Correcting the Resistant Dog

On rare occasions, stubborn or insensitive dogs don't have any reaction to standard housebreaking corrections. If you find that Fido is that kind of guy, you may need to use stronger corrections in your housebreaking program. There may be some people who feel that using harsher correction methods is inhumane, but we feel that it is important for people with resistant dogs to have options, since the only other alternative is usually giving Fido away or taking him to the animal shelter, since few owners are willing to live with an unhousebroken dog.

Remember, these stronger corrections must only be used with insensitive dogs that don't respond to milder corrections. They are last resort corrections that are to be used only after you've tried the milder corrections and found them to be ineffective. They are meant to be used ONLY with a complete housebreaking program. Do not use these methods if you have lost your temper, since you're likely to overdo it. Remember, this is about teaching Fido, so you need to be in a clearheaded enough to make good decisions about the strength and timing of your corrections.

If Fido has not responded to milder corrections, try using a pull on his leash the moment he begins to have an accident. Use a quick, snapping motion with the leash to get his attention. The pull is meant to surprise your dog so you can stop him and direct him to do the right thing. It is NOT meant to hurt him, so use only as much force as you need to get his attention. This correction works especially well if you're doing umbilical cord training, so if you think you need to try this, you might want to consider that method.

You can also try using a penny can or "shake can". This is an empty soda can with 10 or so pennies in it that you shake or throw to make a loud noise that will startle Fido. This is a good correction for dogs who become playful when you correct them verbally or physically, since the correction doesn't seem to be coming from you. You'll need to have the penny can with you when Fido's having an accident, so you can leave them in strategic locations around the house or just keep one with you while Fido's hanging out with you in the house. If Fido starts to have an accident, throw the can down on the floor near Fido so it makes a loud noise to startle him. Try not to let him see you throw the can and be sure you don't hit him with the can.

Remember, you should never hit your dog or rub his nose in his mess. The methods detailed above are the strongest corrections that are appropriate in a good housebreaking program. If you are using them and your housebreaking still isn't going well, make adjustments to the other parts of your training program, such as scheduling, confinement and supervision.