Pet Research special report

The H.A.B.I.T. Method

How the Experts House-Train
Dogs of Any Age or Breed

Read to Learn How to…

✓ Think like a dog in training
✓ Select an outdoor space
✓ Create visual clues
✓ Provide positive reinforcement
 The H.A.B.I.T. Method
How the Experts House-Train
Dogs of Any Age or Breed

Introduction
!
Ever since early man found his best friend in the domestic canine, there has
been the question of how to persuade a pet dog to answer nature’s call in
a specific spot. Whether your dwelling is a limestone cave or an urban
apartment building, you simply can’t have your dog eliminating
anywhere and everywhere. Fortunately for us, as millennia of trial and
error transformed into journals of modern science, we’ve finally
discovered a tried-and-true answer to our age-old question.
!
And fortunately for you, it’s all right here in this guide.
!
The best way to train your dog to eliminate in a consistent location begins
with understanding both your dog’s needs as a recently domesticated
creature … and your own situation as a responsible master. Spot has an urge
to care of; you have a mortgage. As soon as we understand that the house-
training process is one of incremental compromise, the sooner we’ll see Spot
conducting his business at a respectful distance.

Why do we prefer that Spot eliminate in a consistent location?

!
Obviously, we have an invested interest in keeping our
carpets clean and our homes sanitary for our family and
guests. But we also owe it to our neighbors to respect
their yards, to our communities to respect the parks and
sidewalks, and even to other dogs and dog owners who may
be going through the same process.
And above all, training a dog to eliminate in the same place every time is
often one of the first steps towards broad obedience training for your dog.
The dog learns more of the nature of the relationship with the master: How
does my master set up boundaries? How does my master reward me
when I’m good? How does my master correct me when I need
improvement?
!
Remember that the mind of a dog isn’t all that different from the mind of a
human! Dogs don’t know natively that going to the bathroom indoors
causes you dismay. To the mind of a dog, the world is an endlessly
changing set piece; the importance of the distinction between indoors
and outdoors is a human invention, and it’s often an idea that requires of
dogs some getting used to.
!
But don’t be discouraged! Some dog owners simply give up before learning
to take the proper approach. There is no such thing as a domestic dog – pure
breed or mix, puppy or adult or senior – that can’t be trained to eliminate in a
consistent, convenient location. All that’s needed is a schedule of steady,
gentle training.

Creating a Habit
!
Just like ourselves, dogs form habits. They do it all the time! From learning to
socialize with other dogs to trusting that you’ll keep throwing that tennis ball,
habits are a core component of a happy dog’s lifestyle.
!
But remember: while dogs are
“To the mind of a dog, simple creatures, they now inhabit

the world is an endlessly the complicated human world we’ve

developed. There’s just so much to
changing set piece.” think about, and it’s easy to get
distracted. And yet dogs acquire
many behaviors that soon become second nature. That’s our goal with house
training. The sooner we can make going to the bathroom in the same place
outside more like a familiar routine and less like a process of discovery, the
sooner we’ll be successful.
What not to do
!
Before we go any further, it’s critical to note some methods that absolutely do
not work to create desired habits for dogs.
!
• Never physically punish your dog for not eliminating in the place you desire.
• Never yell at your dog for not eliminating in the place you desire.
!
These behaviors, apart from being morally reprehensible, only serve to express
your frustrations. At best, they merely confuse your dog – and at worst the dog
associates your presence as a cue to not serve bodily needs. Often times, this
results in an unhousetrained dog leaving you surprises when you’re not around.

A space of Spot’s own

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Let’s not deny it. For many of us humans, a place to do our own business is
hallowed ground, a modicum of relief that compliments the relief we’re
already feeling. Dogs detest the “public” restroom just as much as we do. Like
ourselves, they value privacy, cleanliness, and above all, a lack of pressure to
finish up and move on in record time. Our goal now is to evaluate the space
you have to work with, and determine what you can devote to your dog’s
needs in this regard.
!
The first step is to set aside an area devoted purely to your dog’s
bathroom needs. Sometimes enough space is at a premium, but you
should try to guarantee at least three “dog lengths” in each direction.
This area ensures your dog will have a comfortable amount of room to
roam, as well as allowing for multiple “options” in the case you aren’t
able to scoop on a daily basis.
!
Materials are important too. Some dogs have issues letting themselves
eliminate on concrete or patio blocks. Most dogs will find grass, mulch, dirt,
sand, gravel, and even synthetic turf more than adequate. Some other factors
to consider are ease of cleaning, how the area might drain during precipitous
seasons, and the area’s proximity to other dogs’ preferred bathroom spaces.
It’s important that the dog not smell much competition for the elimination
area.
The second step is to delineate the area you’ve chosen. Remember, what may
seem an obvious indication to your mind may not necessarily translate
to your dog’s mind. Brightly colored indicators, for example,
won’t do the trick, as dogs are mostly colorblind. Instead, try
to enclose three sides of the space in low garden fencing, or
outline the area in twine. The more easily your dog can
perceive the area as a relationship between objects, the
sooner you’ll observe successful adaptation.

