|
| |
17 Tips That'll Safeguard You and Your Family From Dog Bites or Attack
Did you know that more than one millionnorth americans will be bitten by dogsthis year, and about one million dog biteswill go unreported. Its sad but most of the victims will be children. These dog bites will come from animals knownto them. Unleashed ...
Dog Training: The Easy Way To Avoid Discouragement And Confusion While Training Your Dog
Rewards just may be the single most important motivator in dog training. Obedience training through the use of rewards and other positive reinforcements has long been recognized as the most effective method of reaching most dogs and getting the best ...
Hip Dysplasia In Dogs
A fairly common degenerative disease in dogs, canine hip dysplasia, is often misunderstood. Many mistakenly think that the ailment is a form of arthritis, but that is simply not the case. Often, dogs that suffer from hip dysplasia will develop arthritis, ...
|
|
|
| |
Dogs are creatures of habit; and once they develop a habit, breaking it can be a long, frustrating process. Your dog needs guidance and encouragement from you to develop a toilet habit you can live with. Animal behaviorists have learned a lot about dogs over the last couple of decades, and there are many tips available that will make housebreaking your dog or puppy a less frustrating task.
When you consider some of the things your dog or puppy is willing to roll in, or put in their mouth, it's a bit hard to believe they're picky and specific about their toilet areas. Dogs will go to great lengths to avoid soiling near where they eat and/or sleep. That means any accidents an un-housebroken dog has will be far from its food dish and bed. To a dog, however, "far" can mean about 6-10 feet. This leaves lots of "fair game" space in your home, unless you guide the dog to suitable spots.
Whether your dog is a puppy, or an adult dog new to your home, the process is the same:
- Every few hours, take the dog outside to a place you designate as a "bathroom" area.
- 30 minutes after the dog or puppy eats, do the same.
- Stay in this bathroom area, and praise the dog lavishly when they relieve themselves.
- If the dog doesn't use the bathroom when you've taken them outside to the appropriate spot, try again 15 minutes later. Continue doing this until they've actually used the bathroom spot.
- When the dog is inside, watch closely for any signs of needing to "go". A dog will circle and sniff areas when they're about to relieve themselves.
How quickly your dog becomes housebroken depends partly on their personality, but mostly on your diligence in taking them outside at the right time. If your puppy is less
than four months old, you should plan on getting up during the night to take it outside. Puppies over four months of age can usually "hold it" through the night, but if your dog cries to be let out, it is best to get up and let them tend to the urge. It is vital that you give your dog every chance to succeed during this time. Positive reinforcement of the proper behavior is the fastest way to teach your dog anything.
Accidents happen, and when they do, your response will affect how quickly your dog learns to "go" outside. If you catch your dog in mid-squat, clap your hands or call their name loudly to distract them. Once you have their attention, quietly and calmly take them outside. Be sure to praise your dog or puppy well when they finish relieving themselves outside properly.
If you find a wet spot or droppings on the floor when your dog is not around, simply clean it up. If your dog approaches to investigate what you are doing, ignore them. Don't talk to or pet the dog at this moment, because it could be interpreted as praise. Above all else, avoid yelling or physically punishing the dog, because they won't make the connection between their mess, and your anger.
Additional information and resources related to this article can be found at:
http://www.mypetanimals.com/articles/200506/housebreaking-your-dog/
About the Author
© 2005, Kathy Burns-Millyard This article is provided courtesy of The My Pet Animals Shopping Portal - http://www.mypetanimals.com This article may be freely published on any website, as long as the links are live, and this notice is left intact.
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Animal Reports: A Baby Boa? No Just a Milk SnakePatch.comContributed A Hemlock Lane family who found a snake at approximately 9:54 am on May 13 thought it was a baby Boa Constrictor, but an Animal Control officer identified it as an adult Milk Snake (See Photo). A resident had tried to feed the snake a mouse ... |
|
CAA volunteers dismissed from animal shelterWBXHMore >> Some volunteers at the Companion Animal Alliance were dismissed. They claim the new shelter director got rid of them because they were letting people know what was happening behind closed doors. One volunteer claims the animals are in danger, ...and more » |
|
