Before any other advance or specialized training such as obedience, agility or training for specific purposes such as hunting dogs, it is important for Weimaraners to undergo housetraining first. Housetraining, also called housebreaking, is important because it is a process wherein animals like dogs are taught to eliminate waste; both urinate and defecate outdoors or in an area specified by the owner. The success or failure of the training depends largely on the owner's hand. As owner, you must be patient, understanding, determined and reliable. Housetraining is best done to Weimaraners when they are still young. Training puppies is far easier than training adult dogs, especially those who have already developed bad habits that are hard to break.
- Puppies six months old cannot wait long period of time for a chance to eliminate. Take them outside frequently- at least two to four hours during the day. Take him out right after he wakes up from a nap, after playing and after eating or drinking.
- Establish your dog's bathroom spot. Always take him to that area every time he needs to eliminate until he develops a strong habit of eliminating in that specified area.
- Watch for signs that your pet needs to eliminate. Dogs exhibit behaviors such as pacing, sniffing the ground, turning in circles or scratching the floor. When your Weimaraner exhibits one or all of these behaviors, take him outside to the potty area at once. To make things easy for you and your dog alike, put your dog on a regular feeding schedule and feed foods of high quality. Feeding your dog at the same times each day will make it more likely that he'll eliminate at regular times as well.
- Reward your puppy with lavish and loving praise or treat every time he eliminates in his potty area. Reward him immediately right after eliminating so that he will know that what he did is acceptable. He will understand why he is being rewarded thus urge him to do the right thing always.
- Do not punish your puppy if you discover soiled area inside the house. Punishing him for the mistake he did three hours ago will not make him understand why he is being punished. Rubbing his nose in the soiled spot or scolding him will only make him afraid of you or afraid to eliminate when you are around. When you catch him in the act of eliminating in the house, do something to interrupt him. Make some noise and take him out to the potty area immediately. Let him finish there and reward him.
Richard Cussons is a great lover of dogs such as Weimaraners. Discover more about Weimaraner training at weimaranersavvy.com.