Setting a House Training Schedule for Your Dog's Elimination

As you house train your dog, you have to set up a schedule. Your dog isn't going to do that for himself. It takes your effort and monitoring for several weeks to a few months for this to occur, so that your dog learns a routine.

You can help your dog know when it's the right time to go potty by repeating that routine consistently. When most people wake up, they usually go to the bathroom soon afterwards.

Well, your dog needs the same courtesy. Don't stop to make coffee or check the newspaper - take your dog out as soon as you're up and moving. He's been holding it all night, so don't make this difficult.

Keep the first potty break short, and then bring him inside for breakfast. Let your dog eat breakfast while you're getting dressed and ready for the day. By the time you finish your coffee and breakfast, you can take the dog out for a potty break.

If he's had some time to eat and let the food settle, he'll be ready for elimination before going into the crate or the room where he spends the day. With a puppy, you need to come back for a mid-day potty break and a mid-afternoon break if possible.

When you're at work, let another family member or willing neighbor handle those breaks for you. Just make sure everyone knows and follows the routine you use for breaks. Make the breaks short (5-10 minutes) and don't mix playtime with potty time. Your dog needs to clearly understand the difference and he will - if you're consistent.

Keep the same routine for dinnertime. Let your dog out for a potty break as soon as you return home from work or school. Set a time to feed the dog and don't get more than thirty minutes off schedule.

It's better to feed the dog early in the evening, so that the food digests and he's ready for an elimination break before bedtime. Then follow the same procedure that you do in the morning.

As you're house training your dog, keep notes of the times. You can even create a simple checklist to post on the refrigerator. Then anyone who feeds the dog or takes him for potty breaks can make note of the time. This is helpful in noticing what the dog's natural elimination patterns are.

When your dog completes his potty break, remember to give him praise and affection. You can offer a dog biscuit, but it's not necessary. He's just as happy with your approval. Instead of the old training methods that punish a dog for making a mess in the house, you take the more effective positive approach to show him approval for getting the job done during a scheduled potty break.

Since your dog wants you to love him, he will be willing to try his best to please you. Just don't make it difficult. If you're running late and miss his potty break, clean it up and get back on track without scolding him. Your dog depends on you for many things, including staying on target for potty breaks. He doesn't want to mess in his space - or in yours - so help him do the right thing by sticking to a routine.