Not unlike toilet training a child, house-breaking a dog can be a trying time for the household. When you first bring a puppy or young dog into the home, there’s a sense of love and excitement that pervades the atmosphere. Your four-footed is certain to share in the emotions, and may too anxious to please that accidents are inevitable. As you work with your dog not to soil himself or your furniture, you must keep a cool head at all times. Training properly will help bring your pet to answer nature’s call properly.
If you had a family pet when you were younger, you might have observed your parents disciplining the dog a certain way. When you find a wet spot on the floor or a lump on the carpet, your first instinct may be to scold your pet. It is important for your dog to know not to do it again, but you want to relay this in a manner that doesn’t backfire or harm your pet.
1) Avoid the « rubbing his nose in it » technique. This action could prove counteractive and prevent your dog from wanting to try harder to train properly. Doing this may also make your dog feel afraid of you, setting back your progress even further.
2) When your dog does have an accident, keep track of where it happens. If you notice it occurs in the same place every time, it is clear your dog has conditioned himself to go in that spot. It’s up to you to change that behavior. Some dog owners may move the bed or feed bowl over there to associate the area with a different activity; this can help you guide your dog to go outside.
3) If your dog has an accident and you do not find out until later, refrain from discipline. It is better to catch and correct while it’s happening – this way your dog knows why you are upset. This will also condition you to be more watchful of your dog in this time so these stealth accidents occur less.
What is most important when dealing with accidents is you must be firm without scarring your dog physically and emotionally. In time your dog will learn to go outside or in the designated area you choose, and you must exhibit patience and encouragement. Guide your dog toward the proper place to go and he will be conditioned.