A Housetrained Dog Doesn’t Necessarily Have to Ask

September 14, 2008

I read a great tip from an article by dog trainer Kathy Diamond Davis the other day.

The question was how to bring an outdoor dog inside. The dog was an adult and had never been housebroken. Her perspective was this:

“I don’t train my dogs to ask when they need to go outside. I take them outside on a schedule. Their bodies easily adjust to wait until the next scheduled [potty break]. I get many questions from people who don’t consider their dogs housetrained until the dog will get their attention and persuade them to stop what they are doing and take the dog out every time the dog needs to go. In many cases, this is expecting too much from the dog.”

Kathy’s distinction between training a dog not to soil the house and training a dog to let you know when he/she needs to go out is important.

Without knowing it, I have trained my dogs the same way. We go outside first thing in the morning, after every meal, whenever I come home (no matter how briefly I’ve been gone) and last thing at night before bed. This way, the dogs have predictable breaks, and they “hold it” until the next break. Of course, if they’re not feeling well, have drunk too much water at the dog park or otherwise need an extra break, they get extra breaks. I also let them out if they’re hanging out at the door.

But I like Kathy’s suggestion that we take responsibility for getting our dogs outside for a potty break, rather than giving that responsibility to our dogs.

Check out Kathy’s book, Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others, or read her blog at http://kathydiamonddavis.blogspot.com/

- L

Entry Filed under: Free Tips & Ideas from Dog Owners. Tags: , , , , , , , , .

100 Comments Add your own

  • 1. Dave  |  September 15, 2008 at 12:30 pm

    Taking them out on a schedule is a nice idea, but what about those of us who have to work? If you aren’t home on a regular basis I’m not sure how such a plan could be implemented.

    Reply
    • 2. Casey  |  September 3, 2009 at 4:28 pm

      For us working folks it is hard to create a schedule for our pets. I work about 30 min away from my apartment and had to drive back home during my 30 min lunch break just to let the dog out, what a nightmare!!! I lost 10 lbs though, LOL :0) I did some research online and came across a dog potty. I bought one from this site http://www.dogpottyoutlet.com and it totally worked!. Now I dont have to worry about letting my pet out or creating a schedule!. It only took him about a week to get trained to it. The great thing about my dog potty is that it dosen’t smell like gross pee pads. What a great invention!

      Reply
    • 3. CK - Pet Owner  |  September 8, 2009 at 10:43 pm

      I’ve actually trained my dog to do both. He is on a schedule when I am on a schedule (At work or out). However, when it is just me and him at home, he would tell me when he wants to go. I think it’s great to get your dog used to both ways…..

      Reply
  • 4. funstufffordogs  |  September 15, 2008 at 6:29 pm

    I take my dogs out on a schedule, and we’re a two-income family. I let them out when we wake up, before I leave for work, when the first one of us gets home, after dinner and last thing before bed. It works for adult dogs. For puppies, you have to let them out during the day. To estimate how long a puppy can be expected to wait for a potty break, add one to the number of months old the puppy is: a four-month-old puppy can hold it for five hours.

    Reply
  • 5. Maayan Gordon  |  September 16, 2008 at 2:41 pm

    Hi, I am a guide dog raiser in Seattle, WA. The puppy I am currently raising is named Shep. I love your blog and I love reading about other people’s pet experiences. I also have a website where I sell pet supplies and i have a blog on it also about guide dogs. I built the site to try and help raise money for guide dogs and other animal charities.

    Reply
  • 6. Dog Food Forum  |  September 17, 2008 at 12:40 am

    I agree its best to set them up on schedule that way their body can adjust to it and you will know exactly when they will need to go.

    Reply
  • 7. Schnauzers  |  September 23, 2008 at 1:05 am

    I agree. Dogs need to go outside. They shouldn’t have to tell us it’s time for them too go. They should naturally have plenty of opportunities to get fresh air and take care of business…

    Reply
  • 8. Victoria  |  September 26, 2008 at 3:12 am

    I totally agree. Our dog is on a great schedule. He goes outside to go potty 3 times a day. Once in the morning, late in the afternoon, and at around 10:30 at night. Great post. I think more dog owners should get their dogs on a similar schedule.
    Victoria,
    the quality dog beds girl.

