House Breaking Tips from CairnShire
YOUR PUPPY MUST BE RESTRICTED UNTIL HE IS COMPLETELY HOUSEBROKEN
If your puppy is having accidents, he has too much freedom. When you are not watching, your puppy should be in a crate or a puppy pen. If you take your puppy out to do his job and he does not, put him back into the crate for 15 minutes and then try again, and again, until he goes and then praise him, lots of praise. Once there have been no accidents for a week or so your puppy gets a bit more freedom.
IT IS EASIER TO PREVENT A MISTAKE THAN TO CORRECT ONE
Try to take your puppy out before an accident occurs. Take him out routinely after a nap, in the morning, after play, after eating, and whenever he drops his nose to the ground and he starts to sniff with that desperate pre-pee look (you will learn this look).
IF THE PUPPY STARTS TO GO POTTY IN THE HOUSE AND YOU ARE WATCHING, YOU HAVE A WONDERFUL OCCASION TO ENFORCE POSITIVE BEHAVIOR
Be thrilled if you catch the puppy starting to go in the house, because if you are quick (and you should be ready at all times) you can stop the process with a sharp, "No", a quick scooping up of the puppy, an immediate change of tone to a happy "let's go outside" while you are running out the door and placing him on the grass and giving him a one word command. Be quiet while he finishes, and praise him when he does. If he does not, back to the crate.
MAKE SURE THERE ARE NO LINGERING SMELLS OF URINE OR FECES IN THE HOUSE
A dog can smell what you can't. The smell of urine or feces is an invitation to do more of the same. Clean the area where an accident occurred immediately. I use half white vinegar and half water in a spray bottle. The bottle is always handy when I have a puppies about.
NEVER SCOLD YOUR DOG AFTER THE FACT
Even five seconds after the fact is too late. If you don't catch your puppy in the act, consider the accident your fault. Blame yourself and do better next time.
BE PATIENT
If you are consistent, your dog will housebreak. It can be hard, frustrating, tiring work, but it is worth the extra attention. Don't give up!
If your puppy is having accidents, he has too much freedom. When you are not watching, your puppy should be in a crate or a puppy pen. If you take your puppy out to do his job and he does not, put him back into the crate for 15 minutes and then try again, and again, until he goes and then praise him, lots of praise. Once there have been no accidents for a week or so your puppy gets a bit more freedom.
IT IS EASIER TO PREVENT A MISTAKE THAN TO CORRECT ONE
Try to take your puppy out before an accident occurs. Take him out routinely after a nap, in the morning, after play, after eating, and whenever he drops his nose to the ground and he starts to sniff with that desperate pre-pee look (you will learn this look).
IF THE PUPPY STARTS TO GO POTTY IN THE HOUSE AND YOU ARE WATCHING, YOU HAVE A WONDERFUL OCCASION TO ENFORCE POSITIVE BEHAVIOR
Be thrilled if you catch the puppy starting to go in the house, because if you are quick (and you should be ready at all times) you can stop the process with a sharp, "No", a quick scooping up of the puppy, an immediate change of tone to a happy "let's go outside" while you are running out the door and placing him on the grass and giving him a one word command. Be quiet while he finishes, and praise him when he does. If he does not, back to the crate.
MAKE SURE THERE ARE NO LINGERING SMELLS OF URINE OR FECES IN THE HOUSE
A dog can smell what you can't. The smell of urine or feces is an invitation to do more of the same. Clean the area where an accident occurred immediately. I use half white vinegar and half water in a spray bottle. The bottle is always handy when I have a puppies about.
NEVER SCOLD YOUR DOG AFTER THE FACT
Even five seconds after the fact is too late. If you don't catch your puppy in the act, consider the accident your fault. Blame yourself and do better next time.
BE PATIENT
If you are consistent, your dog will housebreak. It can be hard, frustrating, tiring work, but it is worth the extra attention. Don't give up!
No More Scolding
GOOD BOY!
