When most people think about housebreaking a dog, they imagine an adorable little scamp that fits in the palm of their hand and plays with toys all day — in other words, a puppy.

But what if you have an older dog that isn’t housebroken because she’s a rescue? The rules for training adult dogs can be a bit different. First and foremost, you want to determine two things:

• The issue isn’t due to a medical problem.
• The soiling isn’t a behavioral issue.

If you discover that the issue is related to either of those things, there are specific actions that you can take based on what’s actually causing the problem. Your veterinarian can guide you for medical issues, and you may need to consult a canine professional if the soiling is connected to a behavioral problem.

Convinced their bathroom problems are simply due to a lack of training? Read on!

Use Scheduled, Consistent Feedings

Feed your dog at the same time every day and take their bowl away between meals. This will reduce the chance of them having, “extra fuel in the tank,” so to speak.

Have Scheduled, Consistent Elimination Times

Even fully trained adult dogs should be let out to go to the bathroom at least four times a day, so you want give your pooch ample time to do his business when you’re training. Another kind of “consistency” that can help is to go to the same area to eliminate. Smelling his own scent can encourage him to go.

Reward Good Behavior

When she does her business outside, make sure you’re right there to reward her with treats, praise, play, or a walk.

Startle, Don’t Scare

If and only if you catch them in the act of eliminating (not 5 minutes later!), clap so that you startle them out of what they’re doing. Then take them outside and offer them praise and treats after they finish eliminating.Many pet parents have an urge to yell or otherwise scare or punish their dog for eliminating inside, but all this does is make them afraid of you. When that happens, most dogs simply hide from their owners when they need to go.This is also why you should only startle your dog while they’re actually going inside. If the correction doesn’t happen during the misbehavior, they won’t make the connection.

Watch Them Closely

Some dogs give very clear signals when they need to go, such as scratching at the door. Others don’t. To prevent accidents while training, keep an eye out for the signals. If you can’t do that, crating will be necessary to train them to hold it until you can take them outside. Most pups simply won’t eliminate in their crate.

Scrub, Scrub, Scrub

No matter how vigilant you are, there are probably going to be accidents. Unfortunately, dogs tend to continue going where they’ve gone before, so you need to engage in some deep cleaning to really get the smell out of any soiled areas.

These tips will be enough to house-train most dogs, but if yours continues to eliminate indoors, you may want to seek out an expert for help.

How long did it take you to housebreak your dog? Tell us your story.

The post Secrets To Housebreaking Adult Dogs appeared first on Cesar's Way.

Let’s face it, dogs are territorial animals by nature. They like to protect their territory, their family, and their belongings. Territorial marking is different from urination because it is only a small amount to make other dogs aware that this is their territory. When people notice that their dog has been marking around the house, it is not usually done out of spite, but out of insecurity.

For a dog, this insecurity may be a sense that their area is under siege by another person or animal inside the house, or even outside in some cases. Territoriality is not always a bad thing, but it is definitely bad for your home, because it involves urination around things or places that “belong” to the dog; exposure to the scent later can also trigger re-marking. Here is what you need to know in order to prevent this behavior.

How to Prevent Territorial Marking

Spay or Neuter Your Dog

If you have not already done so, having your dog spayed or neutered can reduce incidences of territorial marking. It can also extend your dog’s life, improve other aspects of their health, and reduce the number of unwanted dogs. Dogs that have been spayed or neutered can and do still engage in marking behaviors from time to time, depending on other factors. According to a report from the Humane Society, spaying or neutering your pet may help reduce likelihood that they will mark their territory, but it does not completely stop it.

Allow Your Dog to Get Acquainted with Unfamiliar Faces

Sometimes your dog may start marking things around the house because someone new has been introduced into the household, whether it is a new roommate, pet, or even a frequent visitor. Chances are that the dog feels like this person or animal has entered their realm and it is marking to show them that they still have ownership over the territory. People are usually annoyed by this behavior, but other animals know what it means if a dog has marked their territory. The only way to resolve this issue is to allow your dog to get a true introduction to the new person or pet and allow them to spend some time to bond with them. Keep the new person or animal out of the dog’s area until the two have become more acquainted.

