NEVER Use These Bad House Training Ideas

There are many well intentioned people who like to offer advice about how to effectively house train your puppy or adult dog. Many times these same people do not understand the psychology of house training, misinterpret the actions of the dog or place human characteristics on the dog in an attempt to explain any house training problems that may arise.

A good example is when you hear someone say a puppy or dog is being obstinate or “getting even” with you. The idea that a dog thinks up ways to irritate or get even with you is laughable given that they have an attention span of only a minute or two. Which brings us to our first Do NOT of House training.

DO NOT EVER rub your dogs nose in an accident. If you find a wet spot or pile in your home, it’s not because the dog is spiteful or vengeful. Accidents are caused by owners who have allowed their pet to roam free before the bathroom routine is well set in the dogs mind. It’s also possible that there may be odors from a previous animal or accident in that general location that was not cleaned up completely.

In either case, it’s the fault of the owner and not the puppy. Rubbing your dogs’ nose in an accident does nothing to promote house training. He doesn’t have the mental capacity to link urinating at that location with a bad behavior. Effective house training is based on consistency (the owners) and confinement of the dog whenever you cannot be in direct eye contact with him.

A puppy can find a spot, squat and urinate in about 5 seconds so whenever your pet is out running around the house, you need to have your eyes trained on him. Threatening or hitting doesn’t work.

This brings us to the next common mistake in house training your puppy. Yelling, scolding and hitting with a newspaper. Raising your voice in a threatening manner only creates fear in your puppy and will cause him to shy away that behavior continues. If you see your pup squat and start to go, immediately pick up your pet, firmly say “NO” take him out to the area where you want him to go, use the word for bathroom then simply wait. Once he finishes his business make certain you give him lots of praise and attention for a job well done.

As for hitting him with a newspaper, remember that you are responsible for teaching your pet where to go to the bathroom. If there’s an accident, it really is your fault because you didn’t keep a close eye on him when your puppy was outside his crate. So if you must hit something with a rolled up newspaper, smack yourself over the head several times to help you remember the importance of closely watching your puppy.

Crate training is based on the fact that dogs don’t like to go to the bathroom in the same area as where they sleep. Couple this desire with a consistent routine and your puppy potty training efforts will soon be rewarded.

Remember that your puppy wants to be part of your family and wants to please you. It’s up to you to teach him what makes you happy. By focusing on positive reinforcement and not punishment, you will be well on your way to developing a great relationship with your new companion and best friend.

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