Won’t Go Outside

Deagle the basset hound

The trouble with Deagle is his inability to potty in the right place. Ever since he was a pup, he’s always pees on the carpet. What makes it worse is that it’s not an accident. I let him out when potty time comes around, he goes outside and barks at the neighbors for about thirty minutes, but never stops to pee or poop. When I call him back in, he comes a romping, his floppy ears and droopy eyes making him so adorable. Then, all that cuteness disappears when he sniffs, circles, and squats to mess the carpet.

photoI guess it’s partly my fault. When he was a pup, I used newspaper for his potty area. He was used to going on the floor inside the house. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to break him of the habit, and now my carpet pays dearly for it.

I scold him when he does it, but he just finds another place in the house if he can’t go then and there. It doesn’t seem to do much good trying to stop him from peeing inside. At least when he poops, it’s usually on the kitchen floor. I’ve just about bought stock in some of the odor-eater companies, purchasing a can at least once a week. I figured maybe the smell was attracting him to do this, but it seemed more a habit than a stimulus.

I got to looking o line for some new solutions to my problem, and found several recommendations for indoor litter boxes for dogs. I figured since the old hound was going to keep going inside, I might as well let him do it where it won’t damage the carpet or make a mess. When I first got it, Deagle didn’t know what to make of it. He sniffed it and barked at it for a few minutes before hopping on and marking it. I crossed my fingers and hoped it would work.

After a few mess-free days, I was actually quite pleased. Deagle seemed to actually like the device, it may have been some kind of incentive or maybe even the texture of the grass, but whatever it was worked, and quite frankly, that’s all that matters to me.

Your Dog And His Pee

When you write a letter, you use a pen and paper. For dogs this is quite different. Not all puppy pee is a result of accidents; sometimes it is simply your pup’s way of sending a message. This can sometimes be a misconception when pet owners discover that an object in their home is the victim of puppy urine.

When your pup begins to mark area’s in your home, this is not necessarily a sign that they are having accidents. Often times a new move may stimulate a pup that was previously house trained to mark areas in the house. New furniture can be the target for your pup as the new smell and intruding look can prove to be irresistible to their sensitive nose. Sometimes it may simply be that you have a visitor or even the smell of another dog can stimulate them to send a message.

photoSigns that your pup is actually having accidents in your home are often urinating near doors that lead to their designated potty areas. A wet mat at the backdoor or a spot on the floor next to the garage door are often signs that your pup could not hold their bladder. This may not always be their fault though, as an owner you need to let them have access to these places relatively often. The best way to determine that your pup needs to go is if you need to go.

There are medical conditions that can affect bladder control as well. This may sometimes result in them urinating in odd spots like their crate or trailing urine across the floor. Keeping your dog on a regular checkup is important to ensure their health. Diabetes and old age can sometimes affect a pup’s ability to control how often they need to go. Ask your vet about special needs of your pup if they have conditions that would affect them.

Keeping an eye on your pup when they begin to mark your house is the best solution. Ensure that each mess is thoroughly cleaned to prevent them from becoming accustomed to using the spot. Remember that not all urine is the same, so next time your pup starts leaving messages- try to consider what they may be telling you.

Puppy Potty Training

When adjusting your new pup to your living habitations, it is important to remember that the process will have to be well managed. Spending time with your new dog will allow you to build positive reinforcement instead of correcting after the mistake. Avoiding mistakes and accidents during potty training is quicker and more effective than waiting for them to make a mistake and trying to correct it.

photoLimiting a pup’s space at first will help your pup adjust to the new home. Crates can be very effective during this process as they can assist in preventing accidents. Associating the crate as your pup’s den will encourage them not to want to soil the area where they live and eat. Do not make the crate a punishment as this will make them fear the crate or their den and they may begin to potty there. Throughout the day, make sure that your pup has frequent access to your potty location. Decide whether you will want your pup to use the natural yard, or you may want to obtain a grass litter box for them.

