Re: House breaking, it is possible

In Reply to: House breaking, it is possible
Category:   House Breaking
Posted by:  Gail Lynn
Posted on:  July 28, 2002 at 08:15:27

: I have read the daily digest pretty regularly since March when we got our first JRT bitch who is a little strong willed. She is now 8 months old. We have made great strides in her behavior thanks to all of the good advice regarding obedience training.

: But I had despaired of ever house breaking her. Then in the last couple of weeks I suddenly noticed we weren't having accidents in the house, although I am still having to taking her out every three hours and standing in the yard or she won't go. She has also been rattling her crate bars and getting us up every morning at 4:00 or 4:30, and again just before the alarm clock goes off at 6:00. (JRTs CAN tell time.) After reading Linda's answer to Melanie yesterday, I realized that perhaps she did not NEED to get up. This morning when she rattled her crate, I simply said, "No! Penny, go back to sleep." And to my surprise and relief, she did. It worked again at 6:00. I have high hopes that after a couple of mornings, she'll stop all together.

: Now, how do I get her to go outside without me actually standing there?

Response:

Hi Gail,
Yes housebreaking is possible, and all mine have always been housebroken.

Untill your dog is a year in age, I suggest you go out with her, and make sure that she is doing what she is supossed to do. This is what I do with mine and I don't have the problems we see on this board.

Although, she may look like an adult she is still a puppy and most Jack Russells need direction untill they are a year old. Then sometimes the light blub pops on and they seem to get the idea of what they are out there for and what they are supposed to do while out there. I even have a couple of adults, one that I recently took back that I am keeping an eye on. So far she is doing great and not seeing any of the problems that the previous owners saw.

Let us know how she gets along but I am going out with mine and keeping a sharp eye on what the Pup is doing and my older dog. You have to realize that sometimes this breed gets busy and seems to foget with so many things in the big wide word to see and do that reinforcement is sometimes needed.

Hope this helps and keep up the good work, and it looks like you are on the way to a housebroken dog.