Some say house training your dog is one of the healthiest behaviors you can instill early on. By learning the proper place to do their business, your right-hand pup can learn good habits while ensuring a healthy relationship between pet and owner. All dogs are different, so the time it takes each pup to become house trained will vary; smaller dogs—which includes small puppies that will one day be big dogs—may require more maintenance since their bladders are smaller and they will have to “go” more frequently. While house training may seem like a difficult feat, the key to success is patience, positive reinforcement, and consistency. Here are some tips to ensure that the journey to appropriate waste elimination is a smooth and seamless one.
1. Choose a consistent location
Most owners want their dog to do their business in the backyard or another confined space. Whether it’s outside or in a section of their kennel, make sure the place your dog is trained to relieve themselves is consistent each time. This makes it easier for your pup to associate that particular place with that particular behavior. Before long, whenever they feel the need to “go,” they will go to that designated area on their own; for example, if you consistently take your dog to the backyard when you’re training them, they will learn to scratch at the backyard door whenever they feel need to relieve themselves.
2. Reward your pup with a treat after they get it right
As always, positive reinforcement is the way to go when trying to foster any type of behavior in your pet. So after they successfully do their business in the correct place, reward them with a treat (at least while they are still learning). This will allow them to associate going to the bathroom in the right place with a tasty reward and warm feelings of positivity.
3. Make sure the times you take your dog out are consistent
Early on, you will probably have to take your dog to the backyard (or other designated area) even if they don’t need to go. As such, it is good to get your dog used to a consistent schedule. If you take your pup out in the morning, after meal times, and before bed, their behavior will be more regulated and this will lessen the likelihood of an accident.
House training can take anywhere from four months to a year, depending on your dog’s age and the behaviors they were taught from a previous owner. The process requires some patience, but the payoff of a successfully house-trained pup is worth it for owner and pet alike!
Contact the Walk! ATX Team
House training is pivotal, but can also be a time-consuming process that not everyone will have the luxury of engaging in. If you are in need of basic training services, don’t hesitate to contact the dog enthusiasts at Walk! ATX. Our team offers a variety of pet services and can help your dog be the best they can be. Reach out to us today at (512) 655-9557 for more information.