Tips To Get Your Dog Toilet Training
One of the toughest jobs that a family faces when a new puppy comes home is getting the dog housebroken. This means that the dog will eliminate outdoors and not use your home and furnishings as a toilet.You don’t need to think that getting your dog toilet training is a tough task. If you arm yourself with plenty of information for the best ways to get your dog house trained, you are on the right path to having a dog that goes to the bathroom where you want him to go.
When to House Train
A dog can be toilet trained at any age, but the best age to begin is between eight and twelve weeks old. If you set up a housebreaking routine as soon as you bring your puppy home, before long he will get the right idea of where to do his business. A crate is a great tool for toilet training a puppy. It keeps him confined when there is no supervision and most puppies learn quickly that if they make in their crate they will have to sit in it. Most dogs are fairly hygienic and won’t enjoy having to sit in dog doody or urine.
The Advantages of Using a Crate
Be sure there is enough room in the crate for your pup to turn around, but don't leave so much room that he will be able to eliminate and lie down far away from it. Many dog owners view a crate as a jail cell or to use as punishment, but your dog will love having his own space where he can escape from the hustle and bustle of the household for some quiet time. Make your dogs crate a happy place and don’t use it for punishment. You can feed your dog in the crate, or while he is in there, offer him some treats. Place a favorite chewy or toy in there with him, add blankets and he will have a cozy den to escape to whenever he feels the need. Giving a crate for your dog can keep him out of trouble and not only in housebreaking.
Keep Your Eyes Peeled
Keeping a close eye on your puppy is a key factor in getting him properly housetrained. Whenever you see that he is sniffing, circling or beginning to squat, immediately take him outside to the place where you want him to go and see if he eliminates. If he does, praise him lavishly. A good idea is to have a cue, such as “hurry up” so that your puppy knows what you want him to do. When he is going to the bathroom repeat the cue and then give your dog lots of praise for a job well done. Don’t take a chance for an accident happening inside the house, so it is better to take the dog out.
Schedule Your Dog’s Routine
Feeding, watering and walking your dog on a regular schedule will make housebreaking that much easier. Puppies are like children and they thrive on a routine. To make your dog to be able to adjust their bodily functions, it is better to try and take the dog out around the same time everyday. The first thing you should do in the morning is take the puppy from the crate and don’t let his feet touch the ground. Bring him to the place where you want him to go, give the cue, and praise upon a successful completion. Take your puppy out at least every two hours, after eating or drinking and especially after play. Before you know it, your puppy will be letting you know it is time to go out and do his business.
Don't Let the Puppy Roam
Letting your puppy roam around the house is a sure fire way to have accidents. If you have decided you don't want to use a crate, and even if you do use one, limiting the dog to certain areas of the house can make housetraining easier for everyone. It is difficult to keep track of a puppy when he has the run of the house, but if you gate him in the kitchen, he will still be able to be part of the action and can be better supervised in case of an accident.
Don’t Get Discouraged
There will be times when you first begin housetraining that you feel your pup is just not getting it. He may have accidents in the house as well on occasion.Don’t get discourage. If you stick to your routine, keep a good eye on the dog and make frequent outings to his outdoor bathroom, in no time your puppy will be housebroken. Another good idea is to use the same door all the time when you are taking him out so that when he has to go, he will scratch on the door to be let out. Once this happens, you can say hurray and know that your puppy truly is beginning to understand that going to the bathroom in the house is a no-no.
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Possible Causes of a Lethargic Dog
There are many possible reasons that can make a dog lethargic.
If your normally-energetic dog has suddenly slowed down, and has lost enthusiasm in doing his favorite things (e.g. walking, playing games, eating), you need to pay attention and try to find out what is making your dog lethargic.
Lethargy in dogs in a common illness symptom. If a dog is sick, injured, or depressed, lethargy is almost always one of the first symptoms to show. The difficult thing is, a lot of illnesses can make a dog lethargic, and so it is impossible to pinpoint a particular physical problem in the absence of some other symptoms. It is therefore essential that we observe our dog carefully for other symptoms or abnormal behaviors if the dog suddenly becomes sluggish.
Infectious Diseases
Young puppies are normally full of energy. If they suddenly become lethargic, it may be because of some kind of infectious diseases, such as distemper, or parvovirus. Check the body temperature of your puppy if she suddenly becomes lethargic. (Normal dog temperature is between 101F to 102.5F.) If the dog lethargy is accompanied by fever, take your puppy to the vet immediately.
Anemia
If a dog is anemic, there are not enough red blood cells to transport oxygen to different parts of the dog's body. A lack of oxygen can make a dog lethargic.
Anemia can be caused by flea infestations, gastrointestinal parasites such as worms, or more seriously, internal bleeding caused by ulcers or other conditions (e.g. poisoning, clotting disorders, bone marrow disorders, cancer).
Other Diseases
Other diseases that cause lethargy in dogs include diabetes, hypothyroidism, Addison's disease, and Cushing's disease.
Pain
Pain caused by injuries or physical problems can also make a dog lethargic. If a dog is in pain, obviously he does not want to move too much. As well, in the case of an injury, many of the body's resources and energy are redirected to the injury site to promote healing, so it is understandable that an injured dog does not have sufficient resources or energy for other normal activities.
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