House training a new dog is a top priority. Whether it's a playful puppy or an adult, it requires time, energy and discipline.
Trainer and animal behaviour therapist Rosemarie Tang, at the Animal Behaviour Veterinary Practice, provides some tips on training your dog to relieve itself at the right time and place.
'House training is very easy, but it's all about committing your time,' says Tang, a certified trainer from the San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
According to Tang, dogs don't understand what is right or wrong, but can quickly learn the concept of safety and danger. If you punish them during house training, the dog or puppy may end up negatively associating relieving itself with you. 'This is very effective at teaching the dog to hide and pee somewhere you can't see, like behind the bed,' Tang explains.
Before starting a house training routine, Tang recommends equipping the home with a crate that is sufficiently small to prevent the dog using it as a toilet, but large enough for it to comfortably stand, lie down and turn around in. The pet will also need a collar and leash, treats, poop bags, newspaper, and a puppy pen. Baby gates are also useful.
Training can be divided into four main issues. Marking is done by both male and female dogs, and dogs that have not been spayed or neutered are more prone to marking on vertical surfaces, new objects, such as a handbag or shoes, during a neighbourhood walk, a new environment or conflicts between animals at home.
To counter marking, Tang suggests making the area or object inaccessible. Alternatively, owners could play with or feed the dog where it's inclined to mark. If you catch the dog marking, interrupt it with a loud 'no'.