    Reply
  • 9. Valerie  |  September 26, 2008 at 7:28 am

    Hi,
    I had subscribed to this Free course on Dog Housebreaking and found it to be pretty good.
    It even talks about Housebreaking problems specific to breeds.

    Reply
  • 10. DogJest  |  September 29, 2008 at 12:46 pm

    I think a schedule is essential, but training them to let you know when they wish to go outside is also doable. I have a bell hanging from the door handle. I keep my dogs on a consistent schedule and every time I let them out I ring the bell. Now on a occasion a dog may ring the bell, often just to go outside and play as they are on a schedule, but I do feel it is useful.

    Reply
  • 11. John  |  October 1, 2008 at 3:38 am

    Great post by the way. I agree with all the rest! Just like we get on schedules our animals do too. I used to work at a house and his dog right on cue at noon and 3pm would want his daily walk. It was uncanny. We would joke that his dog would start acting up and within minutes he would start getting ancy. Great post!

    - John

    Reply
  • 12. Designer Dog Checks  |  October 6, 2008 at 10:02 am

    Best way to train them, we hang a ringer on the door and our dog hits it with her nose and boom we get up and let her out.. but before that we did what you said and did a schedule

    Reply
  • 13. Valentina  |  October 7, 2008 at 1:23 pm

    Very good post. I work from home so it is not a problem for me to take doggie out several times a day (and its also a good break for me). The next door neighbors both work the regular 9.00 to 5.00 so its a long stretch for their dog. They had two options: doggie day care or a dog walker. They chose the latter. She comes every day and takes their doggie for a one hour walk M-F. The dog also gets to socialize with the 3 or 4 other dogs that she has on leash at the same time.

    valentina

    Reply
  • 14. FlushDoggy.com  |  October 12, 2008 at 1:56 am

    For my yorkie, I trained him to bark at us whenever he wants to go out side and do his business. I usually confirm with him by asking him if he wants to go “pee pee” or “poo poo”, he will bark at me back and runs to the backdoor and wait for me to open the door for him.

    Reply
  • 15. Dog Checks  |  October 16, 2008 at 3:55 pm

    I put a jingle bell on the door that has worked for us

    Reply
  • 16. Lindsay  |  October 19, 2008 at 1:38 pm

    Good advice. This is what I do with my dog too. He never asks to go out, which I think is kind of weird, but it doesn’t really matter because I take him out on a schedule like you said.

    Reply
  • 17. Peter  |  October 31, 2008 at 10:06 am

    Dos it’s good animals! +1

    Reply
  • 18. housebreaking your dog  |  November 7, 2008 at 2:50 pm

    When I taught my pup how to go outside, I had to take him out every 2 hours.

    The key is praise praise praise after he pottys correctly.

    It took two weeks for him to understand the correct habit.

    Reply
  • 19. Karen  |  November 12, 2008 at 3:34 am

    I take my 10 year old dog out 7 or 8 times a day and he still poops on the floor almost daily. Two vets say he’s in perfect health. He gets a treat and praise every time he goes outside and I just silently clean up (and fume to myself) when he goes inside. I’m at wits end but will try the bell on the door.

    Reply
  • 20. Mike  |  November 12, 2008 at 11:07 pm

    I think dogs and owner should sing together! Like this strange guy:

    Reply
  • 21. Engineering  |  November 19, 2008 at 5:12 pm

    I built my dog a house outside and he can go to the bathroom when ever he wants to.

    Reply
  • 22. stylepup  |  December 2, 2008 at 11:41 am

    I had a huge problem training my dog because of my unpredictable hours at work. There was really no way of telling when I’d be home and able to bring him outside. If you can afford it, hire someone to come during the day to let your dog outside. It’s worked wonders for me. I bring him outside when I wake up, then his walker brings him out twice a day, and I bring him out twice more when I get home. He hasn’t had an accident for months! :)

    Reply
  • 23. all about your dog  |  December 4, 2008 at 10:30 am

    Keeping my dog on a schedule was key to my breaking her of the scratching the window problem I had, this is great advice, thanks for the info!

