When the dog is not with you, within your sight, he needs to either be
outside or confined to a properly sized crate. This crate
should be just large enough for him to stand up in, turn around in and
lie down comfortably in. Most dogs, in a crate this size, will not urinate
unless they have been crated for too long or they have some urinary tract
problem. Judge the time your dog can be left in the crate by the number
of months in age plus one, i.e. 4 months old = 5 hours. Any longer than
8-9 hours isolates the dog for too long.
When not in the crate or outdoors, the dog must be watched. This can be
facilitated by keeping him on a leash and stationing him in each
room you are in within your sight. To station a dog, have him on a leash
and fasten the leash to a chair or table. The leash should be long enough
so the dog can be comfortable.
Provide your dog with something to lie on,
a non-tippable water bowl and a toy - in each room. When you leave
the room, take the dog with you and "station" him in the next room. When
stationed in this way, you can watch your dog any indication of a need
to eliminate. You can act immediately and take the dog out; preventing
any accidents in the house.
If you notice your dog circling and sniffing around (a sign that he needs
to eliminate), use a cue phrase to "ask" him if he needs to go. Act excited
if he makes any response and take him out.
Stay with your dog outdoors to make sure that he does eliminate. If he
does, praise lavishly!
Anticipate that dogs usually will need to eliminate after eating, upon
waking and after playing. Feeding should be done on a consistent schedule,
to encourage regular elimination.
If you do discover an accident in the house, don't chastise your dog. This
is very important. If even a few minutes have passed, the dog can't
connect the reprimand with the act of eliminating in the house. Yelling
at your dog after the fact causes confusion and anxiety which makes housebreaking
more difficult. Thoroughly clean any area that has been urinated in with
an enzyme odor neutralizer.
If you do catch your dog in the act in the house, say No in a low tone.
Take the dog immediately outside and praise lavishly if he eliminates outside.
This method should be continued for a few weeks, and reinforced if any
accidents happen later (ones not related to urinary tract problems or old
age) .
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