Housebreaking Hiccups and How to Handle Them

When you were housebreaking your dog, they probably had an accident somewhere in the house. If you find that your dog consistently goes to one spot in your house to relieve themselves then there are two main possible reasons:

1. Your dog recognizes their smell (or potentially the smell of another animal) from previous times they relieved themselves.

2. Dogs are creatures of habit and associate this particular spot as their designated bathroom area.

One additional reason that your dog is going to the bathroom inside your house, could be because they are marking their territory. This is very common if your dog has not been neutered.

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1. Deodorize! This needs to be done after every time your dog has an accident. It is important to thoroughly clean the spot with a deodorizer that does NOT contain any ammonia or chlorine -- these chemicals can be mistaken as urine smell to your dog. I prefer to use a natural cleaner that contains a vegetable enzyme, since it works wonderfully and is safe for my dogs and me.

2. Break the routine. Most of the time your dog will not relieve themselves in the same place that they eat. This is a perfect opportunity to feed your dog on the spot(s) that they normally go to the bathroom on. This should be done for a couple of days, or until your dog stops going to the bathroom there.

3. Crate training. If your dog is already crate trained, then utilize this to your advantage. Dogs are not likely to relieve themselves where they sleep, so make sure that their crate is not too big. Put your dog in their crate for a couple hours a day, and afterward let them outside to go to the bathroom in a designated spot. If you have more than one dog, make sure it is a spot all their own. When your dog does relieve themselves in the correct spot outside, give them lots and lots of praise.

If your dog or puppy is not crate trained, and breaking their routine with food on their accident spot isn't working, then I highly recommend starting this training. Crate training is good for all sorts of behavioral issues, and also gives your dog a place of their own where they can feel safe and secure. Always make sure you never force your dog in the crate or make it scary for them in anyway, as this will defeat the whole purpose of the crate.

4. Timing is everything! When you do catch your dog in the act, it is crucial to reprimand them right then and there. If you don't see them doing it, or you catch them right after they finish, then they will not understand that they are being reprimanded for this action. So, when you see your dog relieving themselves inside, then do something to startle them, like shaking a can filled with coins, and immediately take them outside to their designated spot. It is important to praise your dog every time they go to the bathroom in their designated spot outside, even if you didn't put them up to it. This will reinforce to your dog that they will get rewarded for using this spot.

The key to successful housebreaking is patience. It can be very frustrating to come home and find "presents" your dog has left for you, but you must remember not to punish them for this. It will confuse your dog, and may lead to them becoming fearful of your return home, which can lead to a vicious circle. Remember to stay positive and be consistent!

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