by Kristie Ponce

Created on: April 09, 2009

As a small animal veterinarian, I have fielded more questions about housetraining issues than any other subject. This article is intended to be concise, something you can print out and hang on your refrigerator to reference frequently during the housetraining process. This advice was gleaned from several sources: lectures I attended during veterinary conferences, texts on behavior and training, and trial-and-error. It may seem strict, but it is the most efficient and effective way that I know to housetrain a dog, young or old.

FIRST PRINCIPLE: PREVENT "ACCIDENTS"

Dogs or puppies in the process of being housetrained need to be in one of three places at all times:

1) Outside on a leash with you, so that you can reward him/her immediately for pottying outside;

2) Inside on a leash attached to you, so you can pick up on your pet's subtle signals that he/she needs to go out (sniffing, circling);

3) Inside confined to a small, easily cleaned area-a kennel is best, since most dogs will not go to the bathroom in their sleeping area.

Take outside:

* right after the pet wakes up (even if it was only napping);

* every 15 to 30 minutes while playing; and

* after eating.

Eating, playing, and walking/running stimulate intestinal movement, usually in a predictable manner. For instance, some pups need to have a bowel movement immediately after eating, while for others (especially older dogs) it takes 30 minutes or more. On the other hand, it may take over 20 minutes of playing to stimulate intestinal movement. Once you find the right time interval for your pet, be sure to take it outside just before you expect the urge to strike. Keep in mind that young puppies are like young children, in that they don't always realize they have to go until it's too late to signal you. Taking them out frequently will help prevent accidents.

SECOND PRINCIPLE: COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY

Reward:

* With a small treat WHILE the pet is going to the bathroom, and say (in a calm but obviously pleased tone) "Good potty," or whatever code word you want to use for that event.

* Once he/she is done, reward with praise and play. A pet that has eliminated successfully outside can be rewarded further by allowing play inside the house. If he/she doesn't 'go' while outside, the pet should be brought in and confined to the kennel or leashed to you until the next trip outside.

Punishing: Never!

I do NOT recommend punishing pets that have accidents in the house. This includes 'rubbing their nose in it'. Occasionally this will

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