    Reply
  • 24. Yvonne Same  |  December 29, 2008 at 6:12 am

    My little one uses a litter box at home, but when we travel, he is smart enough to know to hold it when he’s not at his own house! He’s on a schedule when we travel or visit friends.

    http://www.heydonut.blogspot.com – his blog!!!

    Reply
  • 25. 1800PetMeds coupon  |  December 29, 2008 at 8:23 pm

    A schedule is a great idea and so is a certain word or phrase that becomes a trigger to let them know what they’re supposed to do. A friend used to use “Marche, Marche” and eventually when she let her dog out and said those words, the dog would poop, as if on command. It works.

    Reply
  • 26. Todd  |  January 5, 2009 at 4:35 am

    I’ve learned to use hand motions and/or body posture to let my dogs know when it’s time go out. And keeping it at a consistent time too. They both really seem to help keep the bad behavior down.

    show off your dog! http://www.ratemybulldog.com

    Reply
  • 27. Donna  |  January 10, 2009 at 6:26 pm

    You need to do what fits your shedule and works for you and your dog.

    When you begin training your puppy a schedule is imparative because puppies need to eliminate more often and of course do not know that it is wrong to eliminate in the house and need to be taught. A rule of thumb is to take them out first thing in the morning, after eating, every 2 hrs. and last thing at night. Adult dogs can control their bladder and can last much longer but the trainingin the beginning sets the stage for later on and they will become used to their routine very quickly if you are consistent. Bells are a good tool and so are dog doors and the use of command words, but a shedule is key.

    If you work all day many dogs if taken out in the am will be good until you get home, depending on the number of hours you work. I once owned a Sheltie that would not eliminate in the house no matter how long you left him, it was amazing how long he could hold it but when we got home he was
    out the door like a flash.

    Reply
  • 28. stylepup  |  January 10, 2009 at 8:28 pm

    Great post!! It can be hard to manage to get your dog out on a schedule if you are working 9 to 5, but invest in a dog walker. With the economy the way it is now, everyone is looking to make an extra buck, and hiring a dog walker is a small price to pay to keep your pooch comfortable and happy.

    Reply
  • 29. Nick  |  January 21, 2009 at 4:31 am

    That is a great idea. I alway plan to take them out on a schedule. However, I have to work and can not home on a regular time.

    Reply
  • 30. Rose  |  February 13, 2009 at 2:22 pm

    What a great suggestion! I think also if our dogs know that they will get walks whether or not we are taking them out to potty they are more compliant. When I tell Buckwheat to “hurry up” he knows to go poo.

    Reply
  • 31. Dog Hair Dog Hair  |  February 16, 2009 at 5:20 pm

    Thank you for sharing this tip. I agree that it’s important to get the dog on a good schedule.

    Reply
  • 32. All Natural Dog Treats  |  February 16, 2009 at 7:21 pm

    I really like your great idea. It is funny how we try to put the responsibility on our dogs and then get mad at them when they don’t do what is right. We should be responsible enough to create a routine for them and follow it so they know what to expect.

    Reply
  • 33. jANNA  |  February 26, 2009 at 4:55 pm

    Wonderful site I found it very
    much like I feel about my dogs.
    I train my dogs the same way.
    Please vist me .

    Reply
  • 34. Puppy Crate Training Tips  |  February 26, 2009 at 11:25 pm

    I definitely agree. The onus of taking your dog out should be in the routine that you develop. But hopefully, if your dog has to go before your next regular potty visit, he will learn to let you know.

    Reply
  • 35. Puppy  |  March 22, 2009 at 6:53 pm

    I definitely agree. The onus of taking your dog out should be in the routine that you develop. But hopefully, if your dog has to go before your next regular potty visit, he will learn to let you know.

    Reply
  • 36. Black Labradors  |  March 22, 2009 at 10:08 pm

    Yes the best way to go about it would be getting them on a regular schedule. It will be easier on them and you.

    Reply
  • 37. Types Of Dogs  |  March 23, 2009 at 9:28 am

    We both work and you’d be surprised how well your dog can adapt to a schedule if you stick to it. Taking your dog out in the morning at a regular fixed time and then again in the afternoon will give the dog some structure. Given enough time, your dog will get synchronized with your schedule.

