by B. L. Babb

Created on: January 12, 2009

House training a puppy or dog should not be a painful experience for the pet or the owner.

Too many have resorted to nose-rubbing and other methods that are not effective or can actually frighten the dog leading to the pet urinating when you enter a room to show their acknowledgement of your dominance.

To teach a pet that outside is best it helps to think like a dog.

When puppies are born, the mother nudges them out of the box they are in (provided the sides are not too high) which teaches the young puppies of how unacceptable messing their bedding is. By continuing the training began by the mother, it is a matter of showing them an acceptable area to do this in the yard.

There are pads sold in stores "to help housebreak a puppy" because it contains a scent that encourages their doing "their business" on the pad instead of anywhere else in the house. However, if you do not want the pet messing in the house, seems that these pads may actually encourage this behavior instead of getting them to go outside or indicate their need to go out.

Yelling at the pet when mistakes occur (particularly in puppies) will also result in fear relieving.

A dog wakes in the morning, and much like a human, needs to relieve themselves. It is best if you have a fenced yard where the dog does not need chaining (some can associate the chain with punishment). Open the door and GO OUTSIDE with your pet.

Stand outside as long as it takes for the pet to relieve themselves. Initially, be prepared to spend upwards of an hour at a time. As soon as the pet is complete with their bathroom affair, praise them and allow them back in the house (however, take into account the weather short-haired pets should not be kept outside to the detriment of their health in extreme cold weather.) Initially the puppy will be checking out new scents and distracted from the real purpose for the trip outdoors. That should eventually give way to thoughts of bathroom as time goes on and they mature.

Verbal encouragement, particularly for puppies, can eventually lead to them getting the idea of what is expected. As time goes on, the time spent outside will decrease as they get the idea of why they are out there.

In addition to this, attempt to set a schedule; immediately after waking, after each meal, and before bedtime, at a minimum. Puppies have smaller and under-developed bladders and may need additional outings after waking from each nap and if you notice them gorging themselves at the water bowl.

When it is necessary

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