Quote:
Originally Posted by ziggy925  Here's what I've been told: Small dogs are hard to housebreak because they are so small. Even a small apartment is so big to a Yorkie they can just run to the other side of the room and to them it's a whole nother part of the house, which makes it a perfect place for a bathroom. Also, dogs do not pee and poop out of anger towards you. Finally, scolding a dog after the fact doesn't work. After about 10 seconds the dog has no idea what you are scolding him for.
I would put down some pee pads, like I do for Ruger, and he does find them when he has to go. We still have a few accidents now and then, but I think that's part of owning a dog. |
I would agree with this for sure. And to add to it, scolding a dog at
all, is less effective or completely non-effective, than "correcting" his/her behavior. If you are scolding them for going potty (they can't really differentiate between that you're scolding for the "spot" they went potty vs for the "act" of going potty). Most times, out of fear of being scolded again, they will just find another spot, not a great way to train.
Imo, the best way to get it across, is either catch them in the act and immediately make a loud disruptive "noise" (not yelling) and then take them to the "correct" spot and praise after. Or, be so dilligent in watching them and never allowing them the opportunity to make a mistake, (by watching for their signals, teaching bell training, taking them out often enough, etc, that eventually it clicks and they are house trained :-)
I would also agree that they are not pottying or peeing out of anger or spite.
I don't think whether a dog is large or small makes them more or less difficult to train, jmo. I think it is in how we train them more than their ability to get it correct
Original poster, how is it going?