Approaching Concerns in House Training Ones Dog

Posted by Deakster on October 28, 2008

When potty training one’s dog, the best way to do it is by making use of the dogs’ own natural instinct since contrary to what some people may think, they are actually hygienic animals.  This means that as much as possible, they do not soil their own beds or use their place of dwelling as bathrooms. This rationally is the explanation behind both den and crate training.

Both variations can be applied when training dogs – both the old and the young. Some challenges you might encounter though is if you misinterpret the dogs’ signs — force them to hurry up the process, as well as not feeding them at regular intervals.

It is always best that you train them properly from the start. Properly introduce your dog to the den area as their home, so that they do not view it as a prison. Be aware of signs of anxiousness, such as excessive barking and whining, as these are signs that they think you are punishing them. They need to have a sense of security of the place. Also, have a proper reward system in place, like giving them a treat when they “go” at the designated area. Not all dogs learn at the same pace though, so just be patient.

Make sure not to leave your dog alone in the den too long and provide enough space in the den area so that the dog will be able to immediately associate it as their bed area. However, should the dog still continue to whine after having trained it for some time, it would now be best to have him checked with the veterinarian. He might be suffering from a medical situation or infection of the urinary tract.

Keep your dog occupied as frequently as possible — studies show that boredom actually prompts the dog to drink large amounts of water, frequently causing them to pee more often. If you notice this happening, make sure to bring your dog to his assigned toilet regularly. Boredom is not only the main cause of other house training problems but behavioral issues as well, such as those that are destructive and that of chewing.

Know about your dog’s needs, routines and behavior; by doing so, you will be able to create an environment that is safe and healthy to suit your dog well; and at the same time, have a proper area for both playing and toileting.

To house train one’s dog is not something that is easy, yet it is necessary. With a well prepared and planned program for house training, you can save your dog’s life and eliminate the possibility of him being turned over to an animal shelter.