Housetraining a healthy puppy or retraining an older dog that is urinating or defecating inside is easier than most people think-if a positive, natural method is used. Millions of dog owners have used this program successfully.
So can you-but you must strictly follow all the directions.Keep three points in mind:
• Dogs learn speedily - from puppyhood through old age. However, before they can learn, they must be aware that you are teaching them
• Dogs are naturally clean - They usually seek a spot to eliminate away from where they eat and sleep.
• The key to natural, quick housetraining is to find the correct schedule- for your dog' s meals and toilet times.
Positive rewards-petting and praise, speed up housetraining. Scolding and punishment can harm your chances for success and create distrust. Tidbits are not used, because we want the dog to learn from you, as the leader and teacher, rather than for food.
Learn-to-Earn Praise & Petting-Gains Leadership
The dog's need to function, to earn praise and petting, which is also natural, is the basis for establishing leadership. Too often, dogs teach owners to obey them. To illustrate: Keep a count of how many times a day your puppy or adult dog asks to be petted. It's probably more often than you realize. It is probably also true that you obey his requests and start petting which is a normal human response. However, you will now take advantage of these `magic moments' to teach the dog that you are the teacher, as well as the `petter.'
Each time your puppy or dog asks for petting or nudges for attention, hold your hand, palm up, about a foot above his nose and say; "(Name) Sit." As you speak, move your hand back over his ears. This makes the dog look up which, for dogs, is the first movement for sitting. Keep repeating the command and movement until the dog sits, be still for about five seconds, - then pet him on the throat and chest with your other hand , for a few seconds as you repeat the praise. If not successful the first time, repeat the process until the sit is obtained. Be patient. When the dog sits for about five to ten seconds, release him from the command by saying ' Free’ then pet and praise again. Gradually increase the time during the `sit' over a week until you have reached at least two minutes before you say `Free.' Everyone in the family old enough must use the exercise during, and even after, the program. Consistent family leadership develops a better adjusted, happier pet.
The Right Diet & Feeding Schedule Is Crucial
Feed puppies as many times as they have bowel movements. This could require up to five meals a day to avoid overloading his system, causing loose, uncontrollable bowel movements. Feed adults twice a day. Not all dogs have the same digestive rates. When you find the proper schedule, a bio-rhythm will develop-the dog will eat and then, within a few minutes, have a bowel movement. This is marvelous! You are already there to feed the dog anyway, and it's the perfect time to `shoo' him to the toilet spot for the `duty.'
How much to feed? Only enough to produce a formed, firm stool that can be picked up with a tissue without leaving any residue. If the stool is too loose, cut down by 10% steps until a firm stool is achieved. If stools are too dry, increase food by 10% steps until the pro per stool is obtained. If the stools do not firm up, or if you see mucous or blood in them, consult your veterinarian at once. Don't switch diets without the veterinarian's advice. Extensive testing has proved that dogs fed a variety of diets are more `nervous,' suffer more illness and die younger.
Feed inside the house. Remember, dogs are loathe to eliminate where they eat! If your dog is urinating or defecating in a certain area, try feeding him right at that spot (after secretly cleaning up any mess, of course.) Leave the empty food dish at the spot between meals for a few days as a reminder against soiling that area. Older dogs that urinate m the house may require this food dish treatment up to six weeks to break the habit. This feeding plan works wonders when applied along with this entire program's two distinct phases.
Phase I-Teaching Where and When to Go
Timing is important: Immediately after the dog finishes his meal, happily `shoo' him out to his toilet a area ahead of you if possible, saving "Good Toilet" (or some other code word) . Then. Stand absolutely still as the dog sniffs around for a `preferred' spot. Sniffling seems vital as a warm-up to elimination. Don't distract by urging him to perform. After the `duty' is finished, crouch down and point at the urine or feces.
This `shoo-out' procedure should be followed after each meal for adult dogs, plus at the following times for puppies: A) After waking up, even from a nap; B.) After extreme excitement; C) After drinking water; D) After prolonged chewing on a toy, etc.; E) When he starts to sniff, as if looking for a spot to eliminate.
After about four days the pup or dog should automatically head for the toilet place after meals or whenever the urge strikes. It may take a little more time if your pup or dog is from a pet shop or has been closely confined before you start this program, but be patient. When the dog seeks his toilet area on his own, Phase I of the program is finished: He now knows `where' to go!
Housetraining's second best friend is a doggy-door. It can speed up the program significantly.
Phase II-Teaching Where & When NOT to Go
During Phase II you must keep feeding times as constant as possible. Don't feed at 7:30 am on work days, then delay it on days off for the sake of a little extra sleep. This ruins the bio-rhythm of the program and creates anxiety.
Like children, puppies can learn to `clamp down' to control elimination. Once learned, self-control is automatic. To help the pup, Phase 11 requires that you do not let him out to the toilet when you are not normally home, such as at work. It is impossible to teach a dog to control himself Monday to Friday if you constantly let him out Saturday and Sunday! So, when you see signs that he wants to `go' during these taboo hours, clap your hands or knock once on a table top to distract him, then quietly say "Good dog" to reinforce the distraction and take his mind off the `urge. ` This technique usually succeeds in three or four days, especially with puppies. Older dogs may take a bit longer. Apply the plan consistently: Even dogs over ten years of age respond positively to this plan.
Never allow a puppy or older dog to watch family members using the bathroom toilet. Keep the door closed. Otherwise, the dog may begin to obey his natural tendency to imitate his family!
You Can Get Your Sleep and Never Worry , too
If it is possible, have your pet sleep in a room with people. Dogs tune-up to the sleeping habits of their people, so this promotes fewer night accidents. With a blanket as a bed, most dogs sleep the entire night. Toy breeds enjoy little sleeping bags, available in pet stores.
The "Secret Cleanup "Never Punish
Old-fashioned housetraining methods tell us to stick the pup or dog's nose in or near a mess and scold or punish him physically. This negative treatment is unnecessary and can slow progress. Also, your pet will begin to distrust, even fear you. Instead of punishing, do this; when an `accident' is discovered, ignore the mess and shoo the dog to the proper toilet area. Then, secretly clean up the mess. Make sure the dog cannot see you clean up. Ironically, many dogs who watch the cleanup will leave another `present' at the next opportunity, creating a little game that has been nicknamed `poop `n scoop.' They poop and people scoop.
Fresh indoor accidents can be cleaned effectively with a solution of 50/50 tepid water and white vinegar. This neutralizes the residual odor. Sponge out the area by stomping paper towels underfoot until dry. Your veterinarian can usually supply extremely effective commercial cleaners, too.
Sneaky Accidents
If your dog is sneaky about urinating or defecating in the house, it may be advisable to take up the water between meals and at night. Consult your veterinarian. If accidents occur only at night, try hanging a small bell on the pet's collar. This will wake you in the night. Then, send the dog back to bed. Also, ask the veterinarian if it's okay to mix a teaspoonful of apple cider Vinegar into one meal per day. This usually clears the urine and changes its odor, which may help break the cycle of `freshening' old urine spots.
Now you've read the program, read it again.. Keep it handy for a reference. Make sure everyone follows it faithfully. You should expect a fastidious puppy or adult dog in a few days or, at the most, in six weeks, depending on your schedule and environment.
