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Whether it is a puppy that we are trying to train or an older dog that has never learned or has “forgotten”, the steps are the same. It is essential that you follow the steps to the letter and that you follow them slowly but surely.

1. Establishing a constant reward history during elimination at the appropriate location:
This means that you must be present every time your dog is doing his (her) business outside to be able to reward him (her) every time. Chose rewards that would be very motivating for the animal (food!!). No error should occur during this period. This procedure should take between a few days to a few weeks.

2. Prevent errors until #1 is established:
Your dog should be confined (in a cage or in a small room) when no one can supervise him (her). When your pet is free in the house, he (she) should always be under direct supervision. You may at this point use an “umbilical cord” and keep him (her) attached to you. The goal is to prevent errors during step #1, and your dog should therefore be taken out often or confined to his (her) cage.
If your pet has not yet been properly crate trained, please refer to the “crate training” pamphlet. This step should taken before training for cleanliness.

3. Maintain the behavior with occasional rewards and the cage confinement if necessary.

A few extra tips:

• Avoid physical punishment or violent yelling at a dog that is eliminating in the house. The dog will quickly learn to eliminate in the house in your absence, which will make the problem more difficult to fix. Also, this will ruin your relation with your dog.
  
  
• Never put the dog’s nose in his (her) urine or stools.
  
  
• If the mess is made during your absence, the area should be cleaned and the incidence forgotten. The supervision should then be reinforced.
  
  
• Clean the surfaces which were previously soiled to eliminate the odor therefore diminishing the likelihood of the dog soiling there again. Never use vinegar or products that contain ammonium.
  
  
• We need to allow the puppy or the adult dog to eliminate after sleeping, after a play period, as soon as he (she) comes out of the crate, approximately 30 minutes after a meal and approximately every 1 to 4 hours for puppies in general.
  
  
• Keeping a regular feeding schedule will help you to predict the times at which your pet will need to eliminate.

Hunthausen ,Wayne, DVM and Gary Landsberg, DVM, veterinarians practicing in small animal behaviour medicine and diplomats of the ACVB.

Visit the site of the 'AAHA : www.healthypet.com.