House Training Dogs

House Training Dogs is easy because they are inherently clean animals. They naturally like to do their business away from areas where they eat, play, and sleep. Another important trait to keep in mind before you begin your house training your routine, is that dogs are pack animals. They do better in an environment where there is a clearly defined leader and there are rules to live by. Lack of leadership is the main cause for behavioral problems. We dog owners need to learn how to be pack leaders and be consistent at communicating our rules to our canine companions.

Dogs are den animals, so the first step is to create a clean, safe area for eating, sleeping, and resting, his own private area. Crates are excellent for this purpose. The crate should be large enough for your dog to stand up, lay down, and turn around. Do not use the crate for punishment or for long periods. It should be centrally located in the living room or kitchen so he begins to associate the entire house as a clean, safe, den area. When you have to leave the house for a couple of hours, he will hold it in until you get home.

In order to make the entire home his den, each day, have him escort you throughout the entire house, room by room. He will begin to associate the entire house as his den, a clean area. Make the crate a positive experience for your dog and he should be housetrained withing 30 days. The only downside is the space the crate takes and the potential for dog owners to use it too much. Be sure to keep it clean.

If your pet whines and barks, do not open the crate. That would be rewarding unacceptable behavior. Use obedience commands such as no, no barking, sit, stary, or down. Open the crate only when they are calm. When it comes time for him to relieve himself, be business like. Put on his leash and take him straight to the designated potty area. This is a good time to use commands like, "Go Potty." When finished, give him mild prase an put him back into his den or crate.

Using the "Go Potty" command while on walks will help train your dog to go on spot in situations when you are not at home, visiting friends, or are on vaction. Commands are key to preventing behavioral problems, including housebreaking. For more detailed information on house training and other issues, try Secrets to Dog Training.