- Positive Reinforcement
- Patience
- Consistency
Make Sure the food of your choice agrees with your dog and that you feed the same food everyday. Change in diet can cause loose stools.
1. Prevention: A young or confused dog should be walked numerous times a day. It is better to prevent a mistake than try to correct the dog! Leave some of the dog’s feces outside and bring the dog to that spot. The smell of his feces should indicate to him the purpose of the visit. You may encourage the dog by using the words “hurry up” in a calm, quiet, tone of voice. These words will soon take on the meaning of relieving himself. Try keeping the dog off non-absorbent surfaces such as carpeting. Soft, absorbent surfaces are invitation for the dog to relieve himself.
2. Observation: Keep an eye on your dog, especially after the dog wakes up, plays, or eats. Feed the dog the same times each day. Do not leave water in a bowl, but give water whenever the dog is thirsty. Learn your dog’s signals. He may sniff, pace, turn in circles, run towards the door, or act restless.
3. Supervision: When the dog gives any signal that he wants to go out, give him recognition immediately. Ask him if he wants to go out. Keeping the dogs attention on you while getting ready to go out will teach the dog that his special behavior gets a response from you. Therefore, you are encouraging him to give signals.
4. Confinement: Make sure you let the dog take care of his needs before you leave him at home alone. Do not allow him to have run of the house. Confine him when he is alone. This will help if you have to leave him at a vet or kennel.
5. Correction and Praise: Punishment should involve no more than a gentle discouraging word. If you catch your dog in the act of relieving himself in the house, do not charge at him or threaten him. Simple distract the dog by clapping your hands or by making a loud noise. Then bring the dog outside as quickly as possible. Once you have the dog outside, encourage him with the words “hurry up.” Praise the dog gently after he has relieved himself.
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