Steps to Toilet Train Your Dog

[derekw]

The last thing any dog owner wants is a lot of nasty messes to clean
up all over the place. If you take the time to toilet train your dog,
you'll not only avoid stepping in an unpleasant surprise as you head
to the bathroom at night, you will confine all mess to a specific
area. However, it does take some time and patience to teach your dog,
particularly if you are starting with an older canine.

How to Toilet Train Your Dog

Your dog instinctively prefers to stay clean. If you watch a puppy
that has been tied up or left in a kennel, he will automatically
defecate away from where he eats and sleeps. You will be able to use
this to your advantage when training your dog to use one particular
spot for his or her physical needs.

Step One: Creating a Bathroom Area

It's a good idea to choose one specific spot where your dog will be
eliminating before you even bring the puppy home. The best way to do
this is to pick a spot, perhaps in the corner of the yard where your
dog will be comfortable defecating. Some dogs prefer to do their
business on grass, while others will actively seek out dirt. If you
know ahead of time which type of area your dog prefers, this will help
you prepare a nice spot.

Step Two: Establish Living Areas

Your dog will instinctively avoid defecating or urinating within
living areas, so you'll need to make sure he understands that the
entire house is considered a living area. If you are crate training,
you can simply move the crate from room to room, while keeping the dog
inside. Otherwise, establish one spot as a sleeping and playing area
and then begin to move the dog's bed and toys from room to room until
he has accepted that the house is his home. Be sure to progress slowly
so the dog has a chance to get used to each area.

Step Three: Be Regular

Dogs do very well on a schedule and this goes for a feeding schedule,
as well. If you are starting with a small puppy, you'll notice that he
needs to eliminate after each feeding. So, once he has eaten, simply
take him to the assigned toilet area and let him do his thing. Your
dog will catch on very quickly that this is where he should be
defecating. Puppy training is an ongoing, consistent effort.

Step Four: Rewards and Consistency

It will take some time to toilet train your dog. Be sure to allow him
frequent access to the toilet area and never leave your dog too long
in his crate or alone in the house, since this will result in training
issues as your dog won't be able to hold it.

Rewards every time your puppy uses the assigned elimination area will
help increase his interest in the toilet training. You don't
necessarily need to use edible treats, simply responding with a fun
toy or verbal praise is often more than enough to let your dog know
that you are pleased with him.

By staying patient, not getting upset when your dog slips up and being
sure to let him know that you are happy when he uses the toilet area,
you'll find that most dogs pick up the idea of house training rather
rapidly. Confusion or being shut up indoors can cause delays in the
learning process, so be sure to be consistent and calm about the whole
thing. Your dog wants to please you and by using his natural
instincts, you are encouraging traits that will come naturally to your
pet.

More help with your dog at http://tinyurl.com/pottytraindog11

[Valinda Frost]

Thanks for the info!
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Step Three: Be Regular

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