Tips For Successful
Housebreaking
By Sherry Britton,
Trainer
Please check the website
for upcoming puppy classes
Scent as a means of social communication
for the dog
When a dog voids urine or stool, chemicals called
pheromones are left behind, marking the area with strong social (territory) and
behavioral indicators. Once the odor of
pheromones is present , it is very difficult to neutralize (even with repeated
cleanings). Housebreaking problems usually occur when the presence of
pheromones tells the dog an area has been used for toileting. The dog will then choose the same area to
toilet again. When the scent of pheromones has been left in several areas of a
house,
indiscriminant toileting will occur. This is
probably the most common reason why dogs are given up to shelters.
Preventing the odor of pheromones from being
present anywhere in your home should be of top priority.
Crate training
To prevent housebreaking issues, establish a crate
as a den- like area where the dog can be safely managed when you cannot
supervise him. If you’re trying to
housebreak a dog, the crate area should be free of bedding or any type of
fabric or padding that could condition tactile associations (with other areas
of the house where carpeting or fabric are present) in the event the dog
urinates on it. Keep the crate VERY
clean. Disinfect the area with household cleaners on a daily basis. While it is true that a dog will
naturally avoid depositing urine or feces near
his den, avoid leaving your pet confined
for long periods of time. Any dog must be provided with frequent
opportunities to void outdoors in a specified area if housebreaking routines
are to be established.
The puppy needs to “GO”
• Immediately
after a meal, drinking or chewing (toys, bones, etc). Establish patterns from
the beginning. You must supervise your dog’s activities to know when to take
him out.
• After a period of sleep.
Pups take many naps during the day. Be aware of natural patterns of
sleeping and waking.
•After a period of play or
other activity. Physical
activity stimulates the bowels and bladder. Activity levels can be
manipulated as a management tool to encourage your pup to eliminate at times
which are convenient to you. Try a quick game with a ball, a toy or move around
at a brisk pace outdoors with the dog on leash.
• Any other
time you think of it. Take the pup out
frequently. Confine him when you
cannot be nearby. Don’t wait until the dog is
about to have an accident.
Establish toileting area
Dogs readily learn to eliminate in established
areas when consistently taken to the same place. Typically , pet owners will run into problems when the dog is
casually released into a fenced area or just let out the door. You must go with
the dog (use a leash) to make sure the toileting area is marked consistently.
This area should be established from the beginning. Once the dog has used the primary toileting area , continue to
leash walk until the dog voids again. Exercise will accelerate the process !
What to do if your dog marks in the house
If your dog has an accident in the house, clean
the area thoroughly with a good
product that neutralizes pet odors (available at
pet supply stores). If nothing else is
available, use club soda to saturate and blot the area until you can get the
right
product to properly neutralize the odor.
To mask any remaining odor and train the dog to
avoid using the area to toilet again,
saturate the affected area with a product called
Bitter Apple® or ordinary rubbing alcohol. This leaves a strong scent that can
be further associated with an unpleasant taste that will cause the dog to want
to avoid the area in the future.
Saturate a cotton ball with either substance and lead the dog to the pre-saturated
affected area. As he sniffs the area,
pop the saturated cotton ball into his mouth.
This will associate the smell with a bad taste. When the dog spits the saturated cotton ball
, praise him. After a few minutes pass,
lead him back to the area and repeat this procedure. Because of the association with the bad taste he should respond
by trying to avoid the area (pulling away) as you lead him there. Praise him
for attempting to leave the area. Repeat the procedure the next day. Praise for
avoidance. Periodically test for
avoidance of the affected area by reintroducing the substance to the area, then
leading the dog
toward it.
© 2003 Sherry Britton
Pet Positive at Refreshing Paws, Inc.
