Why Is Housebreaking Difficult?

Basics

• Housebreaking a dog involves training him where to and not to potty. It is natural for a dog to potty when he needs to. The concept of "house" is not something which with dogs are born. However, not wanting to sleep or stand in feces and urine is innate. The use of a crate can help make housebreaking easier. If you do not confine your dog, housebreaking may be very difficult.

Training

• The most common problem causing housebreaking difficulties is inconsistent training. You need to supervise every moment your dog is not outside, asleep or confined, and let him outside on a schedule depending on his age and activity. Puppies can hold their bladders for about one hour per month of age until around 6 months of age. Adult dogs need to potty at least every eight hours. When you do not watch your dog for signs that he needs to potty and get it outside quickly, he will have accidents in the house, which makes training more difficult.

Time Frame

• Many factors effect the amount of time needed to housebreak your dog. Small breeds take longer than larger dogs because their physical development is slower. In addition, because their accidents create less mess, owners of smaller breeds may be less diligent, which creates training difficulties. Some breeds, such as the chow chow, housebreak fast, and others take longer. Typically, you can housebreak a healthy medium-sized dog by 6 months of age with consistent training.

Age

• Puppies need to go out after they play, eat and wake up. If your work schedule prevents you from being there, housebreaking will be difficult unless you have someone take care of the puppy or put it in a pen or room with potty pads, according to The Humane Society of the United States. Using a potty pad or newspaper increases the time it takes to train the puppy to go outside only, but helps keep the house clean. According to Champaign County Humane Society, housebreaking an older dog may also have unique issues because the new situation may be stressful. Furthermore, an untrained adult dog must be housebroken the same as a puppy--by watching, crating or being with him at all times.

Puppy Mill

• Puppy mill and pet store puppies often have become accustomed to going potty in their crates. According to Montgomery County Humane Society, helping a dog unlearn behaviors makes housebreaking more difficult and may require using a room with easy-to-clean floors, or an x-pen, instead of a crate for training. Training requires the same supervision but may take longer to complete.

Considerations

• Housebreaking may be difficult for dogs with health issues that include worms, allergies, bladder or urinary tract problems, and arthritis. Certain medications also may cause problems. Have your veterinarian rule out any health issues.