Housetraining Your Dog During Winter
With the cold weather approaching, our canine companions will be spending more times indoors. Here are some simple steps to follow when housetraining your dog during the cold winter months:
Establish and maintain a regular feeding schedule. Dogs need to relieve themselves shortly after eating, waking from sleep and playing. A feeding schedule is important so you better understand when your dog will need to eliminate outside.
Establish your dog’s toilet area. When your dog needs to eliminate, make sure to take him outside on a leash to the same designated location. Because of the odor, your dog is more likely to use the same spot again.
Use a command such as, “Go potty” during housetraining. Each time your dog eliminates outside in the designated spot, praise and reward him (treats, petting, etc.)
Supervise your canine companion at all times while inside. Do this by confining your dog to a small area – by crate training or by having your dog on a leash, which is tied to you. If you notice your dog circling or sniffing, immediately taking them outside to the designated “potty” area and give them the usual command.
Do not punish your furry friend for housesoiling. If your dog has an accident indoors, clean the area with an enzymatic cleaner so the odor can be removed from the carpet/floor, which will help keep your dog from eliminating in the same spot again. Take him to his toilet more frequently. Punishment only will cause your dog to hide from you when they need to go outside.
Click here for cold weather pet tips.
NEED SOME HELP?
Whether it’s teaching basic obedience, resolving problem behaviors or teaching your old dog new tricks, the Kentucky Humane Society’s comprehensive behavior training program is designed to strengthen the bond between pets and owners through education and positive training.
Click here to learn more about the KHS Behavior Training program. Additional behavior tips available.
Or, call (502) 253-2883 for more information.
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