Housebreaking your dog
The most
  important thing to remember when housebreaking your dog is that
  dogs are creatures of habit; once they develop a habit, breaking it will be
  a long, and frustrating process. Your dog will need guidance and
  encouragement from you in order to develop a toilet habit you can live with.
  Animal behaviorists have learned a lot about dogs over the last couple
of  decades, and there are many tips available that will make housebreaking
your  dog or puppy a less frustrating task.

When you stop to
consider some  of the disgusting things your dog or puppy is willing to
roll in, or put  in their mouth, it makes it a little bit hard to believe that
they are picky and  specific about where to relieve themselves. Dogs will go to
great lengths to  avoid soiling near where they eat and/or sleep. This means
that any accidents an  un-housebroken dog has will be far from its eating
area and bed. To a  dog, however, "far" can mean about 6-10 feet. This
can leave lots of space  in your home, unless you guide the dog to
suitable spots(outdoors).

Whether your dog is a puppy, or an
adult dog new to your  home, the process to follow is the same:
-
Every couple of hours, take  your dog outside to a place you designate as
a "bathroom" area.
- 30  minutes after the dog or puppy eats, do the
same.
- Stay in this  bathroom area, and praise the dog when they
relieve themselves.
- If  the dog doesn't use the bathroom when
you've taken them outside to the  appropriate spot, try again in 15 minutes.
Continue doing this until they've  actually used the bathroom spot.
- When
your dog is inside, watch him  closely for any signs of needing to "go".
A dog will normally circle and  sniff areas when they're about to relieve
themselves.

How quickly  your dog becomes housebroken depends
partially on their personality, but  the majority of the responsibility will
rely on your diligence in taking them  outside at the correct time. If your
puppy is less than five months old, you  should plan on getting up during the
night to take it outside. Puppies over five  months of age can usually "hold it"
through the night, but if your dog  cries to be let out, it is best to
get up and let them tend to the urge. It is  vital that you give your dog
every chance to succeed during this time.  Positive reinforcement of the proper
behavior is the fastest way to teach  your dog anything.

It is
important to remember that accidents  happen, and when they do, your response
will directly affect how quickly your  dog learns to "go" outside. If you
catch your dog in mid-squat, clap  your hands or call their name loudly
to distract them. Once you have their  attention, quietly and calmly take them
outside. Be sure to praise your  dog or puppy well when they finish
relieving themselves outside properly.

If you find a wet spot or
droppings on the floor, simply clean it up. If  your dog approaches to
investigate what you are doing, ignore them. Don't  talk to or pet the
dog at this moment, because it could be interpreted as  praise. Above all
else, avoid yelling or physically punishing the dog,  because they won't
make the connection between their mess, and your anger.

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It's all-too-common scene: You return home to find your dog has destroyed the sofa or your cat eliminated on the rug.  Welcome home!  It's natural to think your pets are angry with you when they exhibit these behaviors, but this couldn't be further from the truth.
So what's really going on inside your pets head?
Possibly feelings of anxiety and fear.These are common contributing factors to behavioral problems in dogs and cats.  And pets express feelings in different ways, including destruction, vocalization, house soiling, and aggression.  Dogs and cats may experience anxiety and fear because of thunderstorms or other loud noises, traveling in a car, strange people or animals, as well as separation from you.
DON"T TAKE IT PERSONALLY
Research shows that cats eliminate outside thier litter box are experiencing anxiety.  The anxiety can be the result of outdoor or other household cats that make the cat feel threatened.  Dramatic changes, such as a new baby, new dog, or a new spouse also can cause anxiety, so thier unacceptable behaviors are a result of anxiety , fear or stress- not spite or anger directed at you.
Similarly, dogs that experience anxiety because of loud noises, new dogs or people, or discomfort about being alone may be experiencing profound distress,  Try to sympathize with your pet.
HOW TO HELP
Before you reach your wits end remember there are steps you can take to help your pets feel lass anxious.

1. VISIT YOUR VETERINARIAN.
A variety of conditions and even some medications can contribute to anxiety.  Also inapprpriate urination can be the result of a medical problem.  Your veterinarian can perform an examination and diagnostic tests to rule out medical factors. It is less common for dramatic temperament or behavior changes to occur after maturity  ( 5-7 years old) unless some significant distressing event has taken place.  So any pet that experiences major behavior changes at that age should be examined by a veterinarian.

2.  REFRAIN FROM DISCIPLINE.  
Stay away from punishment.  Avoid yelling at the pet or scolding.  Fear and anxiety are emotions that the pet doesn't have much control over.  Scolding only frightens your pet, increases it's anxiety and damages it's relationship with you.

