Problems With Your Dog House Training?

So, you brought your new puppy home and thought that you would surely have the dog house training thing under control in just a couple of days. It’s been three weeks and you’re still cleaning up messes and struggling to make sure that your pooch hasn’t left stains and smells behind, while you’re working to train him how to “do his duty” outside.

You need to know that there are some reason why your puppy isn’t learning to go outside that are not only making puppy house training difficult, but are derailing what he has learned so far. Many times, this isn’t outright bad behavior, although you should know that sometimes, this is the case. Most of the time, however, it could be that your puppy, like a baby, isn’t developed as well as he should be just yet.

For instance, if you find that your puppy is “wetting” at night, even though they are great with their housetraining during the day, it could mean that he just cannot hold it any longer. Sometimes, however, he will get angry with you and leave you a nice puddle to let you know, so you should look at his overall behavior and if you suspect that your dog is having a difficult time with the long night hours, consider taking away his water after a certain time or walking him later in the evening to help with this.

You might also feel as if your dog house training is becoming derailed when your dog intentionally walks over to your couch, and coffee table, and dining room table just to let loose a stream all over it. It’s likely that he is “marking” his territory. While it’s okay for him to do this outside, it’s important in your training of him to let him know that this is not acceptable for inside behavior.

Another reason that your dog house training may seem to not be working is that your dog is suffering from anxiety. This can lead to accidents of both kinds, which is why if your dog is suffering from separation anxiety, you might find that he has left you a “present” for you to clean up when you get home. While your dog does have anxiety and this should be worked on, it is still important to let him know that this is not acceptable behavior.

Just because your dog has an “accident” in the house, don’t think that your dog house training isn’t working. Dogs will sometimes do this, especially if they are sick or nervous. It’s a good idea to keep on with your training through these times and let your dog know that they need to let you know. Also, make it easier on your dog and yourself and make sure to let your dog out or walk him before you leave for the day and after you get home so that you can ensure he has an easier time sticking to all that he is learning.

Restraining Your Puppy While You Are Away

So, you know the importance of teaching your puppy to be polite and you know how much work you will have to do with him to become this way, but let’s face it, you cannot always be with your puppy and some times, we all need a break. What are you supposed to do when you have to leave your puppy at home by himself? Do you risk having all the work you’ve done come undone or do you choose to restrain him in some way?

Many people choose to restrain their puppy in a place where the puppy will be safe and comfortable without getting into trouble. In the past, many people would work to keep their puppies in an area such as the laundry room or kitchen or a bathroom, which is usually hard for them to cause trouble or make messes. Should you choose to confine your puppy in this way, it’s important to make sure that he has toys to chew on and a comfortable place to take a nap. Also, you should make sure that there is nothing in these spaces where a puppy could get hurt or chew on something they are not supposed to.

Now, if you cannot confine your puppy in a room, another option is to get a crate for your puppy. Try to make sure that it is a comfortable fit for him, and not too small or too large. This will keep your puppy from leaving you too many messes to clean up, as even young dogs do not like to do “jobs” in the space where they sleep. Over time, a crate will serve as a comfortable place for your puppy to rest even when the door is open, so it’s important not to punish him in this space.

Another option when you need to restrain your puppy and make sure that he is well behaved when you are not able to pay attention to him is to tie him to something. You can often tie him to a piece of furniture, as long as he is not strong enough to pull it over. Consider your kitchen table for this purpose. Give your puppy about four feet of rope and make sure that he has a comfortable bed for naps and plenty of things to chew on.

In the end, restraining your puppy when you are gone is the best way to make sure that he doesn’t destroy your valuable possessions and that your puppy learns to be polite, even when you’re not home to watch him. Don’t worry, you’re not being cruel to him; you are making sure he stays safe and happy to have that long life you want to spend with him.

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