Pets Information

Introduction To House Training


The information in this article is based on the successful crate training method. Crate training is not cruel. I repeat: Crate training is not cruel. If used correctly, it uses the dog's natural den instinct to your own advantage by encouraging the dog not to pee or poop where it sleeps. Dogs are naturally clean animals and will avoid going to the bathroom where they sleep. But you need to keep the following points in mind to be successful.

Establish A Regular Eating Routine

As I'm fond of saying, 'what goes in must come out'. To help you figure out the best times to get your dog to go to the bathroom it's important to feed your dog at the same times every day. This is the ideal time to practice your house training lessons. For your dog's comfort it's also a good idea to feed your dog in the same place every day, a place that they will identify as their eating spot. With your puppy, there's a very short time between eating and eliminating. Figure around 15 - 20 minutes. When feeding your dog, give her 15-20 minutes and then pick up the uneaten portion (if any). This will also teach your dog to eat when fed. Again, these rules can be relaxed once your dog is house trained but for now it's key to establish a routine.

Until your dog is house trained, also avoid treats and in-between meal snacks. The whole idea is to feed your dog, observe them constantly for the 15 -20 minutes after they eat and then bring them to the place where you want them to do their business. Do it like clockwork and you'll be putting your puppy in a position to succeed. This is all about setting expectations and teaching your eager learner to do what you want. And when they do, praise them wildly. Make it seem like that little pee or poop that they did is the greatest and most magnificent thing you've ever seen in your entire life. Your friends and neighbors may think you're crazy, but I can't stress enough the power of praise. It's what your puppy craves. Give it to her in generous amounts.

How Old Should Your Puppy Be?

How old should your puppy be before you begin house training? Start as early as you can but don't expect results until the pup is about 14 weeks old. Before 14 weeks your pup cannot physically hold it in. Then why start early you may ask? Well, even though your pup may not be physically able to hold it in, she'll at least begin learning what's expected of her. Consider any training before 14 weeks to be 'pre-school'. When her physical abilities catch up with what you taught her, it will make it that much easier to put the lessons into practice.

Size Matters

If you're considering crate training your dog as a means of house training, keep in mind that the size of crate you choose is very important. A good rule of thumb about size is: the crate should only be big enough for the dog to comfortably stand up and turn around in. You don't want the crate so big that the dog will mess at one end and sleep at the other. For large-sized breeds that will continue to grow substantially, you may need to buy a larger size later on if you intend for your dog to continue using the crate after it is house trained. And the most important rule of all: NEVER, under any circumstances, use the crate as a form of punishment. The crate should be a place where your dog wants to go, to sleep and get away from the bustle and activity in your home. You never want them to associate it with being punished.

Happy House Training!

About The Author

copyright © Gene Sower

Gene Sower is the author of the Happy House Training ebook: 'Learn To House Train Your Dog Easily & Effectively'; http://www.lucythewonderdog.com/ebook.htm


MORE RESOURCES:

A Season of Responsibility for New Pet Owners
MarketWatch - 9 hours ago
Will the owner have a safe, pet-ready household? -- Will the owner be capable of caring for the pet for its lifetime, both in terms of time and financial ...


How to protect your house and pets during a freeze freezing ...
Dallas Morning News, TX - 2 hours ago
Bring pets inside. Provide adequate shelter that is elevated and facing away from the wind for pets that must remain outside.
That's a chilling wind Waco Tribune Herald
all 2 news articles


Homeless pets still need to eat
Reuters - Dec 3, 2008
With foreclosures of homes on the rise, so are stories of pet abandonment, but pet food maker Del Monte says sales of dog and cat food and treats hasn’t ...
Earnings Note: Del Monte Foods 2Q09 - Taming Pets The Alacra Store (subscription)
all 2 news articles


Pet-centric Retail Site Muttropolis.com Included in Internet ...
MarketWatch - Dec 3, 2008
Featured alongside some of the world's most highly regarded brands, Muttropolis is one of only three pet related sites to be included among the honorees and ...
ToolKing.com Makes Internet Retailer’s Hot 100 Retail Web Site List WebWire (press release)
Ritz Interactive Named to Internet Retailer's 2009 Hot 100 Best ... International Business Times
Ritz Interactive Named to Internet Retailer's 2009 Hot 100 Best ... MarketWatch
all 12 news articles


Make sure pets have safe, happy holidays
Pioneer Press Online, IL - 8 hours ago
As families start pulling out their favorite holiday recipes and shopping lists and decorations, it's easy to overlook one hairy detail: The family pets. ...


Collars for a Cause-Paws to Save PetsSM Dog Collars Benefit Pets ...
PR Web (press release), WA - 56 minutes ago
The proceeds from the sale of the collars will go to benefit the Paws to Save Pets program, which supports natural disaster preparedness and response ...


WGIL Radio News

Pets saved as fire destroys East Galesburg home
Galesburg Register-Mail, IL - 1 hour ago
The split level house belongs to Larry and Kathy Legg. They were not home at the time of the fire. Three dogs an a cat were rescued, and one dog was missing ...
Fire Damages East Galesburg Home WGIL Radio News
all 2 news articles


Bob Shallit: New animal hospital to offer hotel luxury for pets
Sacramento Bee,  USA - 11 hours ago
"It won't look like an animal hospital," says Dr. Schenck, who has run Mueller Pet Medical Center near Sac Executive Airport for the past 30 years. ...


Hilary Duff Has Precious Pets
Just Jared, NY - 7 hours ago
Hilary Duff buys a couple of fluffy toys for her cat on her trip to Maxwell Dog pet store in LA on Wednesday. Last week, Hilary attended the Rodeo Walk of ...


Weekly Vista

Pets as presents: Cute, but is it practical?
Weekly Vista, AR - Dec 3, 2008
Adopting a pet at Christmastime may bring joy to the family, but it also comes with responsibilities and expenses for years to come. ...
Exponential potential Arkansas Democrat Gazette
all 2 news articles

Pets - Google News

home | site map
© 2006