Things You'll Need
- Crate
- Newspaper
- Cleaning supplies
- Vinegar and baking soda
- Dog training toys
- Leash
Instructions
How to Housebreak Your Dog
One of the first things that you'll need to do is housebreak your puppy. There are several options available that can help you in this area. One of the most popular methods is crate training. Many pet owners use this method when they can't supervise their pet, but it must be used correctly. Limit the amount of time your pet is in her crate. If you are gone for long periods of time, have someone take care of her. Dogs should not be left in a crate for more than three or four hours at a time. Never use the crate as a form of punishment; once your dog has been trained, the crate will be her safe haven.
To paper train your puppy, begin by designating a specific area such as the laundry room. Use a baby gate to block the door and your puppy won't feel so isolated. Use newspapers to cover the floor in a thick layer throughout the area. Place the puppy's bed, water and food bowl in one corner of the room. At first he will chew on the paper and move it around, but this is natural. Eventually, your pet will choose a place to do his business and he will go to that area repeatedly. This is when you can begin reducing the paper starting on the opposite side of the room from where your pet goes to the bathroom. Remove a little at a time until you are down to a small area. As long as he continues to use the paper, you can continue to eliminate the excess. When playing with your puppy make sure you return him to his area every 30 to 45 minutes to use the bathroom so he won't get confused.
It takes constant supervision to train your pet to go outside. Watch her, and when you see her walking around searching for a place to go, take her outside. If you catch her in the act, tell her NO and immediately take her outside. When she goes outside, praise her and give her a treat. Overtime, your pet will learn that going out to do his business creates positive responses.
Clean up accidents right away and use a vinegar and baking soda solution to eliminate the urine smell. If he smells urine in your home he will automatically be drawn to that spot.
How to Stop Your Dog From Chewing on Furniture and Other Objects
Keep things that can tempt your pet picked up and out of his reach. This includes shoes, clothing, electrical cords and anything else that would temp him to chew.
Close the doors to the rooms in your home that you don't want your dog to go in or use a baby gate to restrict her movement.
Give your pet toys to help keep him occupied and encourage him to chew on the right things and then reward him for using them properly. Choose the right size toys for your pet.
Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise, especially before leaving her indoors for long periods of time.
Use sprays designed especially for discouraging him from chewing on your furniture.
How to Keep Your Dog From Getting Bored
Provide your pet with some form of entertainment when leaving him at home alone. Dogs get bored and that's when they tend to chew on things and tear up items out of sheer boredom. Try using treat toys, balls, chew toys and so forth to keep him occupied.
Take time to play with your pet and keep her occupied and make sure she gets plenty of exercise so she'll be ready to rest when indoors.
Leave the radio or television on when you're away to keep your pet entertained.