    Reply
  • 38. Mushers Market  |  March 30, 2009 at 2:22 am

    I really enjoyed reading this. Thank you kindly for sharing!

    Reply
  • 39. Dog Bedding  |  April 1, 2009 at 11:10 pm

    We employ a little bit of scheduled potty breaks and our dogs tell us when they need to go outside by sitting by the door. I guess we should go to scheduled breaks exclusively. Good information.

    Reply
  • 40. Angie - Pet Meds  |  April 2, 2009 at 12:36 am

    I heard about Katy’s book before too. Nice post.

    Reply
  • 41. Imado Glover  |  April 7, 2009 at 2:06 pm

    Good stuff! I take my little mutt out on a schedule too. Kathy is right that they will adjust. And Crosby will remind me when I forget. That’s his time to go walk about town, sniff some butts, read his pee-mail and maybe set up a doggy date for the weekend.

    Reply
  • 42. K-9 Yard Service  |  April 9, 2009 at 2:53 pm

    Dogs are very intelligent animals and can alert you when they need to go outside. I do agree however, i8t’s best to get them use to a schedule they can predict. There will be times your pet is not feeling well or just plain mad and will do their “business” inside. If you can’t be on a regular schedule, think about getting a doggy door installed.

    Reply
  • 43. Lauren  |  April 17, 2009 at 11:17 pm

    Hi Kathy,

    I do that too and I can confirm that it works! Thanks for sharing this great info.

    Reply
  • 44. Denise  |  April 20, 2009 at 10:46 pm

    I’ve also noticed that with the dogs that my parents have raised to “alert them” when they want to go outside, that the dogs have a habit of false alerting, because they hear a noise, want to play or just want to be outside. This can be problematic in the middle of the night, or in the evenings when people are trying to watch tv and clearly the dog wants attention more than he wants to go outside.

    Reply
  • 45. Saved Pets  |  April 21, 2009 at 12:04 pm

    I think this is a great idea. I can’t stand when friends and family don’t understand why their pets go in the house when they only let them out when their dog lets them “know”. I guess im lucky i don’t have a fenced yard so i always have to take my dogs out on a lead. Only a few accidents in the house when they were puppies and its been years since they’ve gone in the house from taking them out every few hours.

    Reply
  • 46. k9 Strike Team  |  April 28, 2009 at 11:45 am

    We specialize in this sort of training

    Reply
  • 47. Dog Vitamins  |  April 28, 2009 at 11:46 am

    That’s great advice. I have a new puppy that I am trying to “potty train” and having a difficult time. I am going to try this method, since mine isn’t working very well.

    Reply
  • 48. Dog Checks  |  April 29, 2009 at 11:56 am

    havent seen you update the blog in a while, are things going ok?

    Reply
  • 49. Animals Away  |  May 4, 2009 at 11:03 am

    If you are lucky enough to get your dog to tell you when they need to go out that is great but I agree with scheduling if you can get them on one. Dogs adjust easily to schedules. My dog knows that every morning he will be going out at exactly 630AM and at 630 on the dot he strolls over to their door.

    Reply
    • 50. Miniature Dogs FAQ  |  September 9, 2009 at 6:47 pm

      That’s really amazing and lucky of you. While there are many who have to stick to a schedule and have to look after their dog’s outing needs.

      Reply
  • 51. L. Poulopoulos  |  May 5, 2009 at 11:15 am

    This was a great find! I work with dogs all the time that have this very issue. The older they get the more set in their ways they are.

    I find the schedule method to be the best personally. The more I force specific times, the quicker they move in that direction.

    I also have noticed that feeding dogs at specific times and then “picking up the food” if they are not done will help them get in schedule as well. It was hard at first to do, because you feel like they could be ’starving’. But in the end, if they are hungry, they will eat. This really helps you find the perfect “time” to let them go outside, which helps housebreak them for sure.

    Reply
  • 52. Dogasaur  |  May 5, 2009 at 2:13 pm

    Wow so many comments to this post! I think the larger picture of this info is about being familiar with the nonverbal cues from your dog.

