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

---

A Guide to Antique Bird Cages

It has been said that everything old is new again.... Read More

Decorating for The Cat Owner - How to Protect Your Possessions

The first thing a cat owner should know about home... Read More

Tips For Buying a Horse Online

More and more folks are looking to the Internet to... Read More

RecoveryPets.Com vs. Other Pet Registration Services

For those pet owners who do not know what a... Read More

Aromatherapy for Pets

Pets can enjoy the therapeutic effects of aromatherapy as much... Read More

No, No, No! Drop It, Drop It! Give It To Me Now!

Puppies can be so exasperating! They know what we want,... Read More

Canine Bloat

What is Canine Bloat?Bloat refers to the bloating of the... Read More

The One Dog Trick That All Dogs Must Know - The Hand Shake Trick

The first dog trick that is generally taught a dog... Read More

Does Your Dog Miss You Too Much?

Your dog seems to be driving you up the wall... Read More

Protecting The Family Pet

Ever since the beginning of time there has always been... Read More

My Dog Died !

Pets provide an unconditional love that requires very little on... Read More

Safety in the Fresh Air and the Outdoors for Your Cat - How To Build a Cattery

Animal welfare organizations and humane societies have been very successful... Read More

Life with the Rat Terriers

I am a happy owner of two rat terriers. They... Read More

Dog Aggression: How to Recognize & Respond

Many dog owners are bewildered when they hear their dog... Read More

Your Purrrfect Companion

Out of all the pet animals, the cat is most... Read More

A Guide to Bird Cage Covers

As much as you love the sound of your new... Read More

Training Your Dog To Jump The Rope Trick: Simple and Fun Dog Trick

To teach a dog to jump, with your right hand... Read More

Larger Dog Food Isles

Grocery Stores could use some larger Dog Food Isles. Not... Read More

West Highand WhiteTerriers - Westies Dogs - Footcare Health Tips

Westies dogs' owners delight in the companionship their dogs give... Read More

With Understanding Comes Success

One of the reasons I strongly encourage horse owners to... Read More

A Pregnant Stray Cat Adopted You ? And Now What?

It happens all too often. A family or cat friend... Read More

Does Your Dog Need Puppy Prozac?

Is your dog up to dirty no good again? Did... Read More

What to Do When Your Puppy Dog Is Chewing Everything In Sight

A puppy wanting to chew makes you want to scream!... Read More

Chicken Compared To Chicken Meal

When selecting the best dry food for your dog, why... Read More

First Aid for Parrots

Unfortunately, accidents can - and DO happen, so it's always... Read More

Symptoms of Pain and Illness in Dogs

Dog owners, who recognize the early signs and symptoms of... Read More

Round Pen: The Great Equalizer

Although many horsemen and trainers extol the virtues of the... Read More

Caring for an Older Cat - Cat Health and Cat Care

Cats are living longer lives thanks to dedicated care from... Read More

Chances Of A Lost Pet Being Recovered Increase

Every day we are looking for ways to make our... Read More

Ears Stand Corrected: Cosmetic Surgery and Pets

Are you irritated by your dog's drooping ears or your... Read More

Characteristics Of The Boxer

Is A Boxer Right For You?Country of Origin: Germany ... Read More

Holistic Pet Care?From a Distinctly Christian Perspective

As a business, I've not been in the holistic pet... Read More

RecoveryPets.Com Dispels The Myths

In a recent discussion about pet safety, the services provided... Read More