Keep in mind that younger pups do not have much bladder control. At least every three hours you will need to let them have access to their potty zone. This will help prevent accidents from occurring. If there are accidents, you will need to immediately clean them up and make sure to use an odor-eating product that will eliminate the smell. This should help prevent your pup form wanting to use the spot again in the future.

Be sure that after a meal or playtime you take your pup to their potty location. You will want to create a command to familiarize potty time with this word or phrase. After they have successfully delivered, praise them for doing a good job and perhaps a treat will reinforce the deed.  If there is an accident in the house, unless you catch them doing the deed, you will want to avoid punishment. If you punish them after the deed, they may not comprehend why you are doing this. If you do catch them in the act, though it can be messy, immediately take them to their potty area to help associate the spot for this deed.

By utilizing the strategic abilities of crate training with potty training your pup can develop a better sense of where to go when they need to do their business.

Busy Dog Owners and Housebreaking

Your pup has gotten a little older, and you begin to fear the old saying- you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. Don’t worry, it is not impossible but it is a little harder. Spending time with them is always important, and training an older pup inside your home is going to take some starting over. You’ll have to clean the slate and start from the beginning.

photoYou start by leaving the pup with a friend for the afternoon as you clean the house. Use pet deodorizer on all the carpet and make sure that any soiled areas are free and clear of markings. When your pup gets home, you will not want them thinking that the house is still a place for them to pee or poop. This effect stops any inside problems related to relieving themselves in your house. Start by developing a schedule for eating, playtime and delivery time. When they successfully do their business, make sure that you praise them for doing a good job. If you catch them in the act of delivering inside their house, though it will be messy, pick them up and take them outside directly. This would basically be how you might train a fresh puppy, but it will prove easier than constantly trying to correct mistakes.

A pup that is used to jumping up on you or friends when you first enter the room can be a difficult but with a with the simple “sit” technique you can prevent the anxiety and hyper-activity. When your pup first tries to jump up on you, don’t pet or praise until they calm down. Use the “sit” command to associate the calmness and praise them only when they are calm. This will help them to understand that if they are calm, they will receive attention. This works well with young pups, but is still very effective on an older pup.

So if you didn’t spend the time to train your pup when you first got them, do not fret cause there is still hope for them. It will take a little more time and effort on your part. Remember that the time you spend with your pup will be rewarded with not only obedience but love.

Paper Train Or Not Paper Train

When your puppy first joins your household, you discover there is much training to be done. One of the most important things to teach is not to relieve themselves on your carpet. There are different preparation methods for potty training that are available, so pick one that is right for you.

photoPaper training is simple to use. Commonly it is for young pups that you do not want wandering around outside in the elements. This is a method by which you place newspaper or paper articles on an area that is previously soiled by your pup. There are incentive sprays that may help you choose where you want the pup to go. A young pup feels safe inside, and will consistently want to go to the same area when it is time. Giving praise when this is properly done will enforce the training. Potty pads are also available for this method. Pads are normally attractive to a pup and often makes cleanup easier. The only downside is the cost of these pads. This type of training can create a scenario in which your pup understands there is a special place to do their daily business.

The downside to paper training is that it does create an atmosphere in which you pup is accustomed to relieving themselves inside the house. It can prove difficult when shifting a doggy from inside to outside bathroom usage. You will have to take the time to slowly move the paper toilet or potty pad towards their new location. Then a new training will have to begin to get a pup accustomed to using the yard for their delivery session.

Grass litter boxes have become ever-more popular. The training is beneficial, and indoor or outdoor use is easy. You do not have to deal with the paper or puppy pad mess that needs to be changed more regular. Once your young pup is trained in the litter box, moving it around will not be as difficult because of the familiarity. Later on, shifting from a grass litter to the yard will not surprise a pup’s paws the same as paper to grass would.

There are different options for training your pup properly. The best way to do something is to only have to do it once. If you’re thinking of how to potty train your pup, just remember to consider what is going to be the easiest way for your pup to learn later on down the road.

