House training your dog is the best way to prevent accidents from happening inside the home. Each dog is different, so the time it will take to housebreak them may vary. The age of the dog also plays an important part as well. Puppies find it difficult to hold their urine for long periods of time, while adult dogs may need to be retrained, especially if they are trying to adapt to a new home. Whether you are training a puppy or an adult dog, the key to success is using the right methods. Here are some tips that will make house training your pet a success.

A Firm Hand

Be firm with your dog when house training him. This doesn’t mean that you should scare your dog or punish him. Choose a specific command to use if the dog goes out of boundary. You may use a simple command such as “out,” and use it whenever you are taking your dog outside. Pick a special area where the dog will eliminate when he goes outside. During the training process, be sure to reward your pet with his favorite treats or walks each time he eliminates in the right area.

The Right Timing

Puppies can normally last for the amount of hours that are comparable to his age, before needing to go. However, it is recommended that you take your puppy outside regularly, which will depend on the type of food that is eaten and the amount. Other times include when they get up in the mornings, after meals, after a nap, and before bedtime. Some times your pet may show signs that they need to go. Some of the signs are pacing, scratching the door turning around in circles or barking.

Crate training can be effective when used correctly to house train puppies. Purchase a crate that is not too big, just large enough for the puppy to stand up and turn around in. This will encourage them to control their urge when they want to relieve themselves. The crate is also a nice, relaxing place to go when your dog feel the need to go somewhere quiet. Create a specific area for adult dogs in a section of the house such as the garage
or the kitchen. After getting accustomed to this special area, your dog will want to keep it clean, so he will tend to relieve himself outdoors, rather than there.

Making it Work

To be successful at house training your pet dog, you will need to be consistent. Set a schedule for each day and bring your dog to the same spot daily. Sometimes your dog may want to play before he goes or he may immediately relieve himself as soon as he is taken outside. Encourage everyone in your household to join in the housebreaking, so that the training will be more effective. They should use the same command as you and take the dog to the same area each time. Depending on the dog, it may take anywhere from 4 months to 12 months to be completely house trained. Keep in mind that your dog may still have accidents when you bring him to a strange house.

When to Get Help

Sometimes certain medical conditions such as gastrointestinal problems or urinary tract infection can cause your dog to eliminate inside. You may want to visit your vet in order to pinpoint the actual problem, especially if your dog is passing watery stool. In the case of mild gastrointestinal problems, you may simply need to make some necessary diet changes.