House breaking your dog is vital, whether it is a puppy or an older dog – and that old adage about not being able to teach an old dog new trick is not true at all. Your dog needs to know where he should do his business – and with dog training, it is not only possible to break your dog, it is also possible to train him when to go to the bathroom.

The first step in using dog training to house break your dog is by implementing the use of a crate, though this generally works better with puppies than with older dogs, although they can benefit too. A crate is not a crate at all, but a cage with a door that locks and plenty of room for your dog to move. These are not used for punishment, but rather a bedroom environment: if you put some toys and something for your dog to sleep on in the crate, then it is highly unlikely he will ever use the bathroom in there, because dogs do not go where they sleep.

Puppies usually need to go to the bathroom every three hours or so; with older dogs, it can be as much as six hours at a time. The second step is studying your dog; by doing this, you will easily be able to tell his “potty behaviors.” For example, he might start pacing restlessly, sniffing at corners, or jumping on and off the bed, couch, or chair, if you happen to be sitting down. When you start to notice these signs, it is time to take the dog outside! If your dog goes inside before you can get him outside to do his business, then you should scold him – but only if you actually catch him in the act. Absolutely do not rub your dog’s nose in whatever he has done. All you need to do is go to him and stop him from eliminating, pull up on his collar, and tell him “No,” using a firm tone of voice. After this, take him outside to finish using the bathroom, and make sure to praise him when he does so. By learning these signs, you may even know that your dog needs to go out before he does. It is better to take your dog out during the same times every day, whenever it is possible. As you begin house breaking your dog, it is also a good idea to take him the same way. For example, if you began the process by taking your dog out of a side door to the back yard, keep that up whenever you can.