He's Almost Housebroken

He’s ALMOST housebroken.

Published February 2006 Pet O'Mine Magazine

If you are like most dog owners you may have heard yourself saying these words. In reality your dog is either housebroken or he’s not. If he is having accidents in the house, he has not made the connection that his “spot” is somewhere other than under the dining room table. If you have visited your local pet supermarket you will have seen all of the choices for housebreaking your dog: potty pads, litter boxes, pee posts, doggie diapers, etc. So don’t feel you are alone with the challenges that come with housebreaking!

Almost housebroken dogs are actually harder to train than a brand new puppy that definitely isn’t housebroken. Let me explain why. A dog is a creature of habit and because he learns by association, if his training is consistent he will quickly learn there is no other place to relieve himself other than outdoors. If he learns that he can relieve himself behind the TV or under the coffee table, then he will continue to make THAT association as well. The best way to train your dog that the house is not his “potty pad” is to make sure he doesn’t start relieving himself in the house. If you have an older dog, just remember he has made strong associations and it will take some time to replace them with the new ones.

Crate training is one of the best ways to ensure your dog only goes outdoors to relieve himself. This method works since it is a dog’s nature to remain clean and to not soil where he eats or sleeps. (A very few dogs will still soil in the crate due to “dirty dog syndrome” caused by dirty conditions without access to ample space for relieving himself.) His crate becomes his living quarters – a place where he can be safe and secure- although, he might try to convince you otherwise the first few times in his new “home”. Along with crating you must also confine your dog to where YOU can see him at all times. He should not be left unattended with free roam of the house until he is 100% housebroken. (Which, by the way, for most dogs is at least 18 months or older.)

Does it seem like a lot of work? It might be for some dogs (or should I say owners?) others will pick it up quickly. One of the biggest things a dog owner can do to make housebreaking successful is to be CONSISTENT. Put your dog on a schedule, know the signs that he is looking for a place to relieve himself, keep him under supervision when he is free in the home, and if he makes a mistake – clean it up! The methods I use for housebreaking a dog can be used for a new puppy as well as a 10-year-old dog; the only difference is the size of the mistakes!

Remember that your pup does not come into the world with bladder control. He has to learn that he must WAIT until he is in a proper location to relieve himself. Keep in mind a 6 – 8 week old pup will have to “go potty” more than the 14 – 16 week old pup. For any aged dog, the schedule should remain basically the same, except as he gets older his “outside time” can be lessened if you wish. Activities like eating, sleeping and playing will stimulate your dog’s need to “go potty”. A good schedule for housebreaking would be outside IMMEDIATELY upon waking. Take him from the crate directly outside and PRAISE and REWARD when he does “his business”. After feeding, he should be taken out within 10 minutes after the last morsel is eaten (when he finishes his meal, put him in his kennel to be sure there will not be an accident). Immediately after nap time and play time he will also need to be taken out. If he has done his business completely, he can be allowed some free time in the house WITH your supervision.

Why does potty training fail? Most of the time it is the owner who fails. I have done it myself! Little Rover has been doing so well with no accidents that we let our guard down – we are less observant and well – we get distracted and don’t see the circling behavior, or we just think Rover is pestering us for attention and we don’t take him outside. I have my own personal opinions about paper training and potty pads – I know some folks swear by them, but I find less problems making the association to “outside” with crate training than with paper training.

OK. So you have your crate. What else do you need to be successful at housebreaking?

· You should have some extra delicious treats to reward for “GOOD POTTY” (or whatever you wish to call “it”) that are given OUTSIDE and immediately after all business is completed. Do not wait until you are inside, as your dog will not make a connection between the reward and the successful potty outside.

· Urine Occurs. Keep some enzymatic pet cleaner formulated especially for pet accidents. Do not use regular household cleaners as these will not break down the enzymes in the urine and feces and the cleaners may actually stain your carpet and furniture. Be sure to apply the cleaner in an area about 25% larger than the accident. Remember that just because you can’t smell it doesn’t mean that Rover won’t. If you want a really shocking experience, purchase a black light and shine it over your dog’s living area in the dark. It might just look like a scene from CSI! Every urine drop will be illuminated in an eerie yellow-green color. NOW you know where to clean!

· Trouble remembering to get Rover out of the crate 10 minutes after eating? A cooking timer set at 10 minutes will do the trick.

· Distracted by chores at home? Keep Rover crated while you finish tasks that require your attention. Or keep Rover on an indoor leash secured to your belt loop.

· Time. You need the time to actually accompany Rover outside to be sure he really has done his business and hasn’t just been chasing leaves across the lawn. You also need the time to add Rover’s routine to your schedule. If you normally get up at 7 AM to get ready for work, you will probably find you need to set your alarm for 6:15 – 6:30 AM now.

What if you are doing everything and Rover still has accidents in the house? Be brutally honest with yourself. Are you sticking to the schedule? Are you waiting too long between relief periods outside? Are you PAYING ATTENTION? I often recommend that owners keep a rolled up newspaper handy for accidents… when they happen, take the paper and hit yourself in the head for not paying attention J

Successful housebreaking IS possible. It takes time, consistency and a sense of humor. Accidents will happen but it is up to you to minimize their occurrences. Keep it simple and you will find the results will be well worth the work. Good Luck!

Fran Iwanicki-Alford