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 Pet Central
Q&A
Q: How can I housebreak our shih tzu
puppy? -- J.R., Cyberspace
Q: Our 1-1/2-year-old dog, which
we just got from a shelter, resists going outside to relieve herself.
This behavior seems to worsen when we try penal-type discipline. What's
the best way to housebreak? -- J.R., Northfield, N.J.
A: I get many questions on this
topic. While every pup will have accidents, the fewer boo-boos the better.
Venerable puppy professor and author Dr. Ian Dunbar says that for every
true accident, a pup will have 10 more mishaps for other reasons, including:
-- An accident sets a precedent;
pups can develop bad habits fast.
-- Lots of people holler at their
dogs while the pet is committing a "no-no." This only teaches the pup
to go when its owner isn't watching, such as sneaking off to another room,
Dunbar says.
-- When people discover hours
after the fact that their pooch had an accident, they reprimand the pet.
From the dog's perspective, the lesson is that people get angry for no
reason. Rubbing the pup's nose where it soiled, or shaking the dog, only
teaches it to distrust you.
To minimize accidents, confine
a pup to the kitchen when you're out. Or consider crate training. When
you're home, tie the pup's leash to your waist or belt buckle so you can
keep an eye on it. If the dog is about to relieve itself, say "no," scoop
the dog up and go outside. Pups in training should go to the same outdoor
toilet each time, and be sure to accompany your pet to the chosen spot
to be sure it ``performs.''
"You must reward immediately with
praise and a great-tasting treat, and housebreaking will go much faster,''
Dunbar says. ``Pups need to go after they wake up, after they drink a
lot and after a play session. I say, take a puppy outside every hour.
If it doesn't perform in just a few minutes, no playing, back to the crate
or limited activity indoors for 20 or 30 minutes. Now, try it outside
again."
Most mistakes are made by owners
who give puppies too much freedom too soon.
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