Crate Training

A dog relieving themself in the house is probably the most common of all the behavioral issues a new owner may have from their pet. When a dog is brought into a new home they will almost always want to relieve themselves, and then repeat the same behavior in the same area of the home. This is why the biggest mistake a new pet owner can make is to let their dog roam free in the house the second they bring them home. Think about this from your dog's perspective. If you let them loose to roam free in your house the minute you bring them home, why would they not relieve themself in the house? They haven't been taught any differently and honestly that big white porcelain bowl is something to drink out of, isn't it? One of the biggest mistakes you can make is to do something negative to your dog when they have urinated, or defalcated in the house. It's history.. And you have to move on and learn from it. You have learned that you cannot give your dog the opportunity to be loose in that area unsupervised. Anything you do negatively is an absolute waste of time, and will only jeopardize your relationship with your dog. Remember, like a child, your dog, and even more so if they are a puppy, needs your loving direction. This is why I highly recommend crate training. The whole idea behind crate training is simply to not give your dog the opportunity to develop the behavior of relieving themselves on your carpet or wood floor in the first place. Unlike people, most dogs are quite comfortable in dens or areas that are confined, like a crate. Although a dog might whine or bark initially, they will eventually become comfortable in there. Start putting something in the crate that your dog likes such as a small piece of their favorite treat. Condition your dog into staying in the crate for longer periods of time each day. Over the course of time, the animal will eventually be conditioned to stay in the crate long enough to feel comfortable sleeping in it overnight.