Dog Training Expert Uses Animal Psychology to Solve Housebreaking Issues

Bloomington, IN (PRWEB) November 9, 2006 -- One of the first questions new puppy and dog owners invariably ask is "how do I housetrain my dog?"

Michael Whitman of http://www.dogtrainingmethod.com has some answers to that common question.

Michael states that "there's no surefire method that will ensure your dog or puppy will never have an accident. Expect accidents from time to time. They're just a natural part of the housebreaking process."

You may have heard that when a dog has an accident in the house you rub his nose in it. Not true. In fact, it is a rule to never discipline your dog after the fact. For example, you run into the living room and notice your dog has left a puddle on the carpet.

Even if you've just taken him outside, and he refused to go, hold onto your frustration and anger, and simply clean up the mess. (Keep in mind to make sure the smell is completely gone. If you leave any scent behind, your dog will just continue to use the same spot over and over again.)

Don't punish or threaten your dog because he won't understand what you're talking about. Instead, you'll just confuse him and disrupt the training process.

However, if you walk into the room, and he's in the middle of eliminating, be sure to make a loud noise to interrupt him and use a stern tone to show him what he is doing is wrong. Make sure the loud noise doesn't scare him. You just want to get his attention.

There are essentially two common methods of housetraining: using a "den" area and crate training. Den training is simply designating a confined area, such as the bathroom or a corner of the kitchen, especially for your pup. This is where he'll eat and sleep and where you'll play with him sometimes. Make sure the area is big enough for a bed of some sort and for his food and water bowl. Spend plenty of time with your puppy in his den area.

He may eliminate in his bed in the beginning, but once he realizes it is his special place, he will cease to do so because dogs are naturally clean animals. It is extremely important to take your puppy out every few hours (according to his age), so he will not be forced to eliminate in his den.

Crate training is another popular method of housetraining. If you decide to try crate training, be sure to choose a crate that is just big enough for your dog to turn around and lie in. Introducing your puppy to the crate is an important process. You must make sure that he doesn't see it as a punishment. Start by introducing him to the crate slowly.

According to Michael either method can work well, it is truly a case of attention to details assuring the difference between success and failure. Michaelreveals all the details on his website, http://www.dogtrainingmethod.com

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