Housetraining Your Pet in 3 steps

Most pets, especially dogs, are like humans; they do not like their living space to be dirty. When housetraining your pet, make sure to choose a living area and a potty area ahead of time and introduce him to each as soon as you arrive home. Place his eating bowl and water bowl next to his bed or crate in the living area and make sure to leash or confine him there most of the time. This way, he will recognize the place as his own special place. The potty spot must be the only place where your pet will eliminate. Of course, messes will be inevitable somewhere else as your pet still has to develop the habit. Watch out for signs of having to go so that you can catch your pet in time to bring him to the ‘toilet’. Accompany him there for the entire time he eliminates and take him back to his living area right after.

Be consistent

Always have your pet eat and sleep in the same area at home as well as let him eliminate only at the potty area of your choice. It may take a long time for your pet to go potty at the right place on his own, but be patient because he will eventually learn the habit when you are a consistent teacher.

Praise and reward good behavior

When your pet eliminates at the right spot and sleeps and eats in his special living area or bed, give him praise. Reward your pet with treats or even an enthusiastic verbal praise to let him know that you are pleased with his behavior. In time, good behavior will become a habit if you always give appreciation for your pet’s behavior. However, accidents will happen and mistakes will be inevitable even after your pet has been housetrained. Do not be upset when such accidents happen. If you punish or scold your pet, he may become confused and set back your training. Praise and reward good behavior but do not make a big deal about accidents. If you need more help with your pet, take a look at this pet hotline.