to fill you in, my german shorthair pointer had 4 pups a while back (hunters dont get too excited they are mixed w/ black lab) im down to the one that i wanted to keep, and have been trying to work w/ him on the training he will sit and behave, and walk on a leash just fine, im working on getting him house broke, im not really looking for a hunting dog just a really good companion and was wondering if anybody had any advice.

 

We have our Boxer mix pup (and ourselves) going through obedience training right now. As far as housebreaking, you will need to take your pup outside TO THE SAME SPOT EVERY TIME! After he wakes in the morning, after naps and after food or water. We are supposed to be VERY diligent about this. When your pup "goes" you should mildly praise him giving a cue word, such as "Good potty" or whatever you choose. Just use the same phrase each time he eliminates outside. Do not punish him for making a mistake inside.

If you catch him in the act make a loud noise such as clapping, stomping or banging on something to distract him, then take him out to his spot. You should only have to stay outside with him for 5 minutes. Praise him if he goes, no biggie if he doesn't.

You may also want to invest in some pet odor neutralizer that can be found at the pet store. I tell ya, our house reeks right now! I feel like barfing every time I walk into the house. Part of our problem is that our Maine Coon cat can't stand the new pup. He attacks the cat at every opportunity so now our mellow cat is peeing in our kitchen on a regular basis. And we have ceramic tile flooring.

Good luck with your puppy training and I would highly recommend obedience training. We are going to Petsmart for an 8 week class for $99. Worth it, I think.

 

That and letting them out very often. My brothers dog, a cocker spainel -known to piddle-, was always going in thier house. Then one week i house sat for them the whole week and the dog only had two small piddles, both acounts my fault. And even at times i had to take him outside twice within a half hour.

 

I myself recently just got a new puppy. The one thing that i would have to stress is be patient. I struggled with this at first and it made things alot worse. Give them time and they will come along.

As far as the housetraining, you need to constintly give them oppertunities to go out side other wise, mistakes will happen.

 

For potty training we use a kennel, this becomes their safe place and they do not go to the bathroom in it (keeping in mind of the length of time in puppy time) for our Boxers it was only a couple of weeks in the kennel at night for them and even now the kennel is their safe place.

 

Like others have said, take hime out to the same spot. Dogs will do their business where they have done it before. So at least nature is on your side.

Also, tell the dog to "Go Potty" when outside and to "Hurry Up". This will help when the dog is older, you are in a rush to get out of the house/bad weather/etc, and you need the dog to go to the bathroom. Good luck.

 

The kennel method of housebreaking seems to be the fastest. This works well and makes use of the simple fact that a dog does not want to do it's business in it's personal space. I too suggest teaching your dog to purge in one area of your property; this not only makes poop patrol go much faster but you/kids/guests aren't stepping in it. Teaching the dog to purge on demand by training it to respond to a word is also something I use and would encourage you to do the same. Doing this will make your life easier when it's pouring rain outside and you don't want a wet dog comming back 15 minutes later and it's also nice when you are traveling with your dog. I use the word "outside". If the dog chooses to make a mad dash to a purge site of his choosing, take him out there on a leash to the spot of your choosing.

*Since you have a male dog you might consider getting one of those fake plastic fire hydrants and teach him to lift his leg on that. This will save your shrubs, garden, BBQ, lawnmower, patio chairs, patio planters, house, central air conditioner, trash can, deck posts, etc etc. If the dog likes to rip up grass after doing a #1 or #2 you can lay down chicken wire and secure it with 6" spikes and some washers. Mow carefully for awhile; after awhile the chicken wire becomes embedded with new grass growth and the mower won't lift it. Cures a dog of ripping up grass pretty fast.