Housebreaking Hints

Housebreaking is usually the No. 1 priority with a new puppy. Pet-behavior expert Sarah Wilson says the four keys to success are supervision, routine, confinement and reward.

Figure A

Most "accidents" occur because of faulty supervision on the part of the dog owner. Constant supervision is the key, so never let the puppy out of your sight during training. Keep it on a leash if necessary while performing household chores (figure A). If a puppy tries to move away, it's probably because nature's calling. Immediately take it outside for a bathroom break.

Also anticipate when a puppy's ready for a break. Most usually like to go to the bathroom when they first wake up and after eating or playing.

Figure B

Puppies are creatures of routine, and it's important to feed them consistent meals and stay on the feeding schedule. By walking every day at the same time, the puppy's system will adapt to the routine (figure B). Puppies have no self-control, and they can't help themselves when it's time to go. Get them outside as soon as they give any sign that they're ready to use the old fire hydrant. Also, always take the puppy out first thing in the morning.

Wilson recommends sleeping in workout clothes so that you're ready to hop right out of bed to take the puppy outside if it whines during the night. Sure, jumping out of bed is a bit of a bother, but not nearly as bothersome as cleaning up messes.

Figure C

Confinement usually involves a cage, and some people feel strongly about using a cage. But there's really no other way to control the puppy's behavior when no one's at home. If it's in a cage, a puppy is less likely to go to the bathroom, and it's also safer than leaving him free to run around the house and chew on items such as electrical cords. Think of the cage as a playpen for your new puppy. Make it pleasant by giving him something to eat and maybe a couple of toys or two (figure C).

Figure D

Knowing that it has done something to please you is crucial for a puppy learning where to use the bathroom, and the way to get that across is with a reward. Do not just throw it out the door in the morning, then go back inside for a cup of coffee. Go with the puppy, and when it uses the bathroom, give it a treat and lots and lots of praise (figure D). Once the puppy understands that its going outside pleases you, he'll be happy to help you out.

Resources
Great Pets.com Inc.
GreatPets.com was founded in December 1999 by Brian Kilcommons and Sarah Wilson, pet trainers and authors of numerous best-selling books. It contains information on pet training and behavior.
Great Pets.com Inc.
2867 Route 4455
Gardiner, NY 12525
Website: www.greatpets.com

Old Yeller
This classic movie about a boy and his dog was orginally released in 1957. It's a simple, heartwarming story of a boy who bonds with a feisty stray dog in 1860s Texas.
Order this video.

The Walt Disney Company
Website: disney.go.com

Tails from the Bark Side: True Stories from the Family Dog Files
by Brian Kilcommons and Sarah Wilson
Warner Books, 2001
Order this title from Amazon.com.


The American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club was founded September 17, 1884, and operates as an independent, nonprofit organization devoted to the advancement and welfare of pure-breed dogs. It has registration on more than 150 breeds and offers information on shows and their locations.
American Kennel Club
5580 Centerview Dr., Suite 200
Raleigh, NC 27606
Phone: 919-816-3718
Fax: 919-854-0155
E-mail: publiced@akc.org
Website: www.akc.org

The Complete Dog Book
by the American Kennel Club staff
Hungry Minds Inc., 1997
Order this title from Amazon.com.