by Karen Cutrer

Created on: September 07, 2010

It is always wise to talk to your dogs to help them learn English. This facilitates their understanding of the communication with, you, their human.

When housebreaking your puppy or dog remember to say the word "outside" or "out" every time you open the door and he goes out. This is helpful if the dog has an accident and you can say outside! and point the way to the door, then scoop the dog up and carry him outside.  Eventually, with enough consistent communication, the dog will get the message.  It is important to watch your dog or puppy at all times when housebreaking him.  Take time out to watch the new member of the family. It will pay off big. When you are unable to watch your pet, you can crate him for an hour at a time. No dog likes to be crated long, though, so don't overdo it.  Let the dog immediately "outside" after he has been in his crate an hour and then play with the dog outside after he has done his business. This gives the dog a reward and shows him that he can have a little fun, before he has to go back in the house.  Usually, this teaches the dog that it is more rewarding to go potty right away because you are still going to play with him outside for a while. Otherwise, the dog may hold it and mill around the yard to enjoy being outdoors if it thinks you are going to bring him right back inside.

Be sure to hang a door hanger with bells that the dog can reach and each time you say outside you can ring them first then let the dog out. Eventually you will hear the bells ring and then immediately praise the dog and say "outside" and let him out.  Likewise you can say "come in the house" to direct him back inside. I also like to point the direction I want my dog to go. I point outside when I let him "outside". I point towards the door when coming back in with him. Dogs need as much communication skill as you can give them.
 When you are outdoors with the dog you must teach it "go potty" every time the dog does its business.  This helps you when you need your dog to hurry and "go potty" on command.

So it's:  bells, "outside", point, then "go potty", and ,finally, playtime, then "house".

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