    We love this DVD. It helps people learn to do this.

    http://www.dogasaur.com/store/products/calming-signals-training-dvd-61.html

    Reply
  • 53. University of Doglando  |  May 11, 2009 at 9:02 am

    I agree having a schedule is the best, and probably easiest way to “potty train” a dog. In order to get myself to do something, like work out, I need to make it a part of my routine. How could I expect anything more from my greyhound?

    Reply
  • 54. Larry  |  May 15, 2009 at 9:20 am

    always looking for good information and this article was helpful

    Reply
  • 55. Baby Pushchairs  |  May 21, 2009 at 7:41 am

    I totally agree with this advice. Taking responsibility yourself rather than expecting your dog to do it makes a lot of sense.

    Reply
  • 56. oneshotbeyond  |  May 27, 2009 at 5:19 pm

    I envy people who have dogs who speak or circle to let them know it’s time to go out. I have to take my doberman out on a schedule too or guess when to take her.

    Reply
  • 57. pet  |  June 1, 2009 at 9:00 pm

    great post and blog- enjoy reading it

    Reply
  • 58. epie  |  June 11, 2009 at 7:32 am

    nice blog……. i love any dog.. please visite back..

    Reply
  • 59. Chris  |  June 20, 2009 at 4:22 pm

    I used to have a Shih-Tzu that would do this weird bouncing jumping act in front of us when he had to go. Guess it was the dog equivalent of the pee dance, lol.

    Reply
  • 60. BlindGoldfish  |  June 27, 2009 at 12:21 am

    wow i never knew that there was such a situation where people only take their dogs out for walks when the dog get’s their attention. i mean my uncle takes his dog out for 3 times a day. morning afternoon and night)after dinner) i mean it looks like it works fine. but to have people that don’t take their dogs out for a walk and only when they feel like never occurred to me. i mean a dog is a living thing and it is your responsibility to take of it when you took it home with you. that is how i is see it.

    Reply
  • 61. Anthony Albert  |  July 3, 2009 at 2:20 pm

    Taking your dog out on a daily schedule is a very good idea. Using a daily schedule for your pet is the best way to house breawking your pet. Getting them into a routine will train their bodies to wait and go to the bathroom. Very good article.

    Anthony Albert

    Reply
  • 62. DDums  |  July 10, 2009 at 5:28 pm

    Thanks for reminding me. I was trying to teach DD how to tell me she needed to go outside. I think I will stick to a schedule. DD and her sister 2D go out on leashes. They love to go outside!

    Reply
  • 63. Louis  |  July 12, 2009 at 12:38 am

    It would seem like common sense to get your dogs on a schedule. First off, it’s better for the dog. Secondly the schedule will train your dogs to better adjust to your time schedule. What’s more, this will make it easier to separate when your dog really needs to go out for potty, versus when they just want to got out and play. My neighbor dogs are always luring my two Golden Retrievers out.

    Reply
  • 64. Chris | To Train a Dog  |  July 12, 2009 at 6:40 pm

    Schedules are by far the easiest way to go, once your dog is on a bathroom schedule you and your dog will be much happier and you will know what to expect.

    Reply
  • 65. Lisa  |  July 20, 2009 at 4:39 pm

    Great perspective! I recently took in a stray dog, whom I’m currently fostering. It seems like he’s been outside his whole life so this is some helpful advice for potty training Oscar :)

    Reply
  • 66. Dog Breed Dictionary  |  July 21, 2009 at 1:47 pm

    That is a very interesting perspective on potty training.

    I had never really thought of it that way, but it seems fairly logical. My parents seem to have done this with their dogs unknowingly.

    Reply
  • 67. Robert  |  July 21, 2009 at 10:41 pm

    Housebreaking your dog is very important… many lost rugs because of this one. If you have other just click that link to id them for good.

    Reply
  • 68. Robert  |  July 21, 2009 at 10:42 pm

    Housebreaking your dog is very important… many lost rugs because of this one. If you have other just click that link to id them for good.

    Reply
  • 69. Gossip Dog  |  July 23, 2009 at 10:34 pm

    I have to disagree — I think most pooches enjoy a schedule but still need to have the freedom to “ask” when they need to do their business.

    XOXO woof woof, Gossip Dog.

