Talking Pets with Adopt & Shop

If you have just welcomed a new furry family member into your life, one of the first things you need to do is teach them where to "go." Housebreaking a pet is not difficult, but it does require patience and consistency.

When housebreaking a young pet, the most important thing to remember is that you are dealing with a baby. Puppies under the age of 4 months do not yet have full control over their muscles of elimination and can vary in their speed of development. Your new puppy wants to please you and is not intentionally messing up your floor, so don't ever use punishment such as hitting (with your hand or any object) or rubbing his nose in it. This does not "teach" him correct behavior and will only make him mistrust and fear you -- not the way you want to start your relationship.

Luckily, pets have a natural instinct that you can use to your advantage when housebreaking: they are hardwired not to eliminate in their "den." There is never a scent of urine or feces where they eat, sleep or live. So, once you teach your pet that your entire house is a "den," you have accomplished your goal of housebreaking.

The first step to housebreaking a dog is to take him to the spot where you want him to "go." Take him to the backyard, on leash, and let him walk around and sniff where it is permissible for him to eliminate. Pick a verbal cue, such as "potty," and say it in an encouraging voice every time you take him to the spot. Once he eliminates there, praise him (this is mandatory) and give him a treat (this is optional).

Thereafter, take him to his spot every couple of hours (remember: the smaller the body, the smaller the bladder). Watch him closely and you will start to clue in to the body language he uses when he has to "go." It could be barking, whining, or sniffing the ground in little circles. When you see it, immediately take him to his spot. Any time he eliminates where he is supposed to, give praise. There will still be accidents in the beginning, which you will not react to (at least around him). If you catch him starting to eliminate in a "No Zone" take him as quickly as possible to a "Go Zone" and praise him there.

Like a puppy, training a kitten should start as soon as you bring the kitten home. Kittens naturally like to eliminate in dirt or sand, so once a litter box is introduced, a cat is likely to learn through instinct.

When purchasing a litter box, buy the largest one available. Kittens grow fast, so they'll appreciate having the room. Make sure at least one side is low enough so she can easily climb in and out, and place it away from heavy traffic and loud distracting noises. Scoop the box at least once a day, and wash the box and change out the litter once a week. (Do not clean the box with strong smelling disinfectant, but rinse the box well after washing it.) Remember: cleanliness and privacy are key. If the litter box is not sufficiently clean or secluded, your cat may avoid it

Housebreaking your dog or cat will be a learning experience for you both, so be patient with yourself and with your pet. If you are diligent for these few weeks in the beginning of your relationship, you will be rewarded not only by having a housebroken pet, but a closer bond with him as well.