Re: housebreaking

In Reply to: housebreaking
Posted by:  Jennifer
Posted on:  August 29, 2001 at 16:48:09

: I have a 3 month old JRT which we purchased from a pet store 3 weeks ago. At first I was attempting to train her to go on the newspaper and it began to work. However, now she goes whereever she pleases, even in her crate.If I am right there, she will go on her paper, if not, wherever she wants. I have come into the kitchen-where we have to keep her until trained to find her squatting to go.The moment she sees me, she runs to the paper and finishes. What can I do about this? Also, her last feeding is at 6pm. However, she usually does not move her bowels after that until sometime in the wee hours of the morning.

------------------ Response Area -------------------
Hi Jennifer,

I don't think there is a rep on this board that recommends paper training as a housebreaking tool. You end up usually confusing the dog and also then have to train all over again to have your dog eliminate outside.

I personally would teach her to go outside. Paper training reinforces the idea that it is acceptable to eliminate inside.

Your pup should be on several feedings per day and the best thing to do is make sure she gets outside 15-20 minutes after eating, drinking, waking up from a nap or sleep, and after a play period.

In essence you need to go out a LOT when they are tiny. When taking your puppy outside you must do so with her on a leash or at the very least be there with her during the entire process. It always helps to encourage her by actually giving a command like "Go pee or go doo" or whatever you want to use. When she starts to squat say "Go pee" and then praise her a lot. As soon as she is done with all her elimination take her back in the house.

You want to associate going outside as going to the bathroom right now and this is the best way of doing that. If you just let your puppy out on its own without your supervision, she will not know what she is out there for and there is a very good chance it won't be to do her business.

I am providing a link to the book page on our site and looking under training for what I consider the bible of housebreaking. The title is "How to Housebreak Your Dog in 7 Days" by Shirlee Kalstone. It is a paperback, can't be more than 50 pages if I remember correctly and the best part is the price. For under $7.00 you will get an invaluable tool for housebreaking your terrier.