Housebreaking Your New Rescue

Housebreaking a new RAB Boxer:

The good news is that most rescue dogs are 6 months of age or older. As opposed to puppies, who don’t even know when they are going to the bathroom, juvenile and adult dogs are much easier to housebreak as they know when they have to go.

That being said there is one magical word of advice in housebreaking your new dog. Don’t give them the opportunity!

Many newly adopted dogs come from homes where they were completely housebroken. When they first arrive at your house, they do not consider your home their home and going back to the basics of housebreaking 101 will insure they get it quickly.

Housebreaking 101

·    Even if the dog was housebroken in their previous home do not assume they will make that transition to your home immediately. They need guidelines

·    Upon arrival at home go directly to the location you want them to eliminate (yard, patio, etc). Cut them loose and stay with them as they sniff and run around. You need to be there if they eliminate to lavish them with praise.

·    After some time in their designated area (and hopefully they have eliminated) it’s time for them to explore their new house. ON A LEASH. You do not want the excitement of new surroundings to allow them to slip out of view, for even a second, as accidents happen that quickly. You cannot blame them as they do not yet know this is THEIR house.

·    After the tour, setting in one place with your new Boxer. Either on a leash in a room with you or other family members, or in a crate in a room with you or other family members or in a room with closed doors with you or other family members.

·    Let the new dog settle down and watch for any signs of needing to eliminate: circling or sniffing or looking for the door.

·    It is important to take your new dog out to their designated area every 2 hours in the beginning. Yes, this sounds crazy, but the strict routine is the absolute best way to ingrain the process in your new dog. If you are very diligent in the beginning the entire process will sink in much quicker. If you give them too much freedom and accidents occur in the beginning, it can be a longer process.

·    Make sure your new dog goes to their designated area these critical times:

1. First thing in the morning
2. After they eat
3. Before being crated 
4. Before going to bed

·    Use the same door to the designated area to keep it simple for your new dog. You will soon see the dog going to that door or looking at it as a sign they need to go out.

·    The first night with your new dog is when many accidents happen as you are asleep. Best solution is to have them sleep in a crate until they prove they are trained. Second best solution is to tether them to a heavy piece of furniture in your room near their dog bed. This allows them to sleep comfortably and they will usually not eliminate where they sleep. Another tip is to put a bell on your new dog so if they get up in the night, you will wake up and immediately take them outside. It’s all about establishing outside good – inside bad.

·    If an accident occurs be sure to clean with Natures Miracle or other enzyme agents that eliminate the odor. You cannot reprimand the dog after the act has been committed. They live in the moment and will not be able to connect something they did earlier with you yelling at them now. If you catch them in the act, say NO and immediately take them outside to hopefully finish.

·    Establishing a routine for feeding, walking and exercise is also very helpful in housebreaking. Dogs flourish in a routine and when things happen at the same time everyday you will soon be able to predict when poop will happen.

The most important factor in housebreaking your new dog is to NOT GIVE THEM THE OPPORTUNITY. This is a lifetime commitment so do not feel bad about limiting their access for the first few days. This will speed the process to a trusted, housebroken family member.