HOUSETRAINING

The following general guidelines will help you housetrain your dog.

1. Start over as if the dog was never trained. Use preventative measures to establish good habits. You should not wait for the dog to signal! Most dogs will have to eliminate in the morning when they wake up, 15-20 minutes after eating, after any vigorous play period and after napping. Keep a calendar and record the time of each success and mistake. You may notice a pattern that will help you plan.

2. Feed at set times (adult dogs two times per day; puppies three times a day). Do not vary the schedule. Place the food down for 15 minutes. The dog should be fed in a quiet atmosphere with no interruptions. If the dog does not eat, remove the food. The dog will be hungry at the next feeding. It is normal for a dog to miss a feeding or two. If you are concerned, contact a veterinarian for further advice regarding feeding.

3. Feed your dog a high-quality dog food and do not vary it. Fixed formula diets that are purchased at a pet store are more expensive, but can help during the housetraining period. Higher quality foods are more digestible and have less filler. This means your dog won’t have to go as often and droppings are smaller. 

4. The dog should be taken out to his elimination area at set times. You should stay out with him and repeat "go potty” over and over until the dog starts to eliminate. Immediately afterwards, give your dog a treat and lots of praise for a job well done! You should only stand outside with the dog for 3-5 minutes.

5. If the dog does not go while outside, he should not be given free run of the house unless he is constantly supervised by you. Many dogs will sneak away and eliminate as soon as you become involved in something. If the dog cannot be watched, he should be confined to a small area or placed in a crate. You may also tie your dog's leash to your belt so that he has to follow you; this is called umbilical cording. If the dog starts to eliminate you will be right there to take him outside. (More information about this can be found under crate training.)

6. Clean up accidents with a product designed to remove urine odor. Do not let the puppy/dog see you clean up the mess. NEVER scold or take the puppy/dog to that spot and shove his nose in it. This will only confuse him further.

7. Be vigilant with your dog's routine. You should notice a dramatic improvement within two weeks.

If you would like to work with a Wisconsin Humane Society behaviorist one-on-one regarding this behavior topic, please call 414-431-6173 to schedule a consultation.