As the housetrainee, Fido should definitely not piddle behind the chair. As the housetrainer, you have a list of don'ts as well.
The best intentions can be ruined by one mistake. You will be on your way to housetraining success if you can avoid the most common mistakes. Following these tips will help you learn what not to do.
- Punishment for housetraining does not work. If you are in the habit of rubbing Fido's nose in his mistakes, it is time to take a different approach. Start by taking your dog outside more frequently. When you catch him doing right, smother him with praise and offer a treat. Try attaching a key phrase, such as "potty time" to his good deed. Every time you see him piddle outside repeat the phrase. Soon when you take him outside, you can use your key phrase and he will know what you want him to do. Increase Fido's chances of getting it right. Try a training spray. This spray will encourage your dog to piddle wherever you have sprayed the product and give you a chance to reward him with positive reinforcement.
- Don't leave a 24 hour buffet out for your dog. If the pooch has access to food and water then, logically, he is going to need to relieve himself overnight as well. Start your new dog on a regular schedule. Eat and play are for the day, at night we sleep!
- Be realistic when allowing your new dog to roam the house. Yes, he is eager to learn about his new surroundings, but explorations should be limited until he has been fully trained. You will want to invest in a crate for your dog to stay in while you are away. Your puppy and your carpet will thank you. If there is an accident in the home, use an odor neutralizer to permanently remove the smell, so Fido doesn't return to the scene of the crime.
Be consistent in avoiding these pitfalls, and your pup will be housetrained in no time. He lives to please you, so show him how pleased you are when he succeeds.
Make sure you give Fido the tools he needs to succeed (crate, treats) and arm yourself with the necessary items to remove any accidents from your carpet and your memory.
