The first thing you must have when attempting to house train your dog is “patience.” Keep in mind that when we were young, we too had to learn where and when we could go. Bad news is, we don’t have doggie diapers, but the good news is we don’t have to get our dogs on a toilet seat! Also, dogs are instinctively clean animals, they would prefer to not to mess themselves or their usual eating and sleeping areas. Depending on the age of your dog, they naturally develop tendencies to go on certain surfaces like grass or dirt, use this as a stepping stone to a quicker and more successful training cycle.
Establish the Living Area with Your Dog
Help your dog establish their living area in a small confined space, maybe a bathroom, part of the kitchen or garage. Please make sure that if you plan to have your dog in a crate, make it an open environment. Some people think that putting the dog in a crate and shutting the door helps them get used to their surroundings, but it doesn’t. Using a crate is OK if you let your dog live comfortably by letting them have some freedom to go in and out as they please, unless you have to leave the house for a short period of time. Keeping them locked up for long periods of time is when you should ask yourself if you are really ready to own a dog.
Take the time to work with your dog to establish their living area. Spend time playing with them in their “room” as well as let them eat and sleep here. Do your best to make their room comfortable, maybe give them a comfortable dog bed, blanket and give them a bowl of water in, or close to their space. It’s possible they might still wet their space in the beginning but once they realize that their room is designated for their comfort they will do their best to avoid going in their space as long as they have regular opportunities to go to the toilet on the paper or outside.
When your dog has had the time to get comfortable with their room, you’ll be able to move it around and they will follow it to wherever you decide to place it. It’s important to find a place that makes them part of the family surroundings but is equally convenient for you so you don’t feel they’re “in the way” a dog will become part of the family in no time, trust me!
Once your dog gets to the point of sleeping in their bed feel free to confine them there by leashing them or shutting the crate door to keep them in their room, just be aware of them and ensure you can keep an eye on them. Keeping your dog on a leash unattended is not recommended anytime. Also, if you feel that you want to keep an eye on them when there awake, just keep their leash attached to your belt during your daily routine to help you identify any tendencies and help monitor their behavior.
Establish the Toilet Area with Your Dog
Help your dog establish their toilet area, at first it will probably be inside the house on some news paper, just make sure they that they have access to this area when they need it. If they do not have access to this area they will go in other places and establish their own areas, the problem being this might not be ideal for you and your family. Until they are comfortable going in the designated area, it is important that you accompany your dog every time.
The best way to gauge when your dog has to go to the toilet is to keep them on a regular eating schedule. You will start to see that when they eat at a certain time they will need to go to they toilet after an approximate amount of time, this will give you a better understanding of when they have to go. A regular eating schedule means a regular toilet schedule this will help you to plan out your day without having messy accidents everywhere. If your dog is confined too long and has to go, they will potentially go in there space and it will get increasingly more difficult to house train them.
If you have a new puppy they have a harder time controlling their bladder so you might have to take them a little more frequently, but healthy adult dogs should be able to control their bladder and bowels for about eight hours. Also, keep in mind that when new puppies get excited they might make little mistakes, make sure you don’t scold them in this instance, just let them know they did it and show them the regular toilet area. Every time they go in the right place make sure you let them know they did good, this will reinforce what you’re training.
As you are training your dog in the house you should be working with them outside as this is where your dog will end up going. You have to read little signs to know when they’re ready to go and if convenient take them outside right away. Don’t expect a puppy to bark when they need to go, they’re not there yet! You will know something’s up when your dog starts to get restless or starts sniffing around, they’re actually looking for a spot to go. Just pick them up and take them outside, they’ll do the rest, you can urge them a bit with the command that you want them to go. Again, once they go it’s important to acknowledge them in a positive way so they know that this is where they must go. When they get comfortable with this they will start to ask to go out.
Some Tips
* If you follow the instructions as outlined above, your dog will be house trained in a short period of time. One way to speed up the process is to praise and reward your dog each and every time they go successfully in their toilet area. It is just as important not to scold your dog for accidents and mistakes. Reprimanding your dog usually confuses the dog and slows down the house training process.
