So you've taken the plunge and gone to your local animal shelter and picked out an adult dog. You take your new friend home and, much to your dismay, shock and horror, he/she promptly finds your new rug and relieves itself! It's time to get your old dog house-trained or re-house-trained as the case may be.
As a new dog owner, you should assume adopted dogs of any age are not house-broken and take precautions before bringing it home. Shelters sometimes don't provide regular access to the outdoors for them to eliminate. A shelter environment can quickly alter the behavior of dogs who were well-trained and house-broken. If you know your new dog was previously house trained, re-training them will be easier.
Trainers Make House-breaking your dog Easier
Trainers work with you and your family as they house train dogs. Here are a few tips to help re-house-train your new pet:
* Keep a schedule. Feed and walk your canine at the same times every day. In addition to day-time walks, allow your pet outside access first thing in the morning and at the very end of the day. Reward him or her every time they eliminate outside.
* Make a routine. Use consistent voice commands for all activities. Dogs learn and follow cues. Dog owners who create a routine are usually amazed at how quickly their new dog grows to expect their routine. Dog training programs help limit anxiety since dogs learn what to expect every day. Take your dog out the same door every day. Don't allow play time until after it has eliminated outside.
* Offer quality dog food. Dry dog food limits stress on digestion and reduces the amount of stool. Choose a brand and stick with it to prevent your dog from having digestive issues and discomfort.
* Crate train. Don't allow your dog to freely roam your home - especially when you're not at home - until they have proven to you they know to eliminate outdoors. Be patient and start over after an accident. Dog owners will need to re-establish a routine after a dog has an accident. It's essential to thoroughly clean the area, for health concerns and so that your dog doesn't try to re-mark their territory. Don't punish accidents and only reward good behavior.
* Visit a vet if house-breaking your dog is not working. Your dog may have a medical issue that is preventing him or her from controlling their bladders or bowel movements. Also, dogs have fear and anxiety issues just like humans. Their bladder control may be associated with fear or a submissive temperament. If your vet believes medical or emotional factors are affecting your new family pet, Raleigh dog trainers at DarwinK9 can create a custom house-training program for your dog.
House training an adult dog takes time, effort, patience and consistency. Remember, your dog is learning this new routine too and they're learning good behavior from your consistent, repetitive training.
If you need help training your dog, don't hesitate to call house-training for adult dog specialists at DarwinK9 for a consultation. Our dog trainers throughout North Carolina are all qualified and experienced in house training your adult dog.
1101 Dawson Rd., Chapel Hill 27516
(919)355-8359 or info@darwink9.com.