Housebreaking Tools for Dogs

If you want your dog to live inside the house with you, then you must take the time to housebreak it. For pet owners, this is often a challenge that is looked forward to with dread and frustration. Potty training your dog doesn't have to be a challenge, however. If you arm yourself with the proper tools, the housebreaking process can go smoothly. Remember that all dogs are individuals and housebreaking can take longer for some than others.

  1. Crate

    • Crates can be an effective housebreaking tool because dogs don't typically like to soil their beds. Keeping your dog confined when you can't keep an eye on it can keep it from having an accident in the house. It can also help you regulate your dog's system if you take it outside immediately before and after crating it. Purchase a crate that is big enough for your dog (at full adult size) to sit, lie down and turn around in. Hide treats inside and let your dog investigate on its own before attempting to close the door. Always praise your dog for going inside the crate. The crate should be a positive place to be, and you should never use it as a punishment.

    Dog Treats

    • Rather than scolding your dog for having accidents in the house, teach it where you want it to potty by rewarding it for relieving itself outside. Each time your dog does its business in the yard, praise it excitedly ("good potty!") and reward it with a tasty snack. If you catch your dog in "the act" (making a mess in the house) simply interrupt it with a noise and rush it outside. Reward it with praise and a treat when it finishes going potty outside. Your dog will soon learn that you want it to go potty in the yard and will find ways to ask to go outside. Reward it for doing this as well, to help reinforce the training.

    Leash

    • A leash is an effective housebreaking tool because it allows you to walk your dog to a designated bathroom area in your yard. Encourage it to "potty" and remember to reward it when it does. Taking your dog outside on a leash restricts its ability to play and forces it to focus on the business at hand. This helps it to learn that not all trips to the yard signal playtime. You can reward your dog for using the designated bathroom area by removing the leash after it is finished and allowing it to play. This can teach your dog to potty first and play later each time it gets let outside.

    Cleaner

    • Dogs have more sensitive noses than humans, and though you might think that you cleaned up your dog's last accident, it may still smell the remains. Purchase an enzyme-based cleaner from your local pet store. These cleaners are meant to remove all traces of urine and feces from your carpet, even for your dog's sharp sense of smell. If dogs can smell past accidents, they will be inclined to use that spot again. If you want to discourage your dog from creating potty spots inside the house, clean up messes thoroughly with an enzyme cleaner.