Whippet Housebreaking

Housebreaking a whippet is essential to the happiness of both the dog owner and the dog. No one likes a house that has been eliminated in. Teaching a whippet where to eliminate can reduce the stress of the dog and the reduce the stress of the owner. Luckily, every whippet of every age can be housebroken.

  1. Begin Early

    • Training a whippet puppy to use the yard instead of the house can be trying. Puppies do not have very good bladder control, and therefore must be taken out to eliminate frequently. Crating a whippet puppy when he cannot be watched should help to prevent elimination within the house. Punishing a whippet for eliminating in the house can be counterproductive because it can instill fear in the puppy and therefore cause him to eliminate again.

    When Adopting

    • When adopting a whippet from a shelter, do not assume that the dog is housebroken. Even if the information on the dog indicates that he is housebroken, he may be nervous and the change in food and water can upset his stomach, causing him to eliminate in the home. When adopting the whippet, take him to the yard first and show him where to eliminate. Wait with him until he does eliminate and then praise him lavishly for eliminating. This will help with the housebreaking process.

    Consistency

    • Being consistent with frequent trips to eliminate can help a whippet learn to eliminate only outside. This consistency includes the timing and the different body languages that the dog will use to let his owners know that he has to go. Frequently praising the whippet for eliminating outside will help to instill a positive experience in the dog.

    Training Aids

    • There are some training aids on the market to help an owner housebreak his whippet. One such device is the potty pads. These pads encourage a whippet to eliminate on them through the use of chemical triggers. When the dog eliminates on the pad, a pleasant chemical is released, rewarding the dog. The pad can then be moved outside where the dog can associate that positive sensation with the outdoors. There are also sprays that achieve the same results and can be used outside from the beginning.

    Professional Assistance

    • If housebreaking your whippet has you stressed, you may need to call in a professional dog trainer. This can help to reduce your stress and your dog's stress. A behaviorist can tell if the whippet's behavior is due to stress or if the dog simply needs additional training. The trainer can also assist the owner in finding the right method of training to obtain results.