Tips For Housebreaking Dogs Article

Shredded newspapers, accidents on the carpet, or neighbors upset by your dog's constant barking needn't be a way of life.

"Virtually all problems with dogs can be solved," says Captain Arthur Haggerty, a Los Angeles dog expert and former army dog trainer.

SOCIAL FAUX-PAWS

Hyperactivity: Daisy jumps on visitors, runs around the house knocking over lamps, and leaps into any lap. To cure such a disruptive pet, dog training expert Bob Maida of Manassas, Virginia, recommends quality time, exercise, and obedience. In the morning, "Play with die dog for 20 minutes. Have it retrieve a ball, then follow with a walk," says Maida. After you've given your pet quality time and exercise, have it he down and remain in that position for five minutes. Slowly increase down time to a half hour.

To train your active pup, keep a short leash on it when you're at home. As soon as Daisy charges, jerk the leash and tell her no in a firm voice. When Daisy sits quietly, reward her by saying, "Good girl."

Housebreaking: To housebreak a puppy, Haggerty advises keeping your pet in a confined area such as a crate and taking it out as frequently as possible--every two hours at the beginning. Praise your dog for doing its business in the proper place outside. But don't hit or scold it for voiding in the house, just as you wouldn't smack your toddler for an accident.

Instead of crating your puppy all day, try to find someone to let your dog out once or twice. Avoid paper training; it confuses a dog.

Aggression: An aggressive dog is potentially dangerous. Treat this problem seriously; seek professional advice. Neutering can help settle a hard-to-control male dog. Never roughhouse with your pet. This signals approval of growling and nipping. Use leash corrections to teach your dog no.

LONESOME BLUES

Chewing: If Barney chomps on chairs when he's home alone, he may suffer from separation anxiety. To prevent loneliness, devote more time to your dog. Besides playing with your pet and walking it, let your dog sleep in your room. When you go out, leave lights on and music playing on the radio. Make sure that your dog has appropriate toys to chew.

Train your pet to relax. Begin by desensitizing your dog to your pre-leaving behavior, whether it's grabbing keys or putting on a coat. "Teach your dog to lie down on a designated rug," suggests Dr. Suzanne Johnson, a Beaver Dam, Virginia, animal behaviorist. "Talk to it in a quiet, soft voice. When the dog is relaxed, pick up your keys and move them just a bit. Keep talking calmly to the dog. Repeat this until it no longer gets excited."

Barking: To stop barking, fill a plastic container with dry beans, then leave the house. "As soon as the dog barks, rush inside and shake the container, saying, |No,'" advises Haggerty. If the dog remains quiet, praise it. Gradually increase the intervals you're gone.

When Barney barks at joggers who run past the window, correct him with a short tug on a leash. But when Barney growls at a knock on the door, say, "Good dog." This teaches him to be a watchdog but not a nuisance, says Maida. You'll need to train your pet to stop barking after you've invited someone into your home.