6 Useful Tips and Tools in Dog House Training

Many people can over complicate house training of their dog. This is because they are unaware of just how to do it or somehow think that it is more difficult than it actually is. First of all, you should feel completely at ease that this is something you, as the dog's owner can do on your own, and there is no need to hire someone to do the house training. You already know everything begins with you, just requiring your time. With just a little forethought and preparation, some you'll end up with a happily trained dog. So here are some additional things you can do.

1. Discuss your intentions for house training with the breeder or dog seller. If available, he or she will be willing to give you suggestions. Even if you acquired your dog from someone other than a breeder, you can still just speak to a vet's office. The vet can tell you exactly what to do with the full picture in mind. The vet is just the right person to advise you on the diet of the dog, which of course, plays a big role in the elimination process. After all, what a dog eats and how much (s)he eats would determine the calls of nature. This helps the vet to provide suggestions on scheduling potty times.

2. Choose an elimination spot. Where is your dog going to answer the calls of nature? If it's the yard, then is the area fenced? You wouldn't want your dog dodging away from the yard. Do you have a doggy door that leads to the yard? Make sure that you mark a suitable elimination area that is readily accessible. Also, check that it is fenced off from the roads and can't be jumped over or dug under.

If however, you live in an apartment then select a designated area where you plan to paper-train your dog. Ideally, the best option is any spot in the apartment that has linoleum flooring or is uncarpeted. You can place lots of newspaper there or use absorbent "pee pads". You can also use baby gates to separate that area from the rest of the house.

3. Use crate: There is nothing cruel about a crate. Using a crate to housetrain your dog is actually a smart and safe option. It can double as the dog's own personal space as well as a carrier for taking her from place to place. Crates make it easier to train a dog because of the fact she will eventually consider it her den. Most dogs are clean animals and don't normally "mess" where she sleeps. It's a good idea to make it as homey as possible by adding a blanket and a toy.

4. Use a leash and collar. These items just help you control and restrict movement the elimination spot. You can gently pull her back to the potty spot until she understands that she has to do it there -- and not anywhere else.

5. Reward Snacks: Show your dog that you appreciate her efforts to learn your house training rules. And, of course you can share a hug, a game of something special and perhaps a doggie treat. Praise your dog whenever she uses the elimination spot. She needs to know she got it right and that you are proud of her.

6. Have an odor eliminator on hand. Accidents are certain to happen. Sometimes the doggy door or the elimination spot is too far to reach. Or, sometimes it's just bad timing. This is when you'll you need a thorough cleanup because if the smell of urine stays, the dog will have an instinctive tendency to sniff there and repeat the mistake! Go for a good product that really gets rid of the scent. The odor eliminator helps to fully neutralize the smell.

Just having these simple tools and ideas in place before your dog comes home can really make for a less stressful time for you and your dog.