Benefits of Housebreaking your Dog

You love everything about your dog except the fact that he keeps leaving urine and poop inside the house. If you have accepted that this is how dogs are, you might want to reconsider that thought. Dogs are naturally playful and can be really messy, but with the right training they can develop habits to your advantage.

photoBefore you consider teaching him any tricks, you want to housebreak him first. Teaching him to urinate and defecate in a spot most convenient for you is something any dog owner aims for. Imagine the convenience at your hands when your dog knows where to go when nature calls. You no longer have to worry about leaving your dog alone and coming home to the smell of dog urine.

Having a housebroken dog will let you fully enjoy your pet. You will have more playtime together instead of spending time cleaning up the mess he did inside the house. There won’t be any need to cover your furniture with plastic or newspaper to safeguard from your dog’s urine or feces. Also, your home will be more accommodating to guests if you are someone who expects them every now and then.

Having a dog around is indeed beneficial to your well being, and housebreaking him will further improve the way you live with your dog. Making your home free from any dog mess will also prevent any disease that you might get if there are residues left inside your house.

Housetraining When You Don’t Have Time

Your new four-legged friend has joined company with you, but you don’t have much time to spend training the little rascal to behave properly in the house. It would not be kind to simply neglect the hopeful newcomer, or lock them in a cage all day and night. Your best choice is to find time where it may not appear to be.

photoSimple things like giving commands while you are doing your own activity. The best time is probably when you are doing yard work. Keeping them with you as you weed the yard and praising them when they properly relieve themselves will keep the gears in motion. It may seem out of the way, but taking your pup with you when you are working around the house can help. It keeps them close to you for observation, and yet keeps them within boundaries of your space. A convenient time to take your newcomer for a walk is when you are going to retrieve the mail. It is a short and simple task, yet it lets your canine companion get a breath of fresh air (and a chance to mark his spot). Giving them a piece of the junk mail that you may get and having them bring it back to the house with you, will teach them to retrieve items without destroying it.

While you are eating, it may be necessary to allow your dog to join you in company, but do not feed them, or allow begging. This will enforce to them that it is meal time for you, and that they have a specific place to eat. If you must, give them scraps after you have eaten, only in their food bowl. Doing this will not cost you any time, and your pup will learn to be well disciplined during meal time.

Crate training will assist you in preparing your pup for entry into your home. While you are out and about on errands, use of the crate will prevent your pup from getting loose in the house. Just remember not to neglect them. With your love and attention, your pup will mature and learn along with you.

Tips on How to Housebreak Your Dog

Having a pet at home can be beneficial, especially as a loyal companion and a stress reliever. If you decide to get a dog for a pet, you have to prepare yourself for a little mess at home. Dogs are naturally playful and if you leave them unattended, especially in their first couple of weeks, they will develop habits that you might find stressful in the long run.

photoCleaning up after your dog can really be stressful but if you housebreak your dog and get him into the habit of designating the outside as his “bathroom,” then soon enough your house will be free from your dogs urine and feces.

Housebreaking a dog will take a couple of weeks depending on your dog’s attitude. During the duration of his training, you have to be patient and consistent. You want the dog to develop a habit, and consistency will make it happen.

While you are housebreaking him, do not allow him to be all over your house. Keep him close to you or put him in a crate if you are busy. This is to avoid any accidents around the house and a chance to watch his bladder and bowel movements. Dogs need to go at least 30 minutes after a meal or after they play. Make sure to bring him outside and designate a spot for him where he can do his business. You can do a schedule for his activities to make it consistent and to avoid confusing him. He will slowly get the habit of doing it on the same spot at the same time every day. Take him out before you go to sleep and first thing in morning. If you see that he is about to do it inside the house, give him a hard “no” or clap your hands and direct him to go outside.

Housebreaking your dog is hard work, but it is necessary if you want to avoid cleaning up your furniture every time he eliminates inside your house.

