Dog Housetraining - Common Mistakes

Coming home to a house that has experienced an elimination of waste by a dog in various locations can prove to be exceptionally frustrating – to say the least. It is very easy to find yourself becoming loud when you speak, and angry, but it is important to avoid this take on things completely.

The dog should not be made to feel that he has done a bad thing by doing something that he simply could not help. Instead, he should be taught the proper place for doing this natural form of elimination.

It is important to remember that a dog must be taught where to eliminate his waste. If he has not been taught, and he lifts his leg on your couch, it is not exactly his fault. You, as the owner, must take responsibility for teaching the dog the appropriate place to relieve himself.

Here, you will learn about some common dog housetraining mistakes that many pet owners make. These mistakes are nothing to be ashamed of, as learning can come from them. However, if you find that you are making these mistakes, you must correct them as soon as possible.

This will ensure success in housetraining, and it can be extremely beneficial to both you and your pet!

1. One of the first things that many dog owners will do when it comes to housetraining is find the mess that the dog has left behind and they will reprimand them right then – after the fact. It is important to avoid doing this because the animal will not understand a thing that you are saying!

The dog may just be lying there, relaxing, and then hear you yelling “bad dog” and not know what in the world he is doing wrong! If you are to correct a housetraining problem, such as urinating indoors, it is important that you do it when you actually catch the dog doing it – never after.

2. Somewhere along the line, someone got the idea that rubbing a dog’s nose in the waste that he has eliminated is a proper corrective punishment. Not only is this ineffective, but it is very cruel. This action can result in many negative reactions.

First, the animal may torture himself by finding areas that he thinks you will not find the mess he has made. This can be extremely frustrating. Then, it may get to the point when you walk your dog, he will refuse to go while you are watching.

Not only can this be annoying, but it can hurt the digestive and urinary health of the animal. Never, ever rub a dog’s nose in his waste!

3. Not providing the dog with a safe alternative to going in the house is a big mistake when it comes to housetraining. Don’t just expect the dog to know and understand that he must go outdoors to relieve himself – take the time to show him and work with him. It is then that the animal will begin to understand right from wrong.

4. Many of us will be in hurry at one point or another, take the dog out to do his thing, and then quickly return to the home. You should understand that a dog may need to go more than once in one session and allow the dog plenty of time to do so. Rushing it will lead to mistakes.

5. Not being positive during housetraining is another big mistake that many dog owners commit. When training your dog, remember to remain calm, energetic, and positive at ALL times. This will motivate the pet to do the right thing.

If you are housetraining your dog, it is important to know and understand the common mistakes made during this process. Then, avoid them! You will quickly discover that you are more successful overall!