There are several things you will want to teach your new dog as soon you bring him home. The most important lesson will be where he should “do his business”.br />
Take it easy! It’s a simple job anyone can do. If you know what to do, and you can be consistent, gentle and firm with your dog, you can teach him in three steps.
Commence by deciding exactly where you want him to “go”. Pick a place. It might be out in your garden away from noise and people passing by. Or you may choose somewhere at the far end of your lawn area. Under bushes or in an area of small trees would be OK. No doubt there will be several good places on your property, so select one of them. In your own mind treat this, as the place where you want him to “go”. Settle on a place and don’t change.
Next thing you must do is watch your dog after he’s eaten. Most dogs will behave in a peculiar way when they are about to “go potty” and you need to know your puppy’s behavior. Your dog might suddenly stop moving. Perhaps he will look directly and intensely at you. Young puppies often strain and quiver . Whatever … you will see signs. When you think your dog is about to do it pick him up and move quickly outside to your “potty area”.
Now, when you do, use the same doorways and path through the house. Do this, and he will learn to associate his bowel motions with departing from the house.
When you get to your special area stay with your dog then, at the time he begins to “go” say a special word of command. Your dog will associate that command with doing his business, and soon will only eliminate when you say that word. Choose your word wisely, though. You’ve got to use a word you can use in places like car parks or parks or streets, where there are people around. Sometimes when you are out with other people your dog will show signs of wanting to “go”. He will expect you to say your special word, so make it something that won’t get listeners tittering at you.As you arrive at your designated area, stay with your dog and as his bowels begin to move, say a word — give a verbal training signal. Your dog will learn to join that word with “going” and in time will only do that when you give the command. Select your training signal with care. It will have to be a word you can use in public. There will probably be occasions when you are out and your dog needs to “go”. He will be listening for you to give your training word, and if it is not to embarrass you, better make it a reasonable one.When you’re outside at the location you’ve chosen stay with your pup. Watch until he begins to produce a stool and then – and here’s the key step – say a word to him. Quickly your pup will associate your word with eliminating and eventually he will only “go” when you give the command. Of course you will need to choose that word after some thought. It has to be a word you can use around other people. Sometimes it will happen, when you are out with your dog in a park , he will start to strain and obviously want to “do his business”. He will anticipate you will give him your permission, so you will want to have one that will not have onlookers smiling quietly at your quaintness.
Finally, when he has finished, reward him. Some people use food. Others use a clicker. Whatever you do, give your dog something that says, “Well done! You are a good dog!”
Try this and see that your dog will learn where to do his messing.
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Len McGrane has written extensively on dog training. Pick up a FREE copy of his dog training book at his web site: www.dogtraining-books.info
