Housebreaking is one of the most frustrating issues a dog owner can face. What many dog owners don’t realize is that housebreaking problems can often be solved simply by installing a pet door.
For a pet door to help with housebreaking issues, you must first teach your dog that you disapprove of indoor soiling. Usually, when a mature dog persists in soiling indoors, it stems from an inability to communicate the need to go outside. Some dogs quickly learn this skill as puppies – they’ll scratch or bark loudly to get someone’s attention when they need to go outside. Other dogs don’t communicate so clearly.
You can speed the potty training process along by thoroughly cleaning areas where he’s eliminated indoors with an enzymatic cleaner. Also, consider blocking access to these “favorite” areas until you are certain your dog’s indoor soiling habit is completely broken. If the soiled area is in a room to which your dog still needs to access, move a large piece of furniture over the area.
If you’re worried about animals other than your dog using your pet door, consider an electronic or infrared door that opens only for your dog. If you’re worried about security, choose a pet door that includes keyed locks that are accessible only from inside your home.
Making sure you have that perfect home for your pet is a priority especially when you have a new pet. you might be interested in an indoor pet kennel. There is such a growing trend and demand for pet storage, that the designs have become functional and stylish. Pet kennels are being made to blend into modern décor.
You don’t really loose that much space with an indoor pet kennel is made from wood. The flat top still affords you a place for a lamp, pictures, etc… The average cost is around $120.00. But, price largely depends on style, design, and quality of wood.
Another option is the steel kennel. They are not as stylish, but they have convenient functions. Some brands even collapse, for easy storage. Others, offer rolling wheels and removable bottoms. If you are planning on eventually transferring your pet outdoors or are switching from indoors to outdoors seasonally, a steel kennel is the best option. Weather elements will not damage or deteriorate the steel.
Older dogs may take longer to adjust to the confinement. Patience and perseverance is the key to making this a happy experience for the pet. Introduce the older pet to the kennel slowly. Leave the pet in the kennel for thirty minutes. Do this for the first few times. Increase the time over the next few weeks. Eventually, the pet will seek out the kennel as a nap place and sanctuary… voluntarily.
When used sensibly, kennels can be obliging to the owner and a safe haven for the pet.
A puppy is meant to be a pleasure to you. It is most important to have the cage ready when your puppy arrives in your home for the first time. This is going to be his home and your ‘life-saver’.
Put a square of Vet bedding or a dog blanket in the cage. Put some chewy toys in the cage for him/her to play with. These will need to be toys that are sturdy, and quite literally ‘chewable’, so that he cannot bite any pieces off and do himself damage if these pieces are swallowed. He will learn that this is his domain. He will learn to like it and expect to be put in the cage when necessary.
If, when you let him out of the cage and he tries to chew one of your possessions, quickly say ‘No’ and give him one of his own toys. You must be firm about this.
Do not use the cage as his punishment quarters or sin bin. Don’t tell him off when it is necessary to put him in his cage, just treat it as a normal occurrence. This is his home where he will sleep at night – his private domain. He will feel secure in his ‘home’ and he will learn to respect yours.
Dogs love to feel accepted into your home and sometimes the best way to make your new dog feel comfortable is to provide a place for the dog to go where it can feel secure. You may also need to confine your dog to the cage when you leave your home or when you go to bed.
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