If you are thinking of adopting a Havanese Rescue Dog, it is important to be prepared for the challenge of house training. Here are some tips to help make the process easier.
It is almost inevitable that your young puppy will have a potty accident in the house, so do not punish him or scold him for it. In fact, some dogs, particularly those that are very young or very old temporarily lose control of their bladders when they become excited or feel threatened. This is commonly referred to as submissive/excitement urination.
Dogs can be trained to go outside on command. The best time to start housebreaking a Havanese puppy is around 4 weeks old.
The process of potty training an adult rescue dog is similar to that of potty training a puppy.
Talk to your veterinarian if your dog’s house training behavioral issues are due to a medical, emotional, or behavioral problem.
Many people think that teaching their dogs what “go potty” means is just a matter of saying the words over and over again. But it’s not quite that simple. Dogs are smart creatures, and they learn best by association. So, rather than telling them, we’ll show them. Here are some tips to teach your dog what “potty” means.
Closely supervise when your dog’s roaming around
A rescue dog needs to be trained before he can be trusted. If you don’t train your dog properly, then he will not listen to you when you ask him to stop doing something dangerous. He might even bite you. A rescue dog should be kept under constant supervision until he learns his manners.
It is important to keep your dog safe when you aren’t around. You should always watch for signs that your dog needs to go out. If he starts sniffing the ground, circles or runs away from his toys, then it might be time to let him out.
Control the dog’s diet
Keeping your dog’s meal times regular will help keep him healthy. Dogs are creatures of habit, and if you give them the opportunity to eat every day at the same time, it’ll make life easier on everyone involved.
Feed your dog at the same time each day and avoid giving him too many treats or foods high in fat, sugar, salt or carbohydrates. These things can cause digestive problems, obesity and eventually diabetes.
If you’re feeding your dog dry kibble, try switching to canned food. This way, he gets the nutrition he needs without all those additives.
Consider adding probiotics to your rescue dog’s food if he has trouble with bowel movements.
Praise reward your dog when he “goes” outside
If you go out to play with your dog, make sure you reward them when they go in the right place. If you say something like ‘good boy’ or ‘great job’, they will associate those words with the action of going in the right place. You can also add a treat immediately after they go in the right spot. This will help them associate the action of going in a certain place with getting rewarded.
If you walk your dog every time they need to pee, they may not get the chance to go when they feel like it. So, if you wait until your dog goes to the bathroom before you leave them, they won’t have to come out again.
Positive reinforcement and special treats are also a good idea.
Exercise
The benefits of exercise are well known. But what about housetraining? Does it help dogs learn how to use the bathroom outside? And does walking your pet after eating or sleeping make him less likely to soil himself inside? Research suggests yes.
You should take your dog out regularly, especially after he or she has eaten, drunk, or awoken.
Cut off water two hours before bed
Generally speaking if you give your dog his water bowl at least 2 hours before bedtime, he will not wake up during the night and drink all the water. If your dog does wake up and wants to drink water, then he should wait until morning when you get up.
Neutralize Urine Odors With Enzyme Based Deodorizer
If your dog has an accident indoors, try using a pet odor neutralizer like Nature’s Miracle. This will help ensure your dog doesn’ts smell its own urine in the same place again and again.
Other Tips on How to Potty Train a Rescue dog
1. Housetrain your dog to the same place every time. This helps them form a habit. If you take them to different places, they’ll never really understand what they’re supposed to do. My dog does best if he knows exactly where he needs to go. He’s always excited to see me and wants to play whenever he gets the chance.
2. Praise your dog immediately upon successful elimination. A lot of times, puppies will try to hide their accidents. They might even cry. But that doesn’t mean they didn’t do anything. Your dog needs to know that being able to eliminate outside is a good thing. By praising him immediately, you encourage him to repeat the behavior.
3. Make it fun. I love playing fetch with my dog. It makes us both happy. Plus, it teaches him how to use his nose.
4. Let your dog explore. As long as they aren’t near dangerous areas, let them roam around freely. They’ll find their way to the potty eventually.
5. Be patient. Dogs take awhile to figure things out. Give yourself plenty of time to teach your dog to eliminate outside.
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Sara is a passionate writer and an avid lover of Havanese dogs. With several years of experience in dog training, breeding, and care, she has developed a deep understanding and admiration for the Havanese breed. Sara’s mission is to provide valuable insights, resources, and tips to help Havanese dog owners provide the best possible care and nurturing for their beloved pets.
