Housebreaking a kennel dog can be challenging but successful.
Housebreaking an adult kennel-raised dog can be fairly easy if the kennel he lived in was kept clean and he had room to eliminate in one corner. If he lived in a dirty kennel, or one that was too small to escape his own elimination, this poses more of a challenge. In either case, housebreaking a kennel dog is achievable if you are willing to be patient and follow a consistent program.
Instructions
1. Place your dog on a consistent schedule. For example, take her outside when she wakes up in the morning, 15 to 30 minutes after eating and/or drinking water, as soon as you return home if you've been away and just before bedtime.
2. Choose a simple key phrase, such as "Let's go outside." Cheerfully use this phrase repeatedly each time you take him outside.
3. Employ positive reinforcement. Praise your dog enthusiastically and offer a treat immediately after she does her business. Your dog will learn to associate the key phrase with doing its business and getting your praise and a treat. Dogs instinctively want to please their owner, so stay upbeat and cheerful.
4. Watch for visual cues. Keep an eye on your dog at all times and take him outside as soon as you see him sniffing for a spot to eliminate. If possible, keep him on a leash and take him everywhere in the house with you so you don't miss any cues. This is a temporary measure; once your dog is housebroken, you will not have to keep such close tabs on him.
5. Keep your dog in a crate at night and when you are not home. Be sure to keep the crate clean and limit the amount of time she spends in it.
6. Expect accidents to happen and do not raise your voice when they do; this will only make your dog anxious and fearful. Never correct your dog unless you catch him in the act of eliminating in your home. Dogs cannot make the connection between being corrected and a past behavior. If you do catch him, use a firm "No" or stomp your foot to send the message that what he is doing is wrong. Then immediately take him outside. Be sure to take a treat with you and use your key phrase so that he can begin to make the connection.
7. Be extremely patient and compassionate with your dog. She wants to please you, so give her plenty of time to learn and praise her liberally each time she performs the desired behavior.
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