There are a lot of great adult dogs in shelters that are waiting to be adopted, but many of them will need to be housebroken when you bring them home. Or perhaps you've had your dog for awhile and it just doesn't seem to be catching on. In either of these cases, the best thing to do is start all over so your dog understands where it's supposed to go.
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Crate Training
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A crate can be a valuable training tool if used correctly. Dogs are den animals, and by instinct will avoid soiling where they sleep. But the crate can also cause your dog stress and anxiety if you don't introduce it correctly.
Start with a crate that is big enough for your dog to stand up and turn around comfortably. You can line the floor with a piece of carpet or a blanket to make it more cozy (if your dog has a favorite blanket, use that). Place the crate in an area where your dog can see you.
At first, your dog may be apprehensive about the crate; you can help get it accustomed to the crate by leaving the door open and feeding it in the crate at mealtime. Toss toys in the crate for your dog; sit next to the crate, pet and praise you dog when it's inside.
When the dog seems comfortable in the crate, close the gate. Leave the door closed for a minute or two and then open it again. Gradually increase the time your dog is in the crate with the door closed until the dog is comfortable with it. Never use the crate for punishment, or you will defeat the purpose of using it as a training aid.
The Go Spot
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When you first bring your dog home, the first place you should take it is to the yard or area that is to be its approved toilet space. Let the dog explore the area and wait until it eliminates, then praise the dog so it knows it did the right thing.
Always praise your dog when it eliminates outside.
Encouraging Good Habits
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Inside the house, set a schedule for taking your dog out and stick to it. You should plan on taking the dog out first thing in the morning, about a half hour after meals, after playtime, and before bed. Supervise the dog at all times to prevent accidents, and if you can't watch it, put it in the crate. Your dog should sleep in the crate overnight, and for up to four hours during the day while you're gone. Remember, you're trying to make going outside to relieve itself your dog's habit, and that will be much easier if you can prevent accidents in the house.
Accidents Happen
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If your dog does have an accident, it is important not to physically punish the dog or "rub its nose in it", as it won't understand your anger and will only become more stressed.
Opening the House
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Once your dog has become reliable at going outside to eliminate, you can confine it to a small room while you're gone rather than the crate. As the dog becomes more reliable in the small room, you can gradually give it more freedom in the house until it can roam during the day without having an accident.
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