(NAPSI)—If you're a pet parent to any of the country's estimated 78
million dogs, here's how to make house-training easier for both you and your
pet.
1. Take your dog to the "bathroom" every one to
three hours, as well as after he first wakes up in the morning or after a
nap, after each meal, after being left alone for a stretch of time, and
before going to bed.
2. According to that schedule or when your dog's behavior indicates he has to relieve himself, ask him if he has to go with a
simple phrase, such as "Go potty?" This phrase
should be unique to house-training to avoid confusion.
3. Take him on a leash outside and down the same path to your designated potty spot.
4. When you arrive, repeat the designated phrase and stay in that specific
area for at least 15 minutes.
5. Once your dog has finished, praise him or give him a treat right away.
Giving your dog immediate positive reinforcement is most effective; waiting
until you're back home can be confusing.
6. If your dog hasn't successfully done his business, bring him back to
the house and keep an eye on him for 15 minutes. If he starts to go, you will
be right there to get him outside quickly. Otherwise, bring him outside after
those 15 minutes.
7. Keep your dog on a consistent feeding schedule to make his elimination
schedule more predictable.
8. Supplement your training with dog pads. They are a great way to
reinforce the specific areas that are designated for potty.
Dog pads are also useful for those rainy days when your dog may not want to
go outside.
Veterinarian's Advice
"Don't reprimand your dog when he has an accident," advises Georgette
Wilson, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. "This usually confuses him and slows
the house-training process. Positive reinforcement is much more effective for
successful housebreaking."
"Until training is completed," Dr. Wilson says, "dog pads are a good idea.
They're also handy for dogs that have incontinence problems due to age or
illness, for small dogs that can't go out due to predators, for dogs stuck
inside during bad weather, and for use while traveling."
A new kind of dog pad from America's No. 1 dog pad brand (IRI) features
highly absorbent quilted pockets with unique printed-dot embossing that traps
wetness in the center to prevent spreading and leaking; unlike dog pads with
standard quilting, which causes wetness to spread. The innovative feature
means a smaller spot and less potential for leaks and tracking. Each of these
Hartz® Home Protection™ Quilted Plus™ Dog Pads uses unique FlashDry® Gel Technology that turns liquid
into gel, and odor-neutralizing fragrance technology with a Clean Powder
scent.
Learn More
For further facts and tips, visit www.quiltedplus.com.
"A new dog pad has highly absorbent quilted
pockets with unique printed dots that trap wetness to prevent spreading and
leaking. http://bit.ly/2GKgkQv"
On the Net:North American Precis Syndicate, Inc.(NAPSI)