Establish Yourself As the Pack Leader

Dogs crave rules, boundaries and limitations. It is not a good idea to allow your dog to roam all over the house, sit on furniture, eat from the table, or engage in any other type of disruptive behavior. Although your dog is your companion, it is a follower in your pack, not a leader. You can reduce this type of behavior by asserting yourself as the pack leader by using calm, assertive energy. Make your dog earn food, water, and affection through exercise and discipline — exercise via two or more daily walks to drain her energy, and discipline through setting those rules, boundaries and limitations.

These types of issues are often exacerbated by a lack of training and discipline for your pet. If this seems to be a big problem, then you may want to consider an obedience class for your dog or speak to your veterinarian for some other solutions.

How long are your pack walks? Share it with us in the comments below.

The post What Is Territorial Marking And How To Stop It? appeared first on Cesar's Way.

Question from Jesica Mcauliff:

I have a 3-month-old pit bull/boxer mix puppy that my husband and I have been crate training. Lilly had been doing really well not soiling her crate, but recently she has been doing it everyday, even if she is only in there for a few hours.

We have tried everything to break her of this habit but nothing works. Please, do you have any advice?

Cesar Millan’s Answer:

Well, Jessica, the first thing you need to get out of your head is that you’ve “tried everything.” If it keeps happening, you haven’t tried everything! What I would ask somebody in your situation is this: when does your puppy go to the crate? Is she tired? Is she not tired? Did she drink water before entering the crate? How long ago did she drink it?

Obviously, if she goes in after drinking, she’s going to have a full bladder. Most people who try to housebreak a puppy only focus on their own needs: “I don’t want my dog to pee in the house.” That’s a human need. Your dog’s need is to go and relieve herself! So if you want to break your dog of this habit, you need to be sure you are being honest and taking responsibility by providing exercise and discipline according to your dog’s needs. After that, soiling the crate can be a very simple problem to rehabilitate.

Make sure Lilly is tired and in a calm submissive state before entering the crate. If she isn’t tired when you put her in there, work her some more. That’s the exercise part. If your dog soils her crate after two hours, then take her out of the crate after an hour and forty-five minutes to allow her to pee. That’s discipline. You show her that you want her to pee somewhere else, and eventually, once her needs are being met, she will learn to wait and she will be able to go for longer and longer periods without soiling her area. Stay calm and assertive!

Cesar Millan

Common Reasons Puppies Have Crate Accidents

Crates are an excellent tool for training your puppy and giving them a safe place to relax. Dog crates can be a great way to house-train your pup, but some pups have random accidents in them. The problem you’re trying to avoid by using the crate in the first place might happen! Unless the accidents are few and far between, there is no reason to be alarmed or concerned. But should your puppy decide to make a habit of releasing their bowels in the crate, there are some common reasons for this recurring issue.

Anxiety

Some dogs can’t stand the crate due to the small, confined space. Watch for signs of stress when you place your pet in the container. An anxious dog could pee or poop uncontrollably.

Improper Potty Training

Your puppy could be soiling their crate because they don’t know any better. Before crating a dog for an extended period, you must ensure that they are housebroken and have the bathroom routine down pat! You can still use the crate during the potty training, but we recommend doing so for only a short period.

Upset Stomach

Consider the food and treats you are giving your puppy if you notice they have an upset stomach, diarrhea, or other symptoms.

Crate Size

It’s essential to choose the right dog crate for your pup. Refer to a size chart to ensure recommended sizing. If the crate is too large, the puppy has too much room to go potty on one end and sleep on the other. On the other hand, if the space is too small, it could cause anxiety, which could bring on bladder or stomach issues.

Blanketing

Consider the food and treats you are giving your puppy if you notice they have an upset stomach, diarrhea, or other symptoms.

Disrupted Routine

It’s crucial for your dog to have a routine, so make sure you feed them at the same times throughout their day and relate it directly with time spent in the crate. If your dog has just eaten, it is best that you wait at least 30 minutes before crating them to allow time for a bowel movement.

Manipulation

Consider the food and treats you are giving your puppy if you notice they have an upset stomach, diarrhea, or other symptoms.

