How do you housebreak a dog?

Question

We have a female Irish Setter, 6 months old, who is still not housebroken. How do you housebreak a dog who refuses to tell you when she needs to go outside?

I've heard that Irish Setters aren't too well when it comes to training, and female dogs have a harder time being taught where to go, but this is getting to be a little ridiculous.

Answer 1

I managed to sort our dogs very quickly.

Neither dog likes to be outside in the pitch black of night with no moon, so when the mishap occured, I simply took them to the spot they did the deed, then told them no!, then placed them outside so they were in the dark, and no curtains etc to allow inside lights to escape or for them to see us.

Remember though, a dogs attention span is very limited, only leave them in the dark for about 3 mins, and no more.

I did this 3 times and I have had no puddle accidents since.

Answer 2

take it out side every 20 min. for a week.

hope this helps it did 4 ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 3

well it does take time, first you need  to get her out side about every half hour, go out with her and wen she does her business act like its the greatest thing and do this every time i just house broke my 9 month old female pit bull, and believe me male dogs are a lot easier watch me are the dog on animal planet her name is victoria satilwater and shes great, good-luck

Answer 4

Have you ever heard of bell training? Visit www.thepuppycompany.com and join the contact list for more information.  I swear by bell training and have & will always do it for all of my puppies.  It works amazingly even if an when you move or travel!

www.thepuppycompany.com

Answer 5

1.  feed on a regular schedule so you will know when she will most likely need to go.  

2.  tie her leash to your waist and go about your business, all the while waiting for the signs, sniffing, circling, squatting.

3.  when she does this take her out quickly.  Be encouraging, say "potty".  Reward any success a lot.

4.  until she is reliable she should be crated, gated or leashed.  Every mistake she is allowed to make is a huge setback.

5.  Teach her to ask to go outside.  Either to "speak" or ring a bell on the door handle.  To get the dog to speak on command, ask for speak and tease her with a goodie or toy.  Most dogs will eventually bark in frustration or excitement - Immediately say "good speak" and give her the goodie/toy.  Repeat until she speak on command.  Then transfer the "speak" to the door.  When it's time to go out take her to the door and ask "speak", when she does say "good" and the go outside.  Repeat this every time so she will get the idea that she gets let out if she "speaks".  The bell is done pretty much the same way.

Answer 6

Take her out frequently trying to get her on a schedule when she goes outside, when she has an accident in the house put her nose to it and smack her (not to hard) on the nose, be stern so she knows you are upset and she is to go outside, also what helps after you tell her no and clean the mess up take her outside for 5 minutes (so she gets to go outside) then and there so she knows she did good

When she goes outside give her a treat right

I have an 8 month puppy and when he has an accident I can tell he feels bad but he goes into his kennel for 3 minutes.

Good Luck

Answer 7

Sorry no sympathy there. House breaking a dog is not the dogs fault that she's not getting it, but the owners. We've are currently crate training/ house breaking our 11 week old dog. It just takes getting up late at night and taking her out, getting up early taking her out and sticking to a feeding and potty schedule. They say small pups need to go out every hour, but our pup is good for 2 hours when freely roaming ( with our supervision of course). It just takes setting a schedule and  paying attention to when and how long after meals, naps, playtime she goes and being prepared to go outside. Sniffing the ground and walking around in circles doing so is a sure sign that your dog needs to go. Never scold your dog for having an accident. It'll only make her do it where you can't find it. Clean it up and disinfect the site ( water, vinegar on wood / tile) If you catch your dog in the act tell them no and then bring them outside to where there suppose to relieve themselves. Even if it is too late. It will help them connect the wrong action to the right action.

Answer 8

When you see her scratching at the floor and going in circles take her outside. When she starts to do her business say "go pee". Eventually when you take her out you will be able to tell her to go pee and she'll do it!