Housetraining your pooch can sometimes seem like an uphill battle, especially if your dog doesn’t quite seem to be getting the message. It’s normal for accidents to happen in the house, and how you deal with them can actually make a huge difference. Not punishing your dog when he goes to the bathroom in the house is a very important part of the process. And here’s why:
Your Dog May Not Understand
Oftentimes, if you punish your dog for having an accident he might become confused as to why he is being corrected. This can lead to him becoming very nervous in your presence.
Very Young Dogs Physically Can’t Control Themselves
In fact, for every one month of age, a puppy can control his bladder for about an hour. So for example a three-month-old puppy would only be able to control his bladder for three hours.
You Might Be To Blame
Punishing your dog when you’ve left him without anywhere to relieve himself for longer than he can control his bladder is actually disciplining him for your mistake since he had no control over the situation.
Trying To Correct Your Dog Long After An Accident Occurs Doesn’t Work
That’s because he won’t connect the correction with the behavior. For a dog to understand a punishment it must come right after the behavior, anything else, and you’re just wasting your time and confusing your pet.
Punishing Your Dog Too Often Can Cause Fear
All dogs want to please their owners, but by punishing your dog repeatedly it’s very possible that he will learn to be afraid of you.
It Can Hurt Your Relationship
If your dog does start to associate you or your attention with punishment and fear he might begin to try and steer clear of you. And this is not the way to maintain a healthy relationship with your pet.
Punishment Doesn’t Fix The Problem
It doesn’t matter how many times you correct your pooch, if don’t teach your dog where it can go to the bathroom and provide him with regular chances to do so accidents are going to be a frequent occurrence.
Dogs Learn Faster From Positive Reinforcement
Many studies have proven this fact and by rewarding your dog when he behaves how you want him to you’re much more likely that he will keep up the good behavior.
Your Dog May Have A Medical Problem
When a dog that is already housetrained starts going to the bathroom in the house it may be a sign you need to take him to the doctor. Your vet will be able to tell you if he has a condition that affects his bladder control.
Accidents are part of the housetraining process. So be sure you don’t overreact and punish your dog. Disciplining your pet may just be causing more trouble than it’s worth.
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