* If you find that your dog continues to go in their allotted space, make note of how long they were there. You might find they were in there too long or they’re space is a bit too big for them, giving them the room to go in the corner of they’re space. You can remedy this by not leaving them there too long, establish a smaller sleep area and take them to the toilet more often.
* If you find that your dog continues to go in their bed, this might be due to being confined there too long and they couldn’t help themselves, or they are still trying to understand that this is their sleep and comfort space. Again, try not to leave your dog in their space too long and try to take them to the toilet more often.
* If you find the bed wetting continuing longer than you feel is right, you might want to look at their water intake. A lot of dogs will drink water out of boredom or habit, ensure you’re limiting their intake and take them out more often if possible. Also, try and keep your dog active to ensure good health and limited boredom, get them into good habits. Also, be aware that continued messing can be due to unknown medical issues like urinary tract problems for instance, try the tips above first, it’s usually something simple that you might be missing.
* If your dog doesn’t feel comfortable in their space and/or surroundings you might notice signs of them barking, chewing, some anxiety or whining a lot. If you feel this is happening go back over your method and ensure you’re making them as comfortable and welcomed as a family member.
Remember, love, due diligence and patience on your part will make it a smooth and “clean” transition.
Thomas Cash
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/tips-for-house-training-your-dog-98559.html
#1 by Yonna on February 14, 2010 - 12:11 am
house training tips for a westie puppy?
So im getting a westie puppy on december 1st, she is only 8 weeks old, but i move into my new house in January. Any tips on house to get her house training at least started before we move?
#2 by micah_moffitt on February 14, 2010 - 5:13 am
puppy pads…….
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#3 by Hannah H on February 14, 2010 - 5:15 am
go to the market and buy "pee pee pads"
worked with my dog
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#4 by dachshund gal on February 14, 2010 - 5:17 am
I’d try crate training.
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#5 by Caro on February 14, 2010 - 5:19 am
if she pees inside scold her, walk her outside if she pees inside in order to show her where she should have peed. in the mean time, walk her outside on a leash a lot and wait until she goes to the bathroom. if she goes outside, give her a treat! good luck!!!!
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#6 by yeehaneeha on February 14, 2010 - 5:21 am
Crate train! It is the easiest and fastest way.
When she can not be supervised, then she is in her crate. So at night, she’s in the crate, when you’re away. As soon s you take her out of her crate, she goes outside for a potty break. Make sure you watch her do her bussiness and don’t try to rush it. Take treats with you and when she potties outside, she gets a treat. If you catch her in the act in the house, simply tell her uh oh and take her outside. The key is to take her out as much as you possibly can. Girls can be a little harder to get to go potty. Make sure you always reward. Good luck with your new puppy. The terriers can be a little harder, so consistancy and patience is the key.
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Own 7 rescue dogs, trained agility dogs for 8 years
#7 by catie m on February 14, 2010 - 5:23 am
yes if you catch her or he doing what they are not sa post to do then you must scold them so they learn that is not somthing they should do again. mail me a picture of him because he spends awfully cute. also if he does a good trick give him a treat. and if he does somthing bad well you know.
teach them to sit lay down and let them listen to songs at nap time it helps them out with there stess.
ok sis well hhope he is good
and one giant kiss from me
pss. you sound like one cute pup
bub
by
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#8 by widgetlover214 on February 14, 2010 - 5:25 am
ok….20 minutes after she/he eats take her out to go potty. get pee pads and place them in front of the door that way she/ he will understand that outside is where they go potty. accidents will happen hence the pee pads. DO NOT give the puppy a treat if it goes where it is supposed to. lots of affection and telling the pup "good dog" is better. i hope this info helps. good luck w/ the new pup! : )
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#9 by Jakesbabe on February 14, 2010 - 5:27 am
cage the puppy when it is unattended. walk it out regular (even in your back yard) and encourage it to ‘do it’s business’. When it’s done give it lots of praise.
If the puppy has an accident indoors, do not acknowledge it. Sternly take the puppy outside to its toilet area and instruct it to ‘do it’s business’ (don’t terrorise your puppy by sulking!)
Keeping the puppy caged in a confined area will deter it from dirtying. A dog will not normally dirty in it’s own bed. (the area must be small but comfortable). You must take your puppy out at regular and frequent intervals.
caging your puppy will help against chewing too.