Go here, not there!

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To help your dog form a new habit, you’ll need to prevent him from
eliminating in all other areas for a while. Keep him on the same schedule
you’ve been using, giving him regular opportunities to go out, but instead of
letting him outside to find a spot on his own, take him out
yourself on a leash. Lead him to the place where you’d like ✓ A Woof of Advice
him to eliminate. When you get there, wait until your dog Be sure to keep the area clean. Dogs
urinates or defecates. If he’s not used to eliminating while on have a preference for a tidy bathroom
area, just as we do, and won’t
a leash, you might have to wait a few minutes. Try walking appreciate tiptoeing around last week’s
around a little in the designated potty area and be as quiet bathroom evidence. During training
and unobtrusive as you can. If your dog doesn’t eliminate you’ll want to keep a scoop or two
within the area so the dog has an idea
within three to five minutes, take him back inside. Try again in where to go, but be diligent in keeping
10 to 15 minutes. Continue to give your dog brief but the rest of the area clean. Water the
urine spots well with water and scoop
frequent opportunities to go out to the potty area on a leash
the poop as it happens, do a daily
until he eliminates there. cleaning and watering if possible. After
! the habit has been set, you’ll still need
to do your part in maintaining the potty
Even though you’ve physically indicated that your area or the dog will start looking
designated area is a correct place to eliminate, in order for elsewhere to do his business.
your dog to form the desired habit, you’ll need to prevent
elimination in all other accessible areas. This won’t always be necessary;
before long, your dog will be fully trained to go to the bathroom in the same,
convenient place.
!
In the meantime, keep your dog on the same schedule you’ve been using,
allowing regular opportunities to go out, but instead of letting your dog
outside to find a spot autonomously, take your dog out personally on a leash.
Lead the dog to the area you’ve designated and then stand or sit patiently, in
one position, without any sudden movements or sounds on your part that
may be subject to misinterpretation by your dog.
 “Lead the dog to the area
you’ve designated and then
stand or sit patiently, in one
position, without any sudden
movements or sounds on
your part.”
Positive reinforcement
!
The first time your dog relieves himself/herself in the designated area, give
some calm praise and present a reward on the spot with some delicious
treats and a reassuring touch. At this time, it’s important to signify that
the desired behavior has come to a complete conclusion, so
don’t make your dog come to you to receive your reward.
The more delicious the rewards, the bigger an impression
you’ll make, so use something extra-exciting within reason
and health concerns. Some masters use small pieces of
chicken, hot dog or cheese. Reserve these special treats for
bathroom breaks, only letting your dog have them after your dog has
eliminated in the correct location.
!
Timing is a critical factor in habit forming. Many dog owners
struggle to consider their dogs’ schedules, and subsequently
wonder why they’re not achieving results. For your dog to
understand why he or she is being rewarded, why this aspect of a
dog’s daily life on earth is being given such incongruous
attention, the dog must receive positive feedback
precisely after correct elimination has happened. For this
reason, set yourself and your dog up to succeed by
staying prepared. It would be wise to keep a supply
of training treats within convenient access.
Consistency is also crucial if you want your dog to learn that this lesson is
meaningful and portentous of more treats in the future. Be sure to
accompany your dog outside for all potty breaks and provide immediate
rewards every time correct elimination occurs. If your dog loves to fetch
a tennis ball or tug on a toy, try playing a game right after correct
elimination and treats. Or if your dog prefers exploration to play, try
going for a walk instead. The idea is to convince your dog that it
always pays dividends to impress you by eliminating in the designated
potty area.
!
!
Increasing your dog’s freedom
!
The next step in the training process involves increasing your dog’s autonomy
in the elimination process, and normally occurs after a week or two of close
training. The key to success is to increase your dog’s freedom over slow
intervals.
!
Step 1: Using a long line

