Dog Housebreaking Tips: What You Should and Shouldn’t Do

Bringing a new dog home is an exciting experience. However, as a pet parent, one of the essential things you need to do is housebreak your dog. Housebreaking your dog is a process that requires patience, consistency, and dedication. With the right approach, you can teach your dog how to relieve themselves appropriately and keep your home clean. We’ll go over some dos and don’ts of dog housebreaking tips to help you achieve success.

Photo by Myriam Jessier

DOs

Establish a Routine:

Dogs thrive on routine, and establishing a routine will help them learn what to expect throughout the day. Take your dog out first thing in the morning, after meals, before bedtime, and after playtime. Use a consistent command, such as “go potty,” so your dog associates the phrase with the action.

Be Consistent:

Consistency is key when it comes to housebreaking your dog. Stick to your routine, and don’t skip any of the scheduled potty breaks. Reinforce good behavior with praise and treats, and avoid punishing your dog for accidents.

Supervise Your Dog:

Until your dog is fully housebroken, you’ll need to supervise them closely. Keep them in a crate or confined area when you’re unable to watch them. When you’re at home, keep them on a leash so you can quickly take them outside when they need to go.

Clean Up Accidents Thoroughly:

If your dog has an accident inside, it’s essential to clean it up thoroughly. Use an enzymatic cleaner designed for pet urine to remove any odor. Dogs have a strong sense of smell, and if they can smell their urine in an area, they may be more likely to have another accident there.

Be Patient:

Housebreaking can take time, and accidents are inevitable. Be patient and consistent, and your dog will eventually learn the appropriate place to relieve themselves.

DON’Ts

Punish Your Dog:

Punishing your dog for having an accident will not help with the housebreaking process. Dogs don’t understand punishment in the way that humans do, and it may lead to fear or anxiety.

Use Pee Pads:

While pee pads can be useful in some situations, they can confuse your dog when it comes to housebreaking. Pee pads teach your dog that it’s okay to relieve themselves inside, which can make it more difficult to transition to outside.

Free Feed Your Dog:

Free feeding your dog can make it more challenging to establish a routine. Feeding your dog on a schedule will help them develop a regular bathroom schedule.

Allow Your Dog to Roam Unsupervised:

Until your dog is fully housebroken, it’s essential to supervise them closely. Allowing them to roam unsupervised can lead to accidents and setbacks in the housebreaking process.

Ignore Your Dog’s Signals:

Dogs will give signals when they need to go outside, such as sniffing, circling, or whining. It’s essential to pay attention to these signals and take your dog outside promptly.

Housebreaking your dog requires patience, consistency, and dedication. By establishing a routine, being consistent, supervising your dog, cleaning up accidents thoroughly, and being patient, you can successfully housebreak your dog. Avoid punishing your dog, using pee pads, free feeding, allowing your dog to roam unsupervised, and ignoring your dog’s signals. With the right approach, you can teach your dog the appropriate place to relieve themselves and keep your home clean.