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Housebreaking Methods

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There are several methods and techniques when it comes to housebreaking a dog. The two methods that consistently work are the crate technique and the paper training technique. Other methods do have success rates but do not provide the effective results that the other two mentioned do. The most important factor in the success of any housebreaking method is consistency. Inconsistency when it comes to housetraining a dog will only confuse the animal which will delay the training. Listed below are the two methods mentioned earlier as well as a description of each:

• Crate Training: Crate training appears to be the best overall housebreaking method for dogs and countless dog owners swear by the technique. The method consists of a dog crate or kennel being used as a place for the dog to sleep and eat for the first few weeks as well as when you are unable to be with it. The crate should be large enough for the puppy to sleep comfortably but not large enough for it to play in. By nature dogs will not use the restroom where their bed is so a larger crate will only allow your puppy to use the restroom in one area and sleep in a totally different one. If you have to leave the dog in the crate and have to be gone for an extended period of time during such as going to work it is very important that the dog be let out of the crate at least once every 6 hours. It is also unfair for a dog to be left in a crate all day and then be put back in it at night after only having a few hours out of it in the evening. Lunch hours are an ideal time to go home and let the dog out to use the restroom. Be sure you or someone else is able to let the dog out and is able to spend time with the dog outside of the crate before having to be returned to it. It can take up to 10 minutes for a dog to totally relive itself so patience while taking the dog outside will be needed. It is also important not to play with the dog until it has finished using the restroom so that it understands why it is outside. Establishing a routine will also help your dog in the training process. Also learning your dog’s natural restroom schedule such as when he or she usually has a bowl movement will aide in the training process. It is imperative to remember that the crate should not serve as the place where the dog spends all of its time. Dogs need to be able to play and not be cooped up all day and night. Patience, consistency, and understanding your dog’s needs are the key to success in this method.
• Paper Training: There is a lot of debate over this method of housebreaking. Some say it’s an extremely effective method of training a dog and others say it only prolongs the housetraining technique by not teaching the dog that outdoors is the only acceptable place to go to the bathroom. That being said the paper training technique consists of laying training paper or newspapers in an area deemed acceptable for the dog to relieve itself indoors. Many people who work long distances away from home and are unable to make it home to let the dog out during the day lay training paper out for the dog to use the bathroom. A small room such as a closet or bathroom with easily cleaned floors should be used when paper training is being established. That way the dog is not given free range of the home. The paper should be laid somewhat of a distance away from the dog’s food, water, and bed in order for this method to be effective. Each time the dog uses the restroom the top layer of paper should be removed and thrown away but the bottom layer should be left because dogs like to use the restroom where they smell urine or feces. This will ensure the paper is used as the only area indoors where the dog will use the bathroom. Many people use the paper training technique in conjunction with crate training if they have to be away from the dog for long periods of time. It allows the dog to not be kept in the crate for long periods of time. Again consistency along with patience is required with paper training.

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