Take a Pro-Active Approach to House Training Your Dog

Of course, all puppies will make a few mistakes when it comes to making a mess in the house. That's why it is very important that you be pro-active with puppies and be sure to take them out on a regular schedule, walk them once or twice a day, and crate train them right from the start. If you are responsible and consistent about house training, you should have few accidents in the house.

Sometimes a house-trained adult dog will suddenly start having accidents in the house. There are a number of reasons for this. The reason will determine the handling of the problem.

The first thing to do if your adult, house-trained dog begins having accidents in the house is to rule out a physical problem. Have you changed foods lately? Has he gotten into scraps or trash? If so, the problem will probably resolve itself when his diet is corrected.

If your dog is having problem with urinating in the house, he may have a urinary tract infection or parasites. Parasites may also cause a dog to have problems with defecation in the house. Be sure to worm your dog regularly. If your dog seems to be experiencing the need for frequent and urgent urination, be sure to have him checked out by your vet for a urinary tract infection.

Your dog may have a problem with urinating when he is excited or frightened. If this is the case, you must to everything you can to calm him. Speak quietly, don't reprimand him for urinating. Use lots of positive reinforcement (petting and praise) to encourage him to use his designated area outside for urinating. Punishment and anger will only worsen the problem of nervous urination.

Your dog may also urinate and defecate in the house if left alone for a long time. This may be because of separation anxiety or simply because he has been alone for a long time and needs to relieve himself. Consistent crate training right from the start is the solution to this problem. Dogs do not like to soil the area where they sleep. They will avoid doing so at all costs; however, don't expect Herculean efforts from your dog. Always be sure he has relieved himself before going into his crate, and never leave him crated for more than 8 hours. Take him straight to his designated "bathroom" area as soon as you let him out of his crate.

Sometimes a dog will begin marking his territory if you bring a new dog home or if he feels threatened and anxious for some other reason. If this is the case, correct firmly by saying, "No!" and take your dog straight to his designated "bathroom" area every time, immediately. Realize that a neutered dog is far less likely to engage in this behavior than an intact dog.

In all cases, when your dog has an accident, clean the area thoroughly and immediately. Keep a spray bottle of Listerine (or a knock-off) on hand to soak the area after you have cleaned it. Let the Listerine sit for about 10 minutes, then blot it up with toweling. This should eliminate the smell so your dog will not be attracted to that area again.

For more about dog behavior and training, you may enjoy:

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