When it’s time to take your dog out, use a long line—a fifteen to thirty
foot training lead—to teach your dog to eliminate in the right spot when
you’re not immediately nearby. (You can find a long line at
most pet stores and at online pet stores. Alternatively,
you can just buy a long, soft rope or clothesline and “The key to success
attach that to your dog’s collar.) Before going outside
with your dog, clip the line to the dog’s collar. Let your
is to increase your
dog move ahead of you into your yard, dragging the line dog’s freedom over
on the ground behind. If you see your heading for the
designated potty area, that’s great news! Be ready to
slow intervals.”
administer praise and a treat. But if your dog heads for
another spot instead to eliminate, call prompt attention to the mistake
by clapping your hands and calling your dog’s name.
!
Quickly pick up the line and lead your dog to the correct area. If your
dog eliminates there, do your praise and reward routine. Repeat this
step until, without your guidance, your dog consistently heads straight
for the potty area as soon as let out from indoors.
 Step 2: Supervise in sight

After another week or so, it’s time to stop using the long line and to let your
dog run to the potty area independently. When you let your dog out, don’t
clip on the line, but rather continue to accompany outside. Carry a leash so
you can use it if your dog forgets the procedure, but more so to remind
your dog that there is still a right and wrong way to achieve the reward.
Watch your dog carefully and be ready to provide feedback. As usual,
reward successful elimination with praise and treats. If your dog should
wander off, interrupt the mistake and guide the dog back to the correct
area, with the leash if necessary. When your dog consistent moves to the
designated bathroom area without the need of your reminders or
guidance, you’re ready for Step 3.
!
Step 3: Supervise out of sight

Until now, your dog has learned that elimination in the designated area
yields results – when you’re there to provide rewards. Now it’s up to you to
express that it’s still a desirable and praiseworthy behavior even when
you’re not insight. When it’s time to let your dog out, open the door …
but don’t venture outside. Pay close watch from the doorway or
through a window inside. If your dog eliminates correctly, go
outside to meet his or her success with the usual praise and
rewards. But if your dog attempts to eliminate elsewhere,
quickly approach your dog outside, clap your hands, and lead
your dog to the correct area, just as you’ve done in prior weeks.
With repetition, your dog will learn that elimination in the correct place
yields rewards, even if you’re not there to supervise the entire process.
!
Keeping the habit strong
!
After you’ve progressed through the training steps above, your dog will have
formed a dependable new habit of eliminating in the specialized location you’ve
chosen. But like all habits, your dog’s new preference for this location needs
regular maintenance. To keep your dog’s habit strong and consistent, remember
to periodically reward your dog for continued correct behavior. Eliminating in this
place should become the new norm, but don’t let your dog forget why you went
through this process in the first place! Provide treats, praise, and playtime at
occasional intervals to emphasize your pleasure at your dog’s keeping up that
side of the contract.
Help with habit-building: the hands-down best house training product
!
Many dog owners wonder if there is a magic method or product on the shelves of
the nearest pet superstore that can instantly condition their dogs to eliminate in
the same location consistently. And while flashy marketing and superstore floor
employees might say otherwise, the plain truth is this: no product can replace
your role as master and instructor in the habit building process. No product will
do the work for you and for your dog, and nor should it.
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However, there is one product that has been shown to help owners of dogs of all
ages, breeds, sizes, and sensitivities to master the habit building process faster
than ever. It’s called the Porch Potty, and it creates a comfortable, grassy,
cleanable and reusable space for your dog to take care of business - all with the
advantage of avoiding long walks away from the residence. Because dogs learn
to eliminate using the Porch Potty so quickly, many veterinarians and pet care
specialists are saying the Porch Potty is ideal for dog owners in apartment,
condominium, and other urban living
situations.
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Best of all, the Porch Potty can include
automatic rinsing systems, real or
synthetic grass, versatile drainage
options, and even a scented fire
hydrant for your dog to “aim at”. Made with a weather-proven resin wicker and
steel frame construction, the Porch Potty can provide the best bathroom space for
your dog (as described on page 3) without detracting from the decor of your
porch, balcony, patio, or yard.
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The Porch Potty comes in three variants based on dog owners’ unique sizing and
cleaning requirements - and a number of convenient accessories including real
training sod and automatic water timers are available directly from the
manufacturer.
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More information on the Porch Potty can be found here:

877-787-7339 www.porchpotty.com