General Pet is your source for advice and information for a happy and healthy pet.
Author: Christie Lenneville Article source: http://www.articlealley.com/. Used with author's permission.
Housebreaking is one of the most frustrating issues a dog owner can face. It's obviously unnerving to find dog waste inside your home. But, even more frustrating for most owners is how difficult it seems to break a dog of this nasty habit. What many dog owners don't realize is that housebreaking problems are often quickly and easily solved with a pet door.
It must be mentioned that a pet door will not actually teach your dog to potty outside. For a pet door to help with housebreaking issues, you must first work with your dog to teach him that you disapprove of indoor soiling. If, however, your dog is an adult (over 1 year old) that eliminates indoors when he clearly understands that you disapprove of the behavior, a pet door will very likely help to solve the problem. Usually, when a mature dog persists in soiling indoors, it stems from an inability to communicate the need to go outside. Some dogs learn this skill easily as puppies ? they'll scratch or bark loudly to get someone's attention when they need to go outside. Other dogs simply don't communicate so clearly. They may pace in front of the door a couple of times or stare at you for a few moments to alert you that they need to go outside. But, if you don't quickly pick up on these subtle clues, they'll sneak away to find their favorite elimination spot indoors. This is where a pet door comes in handy. If your dog isn't good at letting you know when he needs to go outside, simplify things by removing a step from the process. Give him the autonomy to let himself outside as soon as he feels the urge to eliminate. Since your dog would prefer to relieve himself outdoors anyway (seriously, he'd rather go outside than on your carpet!), his bad habits will fast begin to change. You can speed the process along by thoroughly cleaning areas where he's eliminated indoors with an enzymatic cleaner. Also, consider blocking access to these "favorite" areas until you are certain your dog has completely broken his indoor soiling habit. If the soiled area is in a room that your dog still needs to access, move a large piece of furniture over the area. It may look out of place in the short term, but the inconvenience will pay off as your dog's bad potty habits begin to change. If you're worried about animals other than your dog using your pet door, consider an electronic or infrared door that opens only for your dog. If you're worried about security, choose a pet door that includes keyed locks that are accessible only from inside your home.
Learn more about pet doors.
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