More Housebreaking Advice

There are a few new comments/questions about housebreaking dachshunds, so I thought I would go ahead and address those.

First, I want to point out that punishing the dog (such as rubbing his nose in it or yelling or hitting ) is NOT going to help. Not only is it not going to solve the problem it is an inhumane technique. Punishment will not help the dog to understand.

Also, I want to point out that housetraining issues are not the dogs fault. They are a trainer error. The dog is not trained properly. Do not place blame on the dog for "not getting it". If the dog isn't "getting it" the trainer needs to step up and modify the training plan to help the dog have success.

ALL dogs can be housetrained. They need clear information and consistency and lots of help.

The first step is to crate train the dog. Crate the dog at night so that he can't have accidents at night.

Second, set up a confinement area, such as an expen or the kitchen with baby gates so that the dog doesn't have free run of the home and so that if he has an accident it won't be the end of the world (cleaning up pee on linoleum is easier than on carpet).

Third, supervise the dog. Dogs that are not housetrained should be supervised or confined at all times. Giving them freedom to run free in the home when you know they are not housetrained is the owners fault, not the dogs. If the dog is not capable of having accidents around the house (because he is supervised or confined) he is not practicing the behavior of doing it in the house.

Fourth, only allow freedom in the house when you have seen the dog go potty outside. If you didn't see him go you don't know if he went. You must stay with him and make sure he goes. If he doesn't go when you are out there put him back in his confinement area or totally supervise him if he is loose.

Dogs can only succeed when they understand what they want. I hear people all the time say "the dog knows it but just won't do it" or that the dog is so many years old so he "should" get it by now. Sorry, it doesn't work that way. If the dog doesn't have very correct and consistent training that makes sense to HIM he is not going to succeed.

These dogs that "just can't be housetrained" just need more training. Just as if your child couldn't understand his math homework, would you write him off as "untrainable"? No, you would find a way to help him understand. You would modify your training plan again and again to find out his learning style and what worked for him.

I housetrain rescue dogs ALL THE TIME with success. You just have to follow these rules and stick to them. If the dog has a setback, it's not the end of the world. Just start again.