House-breaking a puppy is the wrong approach.
Don’t try to house breaking a puppy or re-homed adult dog. It is the wrong approach. You cannot stop a dog functioning to their nature animal instinct or how the dog has behaved in the past. You can change however their behavior with house-training.
As new dog owner you must first create a positive relationship with the puppy or re-homed dog so it learns to live and behave as necessary and comfortably in your home.
When you bring the dog home the environment is strange to the dog. It has gone from an environment it knows well to the foreign environment of your home. Your home is a strange wonderland to explore for the dog.
Why house breaking a puppy is the wrong approach.
It’s because the puppy doesn’t know what’s right or wrong.
House breaking a puppy is the wrong approach and should to be avoided. Consistent house training is necessary for the puppy or the re- homed dog to learn what it can do and not allowed to do. Avoid the concept of house breaking a new puppy.
I never use paper to swat a puppy to change behavior as it confuses and frightens the puppy. It does not understand what you are communicating when you do this.
If you see the puppy sniffing for a place for toileting then gently pick the puppy up, say “No” firmly without shouting, and then place the puppy on paper on the floor of the kitchen or laundry, or take the puppy outside.
Off-limits training of a puppy.
A re-homed dog from a shelter or a puppy that has been in a crate is excited and happy to have plenty space in your home for roaming and exploring. If there are other pets and children, then the excitement can be overwhelming.
The dog needs to learn which rooms are off limits. Initially keep doors closed so the dog gets used to permitted rooms and spaces it can roam. If a dog goes into an off-limits room, again gently but firmly say “No”, and pick up the puppy or take the dog out.
You may have to teach the dog numerous times until the dog knows that certain rooms are not allowed. It will happen if you give it time and consistently communicate with the dog that the room is off-limits.
Communicate with “yes” for the rooms and spaces where the dog can go.
The dog will eventually understand which are the “yes” rooms and spaces, and the “no’ not allowed rooms. The dog will also learn which areas are for toileting if you persist.
The unexpected can happen when the puppy is left alone or when frightened, such as during thunderstorms. Sometimes it can be medical problem with the dog which causes accidents.
Dogs can get urinary tract infections which affects controlling the bladder
With an older dog bladder control can become a problem just like it can be with older people. So, if this is happening arrange for a veterinary examination.
It is important to consider that it could be a physical problem rather than a change in behavior so seek veterinary advice if there is a sudden change in the dog’s trained toileting.
A change in routine can side-track your dog from its trained toileting behavior. Strangers visiting, workmen in your home or emotional distress are situations that can cause a dog to be careless in its toileting.
Identify the reasons for behavioral change.
Consider the reasons if the dog’s toileting behavior has changed. What is happening in the home environment? Endeavor to pinpoint the reasons the dog might be feeling distressed and acting outside the trained toileting behavior.
When there is a change in the dog’s environment it can feel confused and behave out of character. Once you identify the reason for the behavior change, patiently start with the dog to reinforce house-training with a gentle and positive consistent approach.