Separation anxiety, common among dogs, can pose problems in training, especially when it comes to housebreaking. Along with noisily barking, crying and whining, dogs with separation anxiety may soil the house and leave unsightly stains. It can be overwhelming when your dog refuses to go outside, but it is not impossible to get your anxious dog potty trained.
Things You'll Need
- Training treats
Instructions
Go outside with the dog. If her separation anxiety is inhibiting her from leaving the house, it may help if you are there.
Praise the dog when he goes to the bathroom outside. Dogs respond particularly well to praise, and by showing them you are pleased with the particular action, they will try to repeat it.
Reward the behavior with a training treat. This will act as an incentive to your dog to continue going to the bathroom outside.
Punish the dog by voice when you catch her in the act of going to the bathroom inside. Simply say "No! bad dog." This way the dog knows that behavior is unacceptable.
Stop going outside with the dog as he becomes used to going in the designated area. This will slowly break the separation anxiety. Still praise and reward him as usual, so he continues the good behavior.
Do not physically punish your dog or rub his face in an accident. These behaviors will not teach him anything and can actually increase the frequency of accidents.