Top house training tips

A common question people ask is how do I house train my puppy or new rescue dog?

The answer is simple:

  • Set your puppy or new dog up for success.  Take him outside often.
  • Reward the behaviour you want.  When he is in the middle of “going” give him gentle praise “good boy, good boy”; when he has finished give him lavish praise and a treat.

What about the rest of the tips?!? No honest it really is that simple!

It comes down to the simple fact that your dog should naturally want to keep the area that he sleep and eats in clean. But… and there is always a but, if he needs to go then he needs to go. If you don’t give him enough chances to go outside then you will force him to go inside.

Don’t I need to show him that I’m in charge and punish him when he does it wrong? No! Punishment will never help with house training but is very likely to make the problem worse. Your dog only goes to the toilet in the house because you have not trained him to go outside yet.

Everyone knows you should tell a puppy off by rubbing his nose in it if he goes to the toilet inside, don’t they? Would you follow this advice with a young child that has not learnt “potty training” yet. Do you realise how ridiculous that old wives tale sounds now?

What about training pads? Why oh why would you want to train your dog to go to the toilet inside your home? Throw the training pads away and take your dog outside.

What if your dog pees when he is nervous or when someone comes to visit? This is not a housetraining issue; you need professional advice from an experienced behaviourist.

What if your dog goes to the toilet when left alone? This is also not a housetraining issue but a separation anxiety issues; again you need advice from a qualified behaviourist.

Should I use a create? Yes and no! It may be helpful for some dogs if used in the correct way but if used badly can make the problem worse.

So the simple advice is follow our two top tips; if your situation is more complicated then please contact us and we will be please to help.

Our regular dog training tips can be found on Facebook.

Mike Garner is a dog trainer and behaviourist at Rainbow Dogs in Brighton & Hove, Sussex.

Fireworks top tips

Dogs can find it hard to deal with the stress and anxiety of fireworks. Follow our simple top tips to help your dog cope.

How to help you dog cope with fireworks on the day

  • Take your dog out for a walk in the light before the fireworks start.
  • Don’t try to get him used to fireworks or over his fear of fireworks by walking him during the fireworks since this is likely to heighten his fear.
  • Don’t leave him alone whilst you go out to watch a firework display, he will find it harder to cope without you there.
  • Rescue centres fill up with lost dogs after firework night so be prepared for the worst, make sure his microchip details are up to date and he is wearing his ID tag.
  • Provide your dog with a safe den area in the living room.  This could be his create, covered by a blanket with the door open or a space under a table; covered to give him a feeling of security.
  • Get a DAP (Dog Appeasing Pheromone) plug-in to help your dog cope. They give out a scent that can be comforting to your dog but undetectable to people.
  • Dogs can have a heightened awareness of sight, sounds and smell during fireworks so try to mask these.  Keep all windows closed, curtains drawn and the TV or radio volume up.
  • Give your dog something to do to distract himself: a favourite toy, Nylabone, stag antler, Kong, or Kong Wobbler.
  • Don’t try to reassure your dog since if you are feeling anxious he will pick up on your anxiety.  Don’t ignore him either; let him stay close if he chooses to.  Model the behaviour you want by staying calm and ignoring the fireworks.

Prepare your dog for fireworks night

You should also actively work to desensitise your dog to fireworks if he has any problems. Please contact us for an appointment to start work on this in time for the New Years fireworks.

Mike Garner is a dog trainer and behaviourist at Rainbow Dogs in Brighton & Hove, Sussex.

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