Dog Litterbox To Potty Train Your Puppy

You just got yourself a cute puppy and now there is urine on your favorite carpet. You read about housetraining puppies but your living condition makes going up and down a building too much for you. There is another way to housebreak a dog; by using a grass dog litter box.

The benefits of using a dog litter box are mostly for convenience. If you live in high-rise buildings or where lawns are not accessible, using a dog litter is your best bet. You want to start training your puppy as soon as possible and before he marks a spot in your house where he eliminates.

photoHere is what you need to housebreak your puppy using a dog litter box. Choosing a dog litter box is essential. Consider your dog’s breed and how big they get when they age. You want to get a litter box that is large enough to walk around on and one that will last a lifetime. Consider the potty’s surface lining.

Using one that has a grass lining is good because it imitates that of real grass. With this lining, it is easier to clean up after the puppy. Once the puppy is familiarized with the material, your puppy won’t have any problems of eliminating once you’re outdoors. Make sure to have cleaning materials at bay to clean the dog potty area after they eliminate. It is best to always keep your litter box clean.

After you have all the materials to potty train your puppy, you can now start training him. Consistency is key to successfully potty training your puppy. You can start by introducing your puppy to the dog litter box, let him sniff around it. Schedule your puppy’s meals to get an idea when he eliminates. Dogs eliminate minutes after every meal. Best practice is to follow your schedule closely. After meals, bring him to the potty and wait for him to eliminate. Get in the habit of praising him when he does something right, especially when he does his business on the dog litter box. If you catch him doing it on the wrong place, just give him a firm “no.”

When potty training your puppy, remember that you have to be consistent in training him. Make sure you have your full attention on him to avoid and prevent any “accidents.” If you think that your puppy is about to go, bring him to the dog litter box until he gets familiar with the spot. Consistently praise him when he does a good deed to help him develop the right habits.

Getting Rid of the Smell

Ever walked in your front/back door and got assailed with the strong smell of dog urine that it made you gag? If you are a pet owner, chances are you would have already encountered this scenario especially if you have puppies that haven’t been trained yet. Dog urine is a common occurrence in a household which has dogs or any other pet for that matter.

This may not bode well for your social life because it would be too embarrassing for you to invite your friends over when the smell of dog urine is so overpowering. Don’t fret or panic! This dilemma is easily solvable with a few tricks up your sleeve.

Don’t Delay. Once you’ve spotted your dog peeing on your floor or carpet and anywhere else inside your house, don’t delay in getting to it right away. Chances are, the faster you get it cleaned up, the lesser it will smell. First thing you should do is to soak any of the urine that you can with paper towels or a cloth rag which you can rinse off later. If you delay in cleaning it, the possibility of the smell sticking to your floor or carpet is greater.

Train Young. It is important to start educating or housebreaking your dogs when they are still puppies. This is the best time for it. Be very observant of their behaviors. After eating or sleeping, make sure that you put the puppies out so they can do their business outdoors. This will save you a lot of smell-ache later in the future. You can also give some scolding to your puppies when you find that they urinated inside your house but just remember that about 10-15 minutes after you have scolded the pups, give them some pats on the head or a little playtime with you.

Bring Out Odor Removers. Pet stores now sell these commercial odor remover products that are really designed for pets. Use these commercial remedies to remove the smell of dog urine completely. Chances are that if the smell isn’t removed completely that your dog will go back to that same spot where he can still smell his urine. Choose products which are more household and earth friendly if you can find them.

photoClean ‘Em. If your dog has stained your carpet with his urine, it might be a good idea to give your carpet a good shampooing and brushing. Hit 2 birds with 1 stone. Get your dog urine smell out and get your carpet cleaned at the same time.

The one thing that you have to remember here is that the most important step you can do is to train your dog really well to poo and pee where they are supposed to do these things. The better you train them, the less likely it will be that your house will end up smelling like dog urine. If you are averse to using commercially manufactured products, you can always try out home remedies which are easily available online or you can even ask your friends about their own home remedies.