Health Concerns

Suppose you have exhausted all training resources and feel like you’ve tried everything. In that case, consider reaching out to your veterinarian for a check-up to see if there’s an underlying medical issue. They might advise you on food options if that might be the cause of what is causing your dog’s pooping habits and offer advice on why your puppy keeps having accidents.

Tips to Training Against Potty Accidents in the Crate

The best way to help your dog is by being calm and patient. A stressed or upset human can make the situation worse for both of you, so stay relaxed!

Pay Attention to Puppy Clues

If your pup is having trouble holding urine at night, it could be because the bladder control muscles haven’t developed enough. It’s common for most young puppies to be carried outside once at night to release their bladder.

Give Proper Crate Training

Your puppy should see the crate as a quiet place of refuge and retreat. During training, give your pup a treat or toy when they are in the crate during the day. When he willingly enters, give praise and a reward. You can eventually stop giving treats as they become accustomed to their crate.

Keep a Consistent Schedule

To help your puppy successfully use the bathroom, you should maintain a regular schedule for feeding and potty breaks. You can usually predict when your furry friend will need to go potty when you keep the same routine.

Exercise is Essential

Walking and playing with your puppy are beneficial for many reasons. When it comes to crate training, a tired dog will sleep all night long without waking up to use the bathroom. The same goes for during the day. Staying on a routine with your walks and playtime will help your pup be less anxious or bored when in the crate.

Don't Punish Your Puppy

When your pup has soiled the crate, do not yell or push its nose into the urine or feces. They will have no idea what is going on, and you can potentially cause more harm and regression. Instead, take your puppy out to the potty spot and allow them to try again, then clean up the mess and wash any bedding if needed.

Supplies to Help Potty Train Puppy

You’re not alone if you’ve tried everything and your puppy has accidents in the crate. You can try again with more patience and time. Some of these supplies can help make the process less stressful and decrease damage to your home.

Dog Sitter

If your budget allows you to hire a dog sitter, then it would be an ideal option to lessen the chance of your puppy soiling the crate. Many apps allow you to book dog walkers for certain times of the day when you are away from home.

Training Pads

Get yourself some training pads to put in the crate. This temporary solution will help with accidents by keeping the mess contained and allowing for easier cleanup.

Doggie Daycare

If you’re going away for an extended period and need to leave your dog at home, it might be best to put your pup in daycare, where they will receive additional potty training and socialization.

Dogs soil in their crates for various reasons, including anxiety, excitement, boredom, and fear. As a pet parent, it’s important to be aware of the multiple causes so you can expertly address them when they happen. Training your puppy against crate accidents requires patience and consistency, but there are also some great tools and supplies that can help make the process go more smoothly. Using these tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to having a pup that enjoys spending time in its crate without messing. Do you have any other suggestions for keeping puppies from soiling their crates? We’d love to hear what’s worked for you!

The post Dog Problem: Puppy Soiling Crate appeared first on Cesar's Way.

My husband and I have a male, 12 month old Cocker Spaniel/Pomeranian mix. We have been crate training him and he has virtually no problems at night.  But since we’ve been crating him during the day for the last 2 weeks, he ALWAYS soils the crate in some way.

It doesn’t seem to matter whether there’s bedding in there or not.

We both work far from home, and he’s in his crate for 10-12 hours a day.  Our female, 4 year old Toy Rat Terrier does fine, and has for years.  Is our 12 month old still too young? How can we stop him from soiling his crate during the day?

Thanks,
Abi

Cesar Millan’s answer:
Dear Abi,

A change like this can be very dramatic for any dog, especially a young dog. If you don’t slowly ease a dog into a new routine, he can react in unpredictable ways. Also, dogs are daytime animals, so they’re definitely going to pee more often during the day than they are at night. If you’re going to leave the dog in a crate during the day for 10 or 12 hours, you have to make sure that every 4 hours somebody comes and takes him out, then brings him back. Then eventually what you can do is extend those 4 hours to 6 hours, and then 8 hours, and so on until he gives you exactly the kind of behavior he was giving you before. But remember, it is his nature to be more active in the daytime. Just as he has to adapt to your new schedules, you need to be mindful of his!

Stay calm and assertive!

Cesar Millan

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