3. REFRAIN FROM CONSOLING.
Aviod soothing your anxious pet and giving your cat or dog attention.  This can be difficult for any loving pet owner, but be aware that comforting behavior will not always help and may worsen the situation because the pet is being rewarded for attention-seeking behavior.  Either completely ignore the anxious behavior or distract your pet with a favorite toy or activity.  Use an upbeat, happy tone of voice at all times so you don't further distress your pet.

4.AVOID THE FEARFUL STIMULI.
Some well-intentioned pet owners incorrectly believe that repeatedly exposing their pet to the fearful stimuli will help them get over their fear.  The more likely result is that the pet's fear will worsen.
Be aware that you shouldn't ignore behavoir problems in hopes that they will get better over time.  Most behavoir problems left untreated worsen with time, and the sooner you seek qualified help from a proffessional the more likely you'll be able to help your pet.

GET PROFESSIONAL ADVICE.
SO WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP PREVENT THE WORSENINGOF YOUR PET'S FEAR OR ANXIETY?
5.  Once you've identified the cause, try to avoid it whenever possible.  But avoiding the cause is not always feasible, so rest assured that you do have options.  Your first and best option is to discuss the issue with your veterinarian.  Next, if your pet's fears are limited to a few specific, predictable events, such as thunderstorms or car travel, to help, you veterinarian can perscribe medication to help prevent your pet's anxiety during these anticipated instances.
If your pet experiences anxiety and fear everyday, don't delay seeking help from your veterinarain or animal Behavior Specialist or trainer.  At the end of the article I will give you the name of a local well-known trainer that specializes in pet behavioral issues.  With these more frequent anxiety or fear related problems, your vet may recommend regular medication along with a behavior modification program.  While working with your vet to ease your pet's anxiety, don't be afraid to give your pet anti-anxiety medications.  These products are safer than ever.  They will not alter your pets personality or turn them into a "zombie".  Your veterinarian will determine which medication if any is right for your pet.  If it means less stress and anxiety for your pet and your own sanity and peace in your household than it is a win-win situation for everyone involved.

I personally have been to a seminar with speaker Sam Jones, who owns Humane Train Dog & puppy Training Services.  Local to Traverse City his contact info is:
Sam Jones
Humane Train, LLC
(231) 326-6161
(231) 946-WOOF (9663)
sgjones1@centurytel.net

Some of the information in this blog was written by Dr. Tynes,DACVB, owns Premier Veterinary Behavior Consulting in Sweetwater, Texas.

Susan Reabe
H.O.P.E.
Executive Director








 

I wanted to tell this story because it was the whole reason I started this organization.  I recieved a call on a Sunday evening and on the other end of the phone was a very distraught 61 yr old man named Bob and his dog needed medical attention according to him as soon as possible.  With a shaky voice and sobs in between each sentence he began to tell me his story.  For the last 15 years he had taken care of his elderly father in which he was paid 500 dollars a month by his fathers insurance.  He proceeded to tell me that his Father had pasted away a month ago and although he was to inherit his fathers estate, there was no will and all of his assets were held up in probate.  He had no job, no money, his father was gone and all he had was his dog Ruzzie Rue.  I managed to calm him down and decided that although his dog did need to be seen by a vet that it could wait untill tomorrow.  His Veterinarian would not see Ruzzie Rue unless Bob had the 35 dollars for an exam and then money for medication.  I assured him that we would find a way to get his do seen.    Our organization is board goverened and I had not taken the application to be voted on. I was giving Bob hope that seemed to calm him down and I heard a sense of peace in his voice .  I told him I would call his vet tomorrow morning and talk to her about seeing Bob's dog Ruzzi Rue.  The rest is history, Ruzzie Rue was seen, put on medication and Bob called me the next day to thank me and tell me he would not forget that H.O.P.E. had helped him and that no matter if it was a year down the road he was going to make a donation.  I told him we were glad we could help and this is why I started H.O.P.E. for People like Bob and his dog Ruzzie Rue.

What a good day!  Found out about a program we are involved in at Oryana's. They put out 3 jars every month with various non-profit groups in the area and when customers bring in their reuseable bags they put beans in the organization of their choice.  At the end of the month they count the beans and donate so much per bean.  I had been in the store a couple weeks ago and found out about the program from one of the managers, and today she called to tell me we have a jar. apparently they the donations reach a thousand dollars on occasion.  So if your going to Oryana's, first don't forget your reuseable bags and secondly put your beans in our jar.  Thank You

We had our first meeting today,and I think it was a success.  We have a nice group but missed a few people.  I am positive the organization will grow into a great resourse for people who are in need of help.  Our main goal is to help keep families and their pets together unlike other rescue groups where their objective is to have the owners sign over thier pet or pets and find new homes for them. Im not say there is not a place for the rescue groups, Because there is.  Our goal is to keep the pets with their families.  I am so excited about our group and truly believe there is a place for us amoung the many organizations in the area.  Let me know what you think about our group, i'd love to here