Doggy Mad!

House Training – The Basics

House training should only take approximately two weeks to establish as a routine provided;
a) you must be consistent and committed
b) you are prepared to train your pet from the moment you take possession. Have a leash, collar, a designated area and are prepared to maintain a schedule.
Retraining a dog that has already established bad habits can take six weeks or more.

The designated toilet area can be as general as outside of the house or as specific as a particular corner of the backyard.  You must have a specific plan as to what the designated area is going to be.  You can not teach the dog what is acceptable if you are uncertain.

As soon as possible get your new puppy to the vet for a complete check-up.  This will assure you that you have obtained a healthy pup and alert you to any medical complications that can make house training more difficult.  Situations such as intestinal upset, intestinal parasites and urinary tract infections can make house training difficult to impossible.

Your attitude is one of the most important ingredients in house training your dog.  Your puppy does not know what is wrong.  If there is a mistake tell him “no” but do not discipline too severely.  You only want him to know that you are displeased, you DO NOT want the pup to feel that you are the source of pain.  When the pup has done well, pat him, praise him, let the dog know that you are very pleased.  The pup will want to do things that please you.  House training can be a foundation for all future training.  Affection and praise as a reward for proper response – “no” signalling displeasure and guidance to show the dog what you do want.