Quote:
Originally Posted by 0reo
Thanks guys!
I also heard that if you're going to do the news paper deal or something similar, that you shouldn't clean up all the pee just so she can smell it and knows that there's the place to be if she needs to tinkle.
Is this true?
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Put it this way: dogs have a sense of smell that is something like 75 times more acute than ours. You don't have to worry about them being able to smell it. I'd clean it up as well as I could, otherwise
you'll have to be smelling their pee!
I echo the comments of others who say that the best way is to use positive reinforcement. Basically, you're not teaching your dog "don't go in the house"--you're teaching him "
Do go outside to do your business." That's much easier for a dog brain to compute. I suggest removing the negative reinforcement altogether; it doesn't help and may confuse him.
I'd add to that a few tips, because timing is so important. You want to be able to predict when your dog will have to go, because that will help immensely. Basically, maximize the number of times the dog goes outside and gets praised, and you'll reap the benefits--dogs are desperate to please you, and if going to the bathroom outside is what it takes to get some attention and praise, they'll definitely do it.
So how can you predict when your dog needs to go? Here are a few tips:
1. Take them out
immediately after they eat. Dogs have a compact abdomen, so their stomach presses on their bladder and bowel when it's full. Most dogs will do both #1 and #2 in short order after eating.
2. If it's not a smaller breed, consider feeding all their food in one feeding. After a while, you'll be able to set your watch by their B.M.s. If it's a smaller breed this is probably not practical as they can sometimes get a little hypoglycemic.
3. A walk also helps to "jar things loose" if they haven't gone #2 in a while. There's another much grosser trick that I can tell you if you PM me--but I won't post it here in case anyone has a weak stomach.
4. Use a crate when the dog isn't supervised. They won't go in the crate--and they'll hold it until you let them out. Then you have a great opportunity: a. Let dog out of crate and take dog immediately outside. b. Praise dog when they do their business outside. c. Profit!
5. Otherwise, watch for the signs that the dog is about to go. Most dogs will circle and sniff the ground for a while before finding the "right spot" to do their business. If he starts circling and sniffing in the house, take him outside right away, and praise him effusively when he goes.
6. Post pictures of your dog!