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How to Effectively House Train a Dog

by Marissa Willman

Overview

A new dog can be a loving new addition to your family but a new dog can also be a lot of work. Your dog must be trained to relieve itself in appropriate areas at appropriate times. Some dogs learn faster than others, but all require consistency and attention to become effectively house trained. The crate method of house training teaches dogs to relieve themselves outside at certain intervals throughout the day.

Step 1

Set a training schedule that works for both you and your dog. Your dog will need to relieve itself after each meal, and younger dogs will need to go more frequently between meals. Your dog should also be taken out right after waking up and before going to sleep.
Step 2

Follow the schedule and take your dog out after each meal and nap. Use a verbal cue, such as "Go" or "Potty" while your dog is relieving itself. Consistency with this verbal cue will train the dog to associate the action with the word. Praise your dog after it relieves itself in the appropriate area. Do not praise or scold your dog if it does not relieve itself; simply take your dog back inside.
Step 3

Place your dog in its crate if it does not relieve itself or if you will not be able to keep a constant eye on it. After a meal, take your dog outside in 10-minute increments until it relieves itself; return your dog to the crate if it does not relieve itself. Your dog should also be crated overnight for sleeping. This prevents accidents inside the house.
Step 4

Keep a close eye on your dog while it is not in its crate. Watch for signs, such as sniffing or searching, that indicate your dog needs to relieve itself. Quickly pick up your dog and place it outside before it can relieve itself inside. It is your responsibility to determine when your dog needs to relieve itself and give it a proper area in which to do so.
Step 5

Do not punish your dog if you find that it has soiled itself indoors. Dogs are not born knowing where to relieve themselves and the dog will not understand why it is being punished. Unless you catch your dog in the act, do not reprimand it. Clean up the mess as best you can so the dog cannot pick up the scent; dogs will relieve themselves in the same spot if they can pick up the scent.
Step 6

Be consistent and patient with your training. Dogs will adhere to a schedule if you are consistent in setting it. If you consistently take your dog out to potty upon waking up or after a meal, your dog will know that these are the appropriate times and places to relieve itself.