Housetraining
Behavioral Therapy
Client Study Essay
Client Study Evaluation
Introducing a New Baby
Secrets to Choose a Trainer
Do-It-Yourself Physical
Test Your Pups Behavior

Helpful Hints for Housebreaking:

The goal for "house breaking" your dog is to have it "potty" outside and not inside your house... right?

So, why do so many people train their dogs to do it inside?

Let me explain further... people use the "old" newspaper method in some cases, until their dogs are 4 to 5 months old. Yes, it saves their floors from getting messed up... you bet... but it's also "IMPRINTING" the "OK", to eliminate inside the house.

Think about it, sure the dog will relate the scent of "printers ink" to elimination, but what does that have to do with "GOING OUTSIDE" ?

I've had many clients call me wondering why their "ADULT" dogs (totally housebroken, I'm told?) love to urinate on, or around the coffee table. The table that this weeks newspapers are stashed under.... get the idea ?

Here are some great tips to make house training a little easier.

• Keep your puppy up on a "consistent" housebreaking schedule. Feed at the "SAME" time ever day.

• Designate one area outside as a "potty" area.

• Take the puppy out ever 2 hours to the "potty" area, whether it has eaten or not.

• The times that a puppy will most likely want to eliminate are after eating or drinking, after a nap, or after a period of play or vigorous exercise.

• Make up a written time log showing feeding and trips to "potty" area, this really helps.

• Bring the puppy on a leash to the designated area. Initially, you want to teach the puppy what the words "go potty" mean, but don't distract the puppy from its business by constant "YAPPING". Be quiet... and say "go potty" just before you see it's about to eliminate. Then, say "Good Potty" (not too loud or distracting) as it eliminates, and then get really excited and be as loud as you wish, saying "GOOD POTTY" once the puppy has finished the "business". Then give it a treat. I suggest "moist", flavorful treats, as opposed to the dry kind.

• The two most important words in house training are"WATCH" or "CONFINE". Never give a puppy full run of the house. Start in a small area like a utility room or a small puppy pen. Don't graduate to a larger area until it has PROVEN itself in that area, for a period of time. "Watching" means.... CONSTANTLY being aware of where the puppy is. I prefer most people to put the puppy on a leash, when not in the puppy pen or crate. (Outside dog runs are are a great investment too !!)

• Get yourself a suitably sized "Crate" the same day you buy your puppy. No, its not inhumane or cruel (cruel is constantly reprimanding, scolding and possibly getting physical with the puppy for eliminating inside the house). DO NOT fill the entire floor area of the crate with newspaper or bedding of any kind. Make 1/4 of the crate a 'Bed", if you wish. Always make sure the crate is in a well ventilated area out of direct sunlight. And if you live in colder climates, be sure the room temperature stays fairly constant, not too hot...or too cold.

• NEVER BE PHYSICAL WITH A PUPPY FOR ELIMINATING INSIDE In fact..."never be physical with your puppy ...period. Being overly physical with the puppy will make it not want to perform in front of you. It will actually cause the puppy to leave gifts for you, out of your sight. You know... "the ones your dinner guests find behind the furniture".

• You can start a very young puppy on newspaper, but get rid of the paper and begin formal crate training as soon as possible. Be patient, consistent, and diligent in taking the puppy outside. Regulate what goes into your puppy's tummy, so you can regulate when it comes out. "WATCH" or "CONFINE", and gradually extend the puppy's living area. Keep track in your "housebreaking log" and in a matter of a a few short weeks.... PRESTO !

More extensive information on "housebreaking" is available in "ULTRA PUPPY 1" which you can purchase right here in our website. Not only do we cover this subject in depth, but we also cover a host of other relative information for young puppies. We discuss temperament testing, the use and misuse of "Attention" and how to utilize it to actually "TRAIN" your dog. There is an extensive section on "FORMAL" obedience commands, for the very young puppy, and much , much more. Some people believe you can not start formally training a puppy, until it reaches six month's of age. Well I feel that dog's are a little bit more intelligent than that, and thousands of people have used this program... and now see that this is just, NOT TRUE.

Did you know that a 10 week old puppy has the learning capabilities of an adult dog.?

That sweet, furry little puppy is learning (good or bad, that's up to you) from the very first day you take it home (actually since birth), so why not teach it correctly?

You do not break a puppy's spirit by training formal obedience by the age of 16 weeks.... another "old wives" tale. If you are a heavy handed trainer, who want's a "Robot" dog, and use little or no praise, of course you will break the puppy's spirit.

That's why our "ULTRA PUPPY PROGRAM" is so innovative... we utilize what I describe as "Interactive behavioral training". Praise, "Non -Verbal communication", "Operand and Classical" conditioning and more, to achieve the most favorable results possible.

That's why it's possible to show a 16 week old puppy to stay off leash , under distraction. And also, go down from a sit, with a hand signal, from 50 feet!

The "ULTRA PUPPY" program is designed to produce the ultimate adult dog. Actually the ultimate companion dog. The end result of our training is not to have a fearful, robotic dog. The end result is to have a properly socialized, loving companion that has increased powers of communication, and understands it's place in the hierarchy of the family unit.

Although some of our graduates go on to compete in area's of canine competition and do well, this program is not designed for that purpose. It is primarily for the average household pet, that just needs to be a "good all round" buddy... with some manners thrown in for good measure. A dog you can be proud of !

Try an "ULTRA PUPPY " program for your dog...you'll be glad you did. Good Luck !

If you are considering professional dog training services, please email us for a FREE consultation at:

Questions@poochschool.com