen for when your dog laps up water, and place him in the potty box at five minute intervals (or three minute intervals, if you have the time). You can encourage a male dog not to squat on the edge by repositioning him once he is in the box.
   
   Keep a handful of healthy treats in your pocket (meat should be the first ingredient) so that you will have one ready if he goes. Do not use a loud or high-pitched voice to praise your dog, as this may confuse him.
   
   When your dog does have an accident, clean it up immediately. Place your dog in the potty box. Do not use angry words or yell as you take your dog to the potty box; you will be teaching your dog to fear the box. Remain calm and ignore your dog or crate her for five minutes.

4. When you are not home, don't crate your dog. Crating a dog does not allow for the natural playing and sleeping cycles to take place. Dogs typically become active once every two hours. In a crate, they are confined to sleeping and waiting. Instead, place your dog in a restroom or laundry room with the potty box. Don't place a blanket or plush toys in the area at this point, as your dog may pee on them.

5. Some breeds and temperaments of dogs require more patience than others. Italian greyhounds, for example, often remain unhousebroken for several years. Educate yourself about your breed of dog. Research the breed on the internet, but also talk to people who have owned your breed. How have they housebroken their dog? What worked for them?
   
   There is no easy way to potty train a stubborn dog, but the more time you can put into the process initially, the more fruitful your efforts will be. If you can spend a solid two weeks keeping your dog leashed to your side, you will find the time well worthwhile. Ultimately, your bond with your dog and your perseverance will see you through.

Tips & Warnings

• Research a breed of dog BEFORE you buy or adopt. A breed may have a known reputation for being nearly impossible to potty train.
• If you have an extra shower sitting low to the ground, you can set the newspaper directly inside the shower. Once the newspaper is soiled, you can remove the paper, and run the shower to clean any urine that dripped over.
• Pick one location for your potty box and do not move it if at all possible.
• Keep the paper in the potty box clean, or your dog may not use it.
• Never rub your dog's nose in its defecation. You will be training your dog to eat its poop.
• Do not physically correct your dog. Hitting your dog communicates that you are an aggressive threat. Does your dog bite you when you make a mistake?
• Be careful when using cleaners. Some have a strong smell and are highly toxic. Always read the label. Also, what might be a great cleaner for one type of flooring may be destructive for another. Only use cleaners for their intended purpose, which will be stated on the bottle.