House Training Quick Start Guide

• Manage the environment. Close doors, use crates, baby gates, tethers, et cetera.
• Get a clean bill of health from a veterinarian.
• The dog should be leashed, confined or supervised at all times while inside.
• Anytime you cannot directly supervise your dog, use a crate or confinement area to keep your dog and your house safe.
• If you will be gone for periods longer than the dog can wait, place newspaper (or house training pads) on the flooring of the area where your dog will be confined.
• Introduce your dog to the concepts of confinement and alone time.
• When you are inside and your dog is not confined, use a tether.
• To use a tether, make a 6-9 foot lead you can attach to furniture or your waist.
• Always provide your dog with adequate access to the “potty” area.
• Feed your dog at the same times each day
• Unless directed otherwise by a veterinarian, take up bowl and uneaten food after 15-20 minutes.
• Keep a log of feeding and elimination until you learn your dog’s schedule.
• Always attach a leash, go out with the dog, and lead him or her to the elimination area.
• Wait patiently for 5-9 minutes. If the dog doesn’t eliminate, return inside, crate or confine the dog for 20 minutes and then try again.
• Teach your dog cues for defecating and urinating on command.
• Teach your dog that rewards are for eliminating outside.
• Reward your dog for eliminating outside.
• Teach your dog to ring a bell to signal desire to go outside.
• Never scold or punish your dog for any “accidents”.
• Clean soiled, inside areas, with cleaners containing pet odor neutralizers.
• When your dog becomes more reliable, gradually grant supervised access to more areas of the house.

Alan J Turner, Companion Animal Behavior Counselor & Trainer – Canine Specialization

Private and Group Dog Training in Memphis, TN

Owner: How’s Bentley