    Reply
  • 70. webdonuts  |  August 1, 2009 at 11:56 am

    My dogs go in and out but the real problem is the space. Dogs need more space then my little suburban backyard. I work in an area that has a lot of dogs who are chained up and outside which I don’t like but that inspired this cartoon which is just a dog making the best of it.

    http://www.webdonuts.com/2009/07/dog-chains/

    Reply
  • 71. Gabbie  |  August 3, 2009 at 12:32 am

    yeah, that’s a really nice thing to do…i usually take my dog out on schedule, this is one good way of teaching dogs on potty training

    Reply
  • 72. Mark  |  August 4, 2009 at 10:49 am

    That is so true about keeping your dog on a schedule so that they ask you to go outside. I normally stick to morning and night, and this has stopped our dog from going to the bathroom under the bed :(

    Reply
  • 73. Hundehalsband  |  August 17, 2009 at 2:40 pm

    My dog tells me if it is urgent and he must go. I have teached it subliminal. But I do not know how.

    Reply
  • 74. ann  |  August 18, 2009 at 8:37 am

    this is great advice. my dog scratches at the door in the mornings when she needs to go out and i thought it was a good thing. will have to work on a more regular timed morning schedule.

    Reply
  • 75. German Rottweiler breeders  |  August 18, 2009 at 11:12 am

    I very much agree with the assessment in this article, we’re a German Rottweiler breeder and this is exactly the attitude we take with house-training our pups.

    Reply
  • 76. Chris  |  August 18, 2009 at 8:49 pm

    When we first got our lab puppy, I took off 2 weeks to make sure I could establish a frequent schedule of breaks. After the two weeks were up, we slowly started to increase the time between breaks. The most important factor though was to make sure that one of us kept an eye on the puppy at all times to prevent accidents.

    Reply
  • 77. Dogster Dog  |  August 24, 2009 at 6:14 pm

    That is a great tip. I feel like once you get to know the dog, you can almost anticipate when he needs to potty! Training dogs reminds me of this organization who uses inmates in prison to train dogs for service! amazing!

    Reply
  • 78. Anne Marie Roy  |  August 24, 2009 at 7:43 pm

    Yes I definitely agree… walking your dog on a regular basis is a good idea. Plus it is a good exercise and not to mention a good chance to meet potential lover who are just like you a dog lover too!
    *wink* *wink*

    Reply
  • 79. Jared  |  August 25, 2009 at 1:54 pm

    A schedule is a great idea and makes sense

    …wouldn’t housebreaking an outside dog be sort of similar to housebreaking a puppy? With both, you have to be prepared to spend some quality time taking him/her out.

    On the other hand, the outside dog might already think that any place is good enough to “claim” – so it could be tricky depending on the dog…

    …but I really like the scheduling idea – keeping a schedule, whether for breaks or feeding, is a great way to keep fido healthy :D

    Thanks,
    Jared
    http://www.doggiebuddy.com

    Reply
  • 80. Puppy girl  |  September 1, 2009 at 7:57 am

    You have such a wonderful blog…A lot of nice and very useful tips. Great!

    Check out my blog

    Reply
  • 81. Happytailsspa.com  |  September 2, 2009 at 2:31 am

    Well, really a nice attempt, the blog was quite informative….

    since am very fond of dogs and look forward to read out informative stuffs on them.

    moreover i would like to share with you the place providing Wholesale pet supplies .
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    Reply
  • 82. Lauren  |  September 9, 2009 at 12:52 pm

    Great post! I think this is a really interesting way of looking at training your dog to go to the bathroom. So often it is thought to be the dog’s responsibility to let their owner know when they need to go outside. I think it would be beneficial to all parties involved if we take the responsibility for letting our dogs outside. I also agree with your point that sometimes extra breaks are necessary, when the dog is sick, or drank too much at the water park, ect.

    Reply
  • 83. Gilbert@Miniature Dogs Online  |  September 9, 2009 at 6:40 pm

    Informative blog post on a very much talked about topic. This should clear all doubts regarding taking dogs out and the others. I usually take the puppies out after a few minutes they are done with their meal, as it takes 15-30 minutes before the food is digested and the dog will need to defecate. If it is an adult dog though, some people get the misconception that exercising the dog right after eating will burn off all of those calories. This should be taken into caution as in some cases too much exercise after a meal can cause bloat which can even result in death.

