At the top of most pet owners' training lists is housebreaking. Teaching your dog or cat to eliminate in the proper place is probably the most critical part of training. A pet that is not properly housebroken frequently ends up permanently relegated to the backyard. To enjoy your pet's companionship to the fullest, take special care to housebreak your pet carefully. If you have trouble achieving success, please consult your veterinarian.
Housebreaking Your Dog
Many experts advise crate training as the best method for housebreaking. A crate works well because it is consistent with natural dog instincts and behaviors. Eventually, your dog will think of his or her crate as a "den." Like a dog in the wild, he or she will prefer not to eliminate where he or she eats or sleeps. Start with a crate large enough for your puppy and place a blanket, food and water inside. In crate training, after opening the crate door, take your puppy directly to the area you want to be used as the bathroom. In all likelihood, he or she will eliminate right away. When this happens, praise your dog lavishly. Soon, your puppy will look forward to the praise associated with eliminating in "the spot" outside and will try to repeat the praiseworthy performance. Before you know it, your puppy is housebroken.
Oops!
If your puppy or adult dog has an accident, speak firmly, but do not hit your pet with your hand or shove his or her nose in the "accident." Dogs have very short attention spans and will not understand your actions. Say "NO" in a very firm voice and remove the solid waste to the outdoor area you have specified for your dog. Always remember to praise your pet when he or she goes in the proper place!
Housebreaking Your Cat
In most cases, kittens are taught to use the litter box by their mother, so housebreaking is one chore you may not have to face with a cat. However, due to various factors, your cat may begin spraying or marking outside his litter box. This inappropriate behavior may indicate psychological stress. For example, your cat my be spraying because you have moved into a new home, purchased a different type of litter or added a cat (or human) to the family Spraying or marking may also indicate a medical problem such as feline lower urinary tract disease or kidney disease. Your first course of action in this case is to
determine if there is a need to see your veterinarian -- immediately! Blood in the urine, straining or yowling are
clues that indicate a medical problem that needs to be addressed. If there appears to be no medical problem, reduce
or eliminate all possible causes of stress. If the problem continues, seek the advice of your veterinarian.
Housebreaking Your Dog
Many experts advise crate training as the best method for housebreaking. A crate works well because it is consistent with natural dog instincts and behaviors. Eventually, your dog will think of his or her crate as a "den." Like a dog in the wild, he or she will prefer not to eliminate where he or she eats or sleeps. Start with a crate large enough for your puppy and place a blanket, food and water inside. In crate training, after opening the crate door, take your puppy directly to the area you want to be used as the bathroom. In all likelihood, he or she will eliminate right away. When this happens, praise your dog lavishly. Soon, your puppy will look forward to the praise associated with eliminating in "the spot" outside and will try to repeat the praiseworthy performance. Before you know it, your puppy is housebroken.
Oops!
If your puppy or adult dog has an accident, speak firmly, but do not hit your pet with your hand or shove his or her nose in the "accident." Dogs have very short attention spans and will not understand your actions. Say "NO" in a very firm voice and remove the solid waste to the outdoor area you have specified for your dog. Always remember to praise your pet when he or she goes in the proper place!
Housebreaking Your Cat
In most cases, kittens are taught to use the litter box by their mother, so housebreaking is one chore you may not have to face with a cat. However, due to various factors, your cat may begin spraying or marking outside his litter box. This inappropriate behavior may indicate psychological stress. For example, your cat my be spraying because you have moved into a new home, purchased a different type of litter or added a cat (or human) to the family Spraying or marking may also indicate a medical problem such as feline lower urinary tract disease or kidney disease. Your first course of action in this case is to
determine if there is a need to see your veterinarian -- immediately! Blood in the urine, straining or yowling are
clues that indicate a medical problem that needs to be addressed. If there appears to be no medical problem, reduce
or eliminate all possible causes of stress. If the problem continues, seek the advice of your veterinarian.
Countryside Veterinary Clinic
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Copyright 2010 Countryside Veterinary Clinic. All rights reserved.
Serving Richmond's Pet Families Since 1992
(804) 750-1694