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February 26th, 2009 by PetGuru

Housebreaking a dog usually means getting the dog to use the bathroom in the right place and at the right time. This is certainly important. But housebreaking is a lot more than just potting training. It includes all his behavior in the house. This includes his understanding of where he can go and when.

One of the most unwelcome conducts of any dog is to urinate on the carpet.  (A more exhaustive list of dog behavior problems is available in Secrets to Dog Training.) Of course, young pups don’t know any better. They do it whenever they need and wherever they are. That’s natural. Therefore, it is important to start training him as soon as you bring him home.

The best age to get a pup is about eight weeks old. However, a dog usually can’t control the muscles to hold the urine until the proper time until he is about twelve weeks old. Therefore, it is important to take your dog outside often during the first days of ownership. Set a schedule and plan to get the dog outside after every meal. You can take him for a walk if you live in the city, or let him romp outside if you live in the country. Take him out every hour at first, and reinforce good actions positively.

Positive reinforcement is crucial. He will understand a pat, a dog biscuit, kind and encouraging words. This assures the pet that he is pleasing you and most dogs like to do that. So, opportunities to go, and much praise when he does will reinforce his acceptable behavior.

There may be places in the house you don’t want the dog to go. A black shedding dog may not be welcome on the white couch, for example! The untrained pup may not be welcome in the carpeted rooms. Your pet must understand these places are off limits.

Consistency and patience, say the best dog training books, are the keys to such training. So Phydeaux is found sleeping on your bed, a forbidden place. Scold him, speak to him clearly that this is not allowed, and pull him off immediately! You must do this consistently until he learns this is not allowed. Don’t make exceptions for this will only confuse him.

You may suspect the dog is violating the rule but only when you aren’t around. This is an indication he knows what is right. For example, one family made it clear their dog was never to get on the furniture. But when they came home, they found a warm spot on the softest chair. You could lock him out of the room, of course. You could also catch the dog doing this when he doesn’t think you’re around. A scolding along with a rap on the bottom with a newspaper may be necessary to tell him this conduct is not acceptable, ever!

Dogs are pleasers, so praise for right conduct goes a long way. Any reward you can think of will reinforce the good conduct, and withholding the reward will reinforce the cost of bad conduct. Be patient and don’t give up! In the long run, both you and your dog will be glad.

Hope you enjoyed this article. Learn more tips and read reviews of top dog training books at http://www.dogtrainingbible.net.