    Reply
  • 84. 1800PetMeds Blog  |  September 10, 2009 at 5:25 pm

    That was a nice read! I learned some good points.

    My lhasa apso is a bit stubborn at times and unruly! But I love him anyways :)

    Reply
  • 85. Nokia 5530  |  September 10, 2009 at 6:42 pm

    very informative post.I train my dog on my Nintendo DS handheld.Have you heard of the game Nintendogs.It is a must play game for every dog lover.He will obey all your orders and behave just in the same way as your real dog.It also shows emotions and the best part is it it connected to real world.That means even when you turn off your DS the clock will be running and your have to take care of your dog everyday if you care for him.

    Reply
  • 86. Gabbie  |  September 15, 2009 at 9:00 pm

    I agree that it is the our responsibility as dog owners to take our dogs outside on schedule rather than giving that responsibility to our dogs. It is also a great way to teach our beloved dog about discipline as well as proper dog behavior.

    Reply
  • 87. New Year Offers  |  September 16, 2009 at 6:11 pm

    Thankyou very much for this useful post.Can someone answer my question.
    My dog is 11 weeks old, and she likes everyone she sees… even if it is someone she doesn’t even know. I hate the fact that she keeps on playing with little kids, she’s only 2 lbs, I am worried she’ll get hurt. I want to know how to make her stop liking people? I hope it’s actually possible.

    Reply
  • 88. Des  |  September 17, 2009 at 8:45 am

    Great post – very useful. Thanks!

    Reply
  • 89. Tom  |  September 17, 2009 at 5:04 pm

    This makes absolute sense, this is how we train all of dogs to hold it…dogs need YOU to put them on a routine, once they see the pattern it doesn’t take them long to catch on. Puppies just can’t hold it as long but they eventually get it too

    Reply
  • 90. Ty  |  September 22, 2009 at 11:46 pm

    This distinction makes things much clearer… I have a better idea of potty training for dogs now.

    Reply
  • 91. Yung Pao  |  September 23, 2009 at 3:06 am

    I find this website is quite interesting, you might want to pay a visit

    Reply
  • 92. Jorden  |  October 3, 2009 at 1:50 am

    Great post – totally agree – so helpful for them to have a schedule. Thanks for the great reminder!

    Reply
  • 93. Jack Russell  |  October 7, 2009 at 7:49 am

    We built our dogs a home in the garden and he can go to the bathroom when ever he wants to.

    Reply
  • 94. Small Dog Training  |  October 9, 2009 at 3:23 am

    A dog’s psyche is designed to release the maximum amount of tension or stress through hunting behaviors. Long walks are a vague analogue of the “search” aspect of hunting, so they do work to wear a dog out, but not as completely as what you’re doing. (By making him work to focus on you and stay with you, you’ve become part pack member, part large prey animal…)

    Reply
  • 95. Healthy Pets  |  October 11, 2009 at 12:35 am

    I have my pet dog trained to do her business outside all the time but yes, the author does have a point that a housetrained dog must be considered. After all, responsible dogs must have responsible dog owners.

    Reply
  • 96. Woofah  |  October 11, 2009 at 12:42 am

    I must admit I do a silly things, whenever I am home the back door is open. Taj the terror goes when he wants.

    Reply
  • 97. sand  |  October 14, 2009 at 7:34 pm

    walking a dog on regularly is absolutely necessary. It’s part of one’s committment for having a dog.

    Reply
  • 98. Kevin  |  October 23, 2009 at 9:11 pm

    Great advice! Very good ideas for training your dog by getting them on a schedule. Although, it does pose somewhat of a problem for people who have to work. Thanks again for the info!

    Reply
  • 99. Geoffrey Acidane  |  October 29, 2009 at 9:04 am

    Such a fantastic read…thankyou for giving us such quality information. I recently bought a crate for my puppy and the rewards so far have been outstanding…my little pup feels safe in his home away from home, its amazing. I found heaps of great dog crate information and have used it to great effect! Thanks again for the great article.

    Reply
  • 100. Jonathan  |  November 2, 2009 at 7:14 pm

    Great advice, thanks.

    Reply

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