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"QUICK BITE"
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House Breaking is the number 1 issue I deal with as a Dog Trainer. We follow a recipe to "Teach" your dog to go outside. Owners wrongly believe the dog should "Tell Us" when they have to go. We must regulate their food and water intake. How and when we feed them, and where and when the dog goes to its "Relief Area." Crate training is integral in house breaking because the dog instinctively knows it shouldn't mess in the area it will sleep. Expect accidents as it is a "Living Being" and will need patience as it learns. If you catch the dog going in the house, don't rub its face in it or hit it, simply yell a harsh NO! and immediately take it out to its "Relief Area!" Finally, we must contain the dog if we can not watch it at all times.
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Pooch Pooping All Over Your Place?
So, your poodle is pooping all over your place. The dog is eight months old and just won't stop going in the house. You think the dog should tell you when she has to go out. Well, you do have a problem. And, it can be solved. House Breaking is the number one issue I deal with as a dog trainer. I'm going to tell you the secret recipe I teach clients to House Break their pooping pooches. And, it's nothing like Colonel Sanders recipe for Extra Crispy chicken!
The first part of the recipe is to control the dog's food and water intake. Most people over feed their dog. This in turn, makes them poop more. The same holds true for water. Most people leave water down all the time, and thus the dog drinks too much. You need to strictly adhere to the prescribed amount of food the bag suggests for your dog's age and weight. The water needs to be regulated. Start with 2 cups of water by using a measuring cup. When feeding your pooch, put the food and water down for only 15 minutes. This is done to regulate the dog, teach it discipline and pack hierarchy. Measure the remaning amount of water and take a reading by subtracting the difference from the starting amount. Do this for four to five feedings to get the exact amount of water the dog should be given. Then, continue to give the exact amount of water in the morning and evening only.
 The second part of the recipe is to establish a "Relief Area." This is your dog's bathroom. Pick a spot in your backyard, or out in front of your house. When you take your dog out, you must take it out the same door, down the same path, to the same spot, every single time without fail. This physically cues to your dog that it is going out to go to the bathroom, not to play or go for a walk. You must give your pooch the proper amount of time to do its business. In the morning, give your dog 15 to 20 minutes to go. Yes, it is quite a bit of time, but it is critical. How many times have you taken your dog out, only to have it go poop in the house 15 minutes later! A new pup should go out 4 to 5 times a day at equal time intervals. A slightly house broken, older dog should be taken out 3 to 4 times.
The third part of the recipe is that if you can't watch your pooch, you must contain it. This is where a crate is used. Let me say that crates aren't mean. Crates used properly, are a safe haven for your pooch. Many people use crates improperly by putting their dog in them to punish them. Dogs naturally live in burrows and caves in the wild. Crating your dog in a positive manner simulates that environment.
Finally, people will ask, "What do I do if the dog goes in the house?" Well, you don't do things such as rub its face in it. You don't hit your dog. The proper and most effective thing to do is to give it an immediate, menacing, verbal correction. Simply yell "NO!" in a very loud, stacato voice when you catch the dog in the act of messing in the house. Then, immediately take it out on lead to its "Relief Area." Yes, even if it is peeing all the way. You must make the connection that the house is not the relief area, and that the correct relief area is outside.
Dogs are "Living Beings," and you must be patient, consistent and have realistic expectations. Do these things and your pooch will be taught to perform properly!
Ken Rodrigues, President
Always There Pet Care
P.O. Box 691427
Orlando, FL 32869
(407) 649-1612 |