Don’t forget the cage must be a safe and secure place for your puppy. NEVER discipline your puppy whilst it is in its cage.
Look upon a cage a your puppy’s safe environment. It is not cruel and it is a very effective training method for dogs of all ages.
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#10 by Laurie on February 14, 2010 - 5:29 am
I have a Westie dog who was a puppy just two years ago. This is what we did…
-We bought a bell that hung low to the ground (within his reach). We hung it by the door he would be using to go outdoors. When we were leaving the house to go on a walk, etc., we would go by that door and ring the bell in front of him each time. Eventually, he let us know when he needed to "go" by ringing the bell – he just pushed it with his nose. Now, even at 2 years old, he still does!
-Each time he had an accident in the house, we tried not to scold him. Dogs don’t understand punishment. If you catch her in the act of going to the washroom indoors, pick her up (even in the middle of a pee!) and take her outdoors. If you discover a mess that has already been made, just clean it up. It’s too late. Scolding her will only confuse her and make her afraid of you. Praise her if she finishes her business outdoors. Each time my dog ‘went’ outdoors, we would praise him. That’s a simple way to let them know what is ‘right’ and ‘wrong’. Reward him! Treats and playing with her toys with her are two great ways.
-Get your pup a crate. If you’re going to be leaving the house a lot this is a great idea so that they don’t soil your house or ruin any furniture. Plus, it’s like their own ’space’ – which most dogs enjoy. Most dogs also don’t want to soil their beds because they have to lie on it. Furnish the crate with a soft dog bed and a few toys for entertainment. Drape a towel over the top so they feel more protected.
Westies are a great breed – enjoy!
XOXO,
Laurie
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#11 by Ray E on February 14, 2010 - 5:31 am
i got a 2 month old puppy from a rescue shelter a few months ago. the first thing we did was pee training. we now have him peeing on command and almost poopin on command. you have to be very vigilant the first few months. but what I did, everytime he looked like he was going to pee, i took him outside. when he starts to pee, i say pee-pee, (insert name here), then after he’s done, i say good pee-pee, sounds so retarded i know, but after one month, he got used to going outside, and now i just walk to where he usually goes, say pee pee and wala! mountain dew.
in the past 3 months we’ve only had 3 accidents. all because we neglected to let him out when we were supposed to. but as of late, he now kicks the door to let us know he has to go.
also, watch the dog whisperer show, his techniques have been very effective. our dog is very bright and obedient, we even got him to run on a treadmill for the days it rains. (dog whisperer trick) its fun to watch and he loves it.
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#12 by PRINTS on February 14, 2010 - 5:33 am
Many people try puppy pads but then, if you happen to move or the puppy has exposure to any spot on carpeting that has urine on it, that also becomes a "puppy pad". Most people who have had experience with more than one dog recommend cage-training. This means you use the cage a little like the "den" the mother dog would keep her puppies in. She keeps her den clean and the puppies learn not to defacate in areas where they sleep. The "den", or cage become the place the puppy will sleep and stay when you are not able to directly supervise it. If you leave the house, you can put the puppy in the cage and not worry that he might chew on a shoe, the leg of the dining room table, or a couch pillow. This keeps the puppy safe, because puppies are known for chewing on things that are not good for them, causing visits to the vet when their tummies become upset. The plan usually includes letting the puppy outside upon arising, after puppy meals, and after supervised play-time. Treats and excessive praise to encourage the good behaviours keep the puppy going in the right direction (dogs live for praise, rather than scorn or punishment). Soon the puppy will learn that since the cage (and the house is an extension of the cage) is not a place to urinate or defacate, the house is not, either. Play-time should always be directly supervised and limited to only about 10 to 20 minutes on a tiled surface, or ONLY as long as the pup can hold it. If he has an accident, you made the mistake by letting him play too long. Find a good book on cage-training and you will be on your way to a fun dog to have around, instead of a dog who you always need to be watching and wondering if there will be another accident. If you find your puppy is doing well, but then has a lapse in "training", this would be a good time for the puppy to be checked for a bladder infection.
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#13 by itchianna on February 14, 2010 - 5:35 am
There is no chance this will happen it takes months to train a dog.
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