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A dog or puppy is either housebroken or not. If your dog is sneaking off
to another room and having an
 accident, you will have to take some of
his freedom away until you can solve the problem. The longer you allow
this type of behavior to exist, the harder it will be to modify. Unless
you can catch him, it really does not do any good to drag him off to the
site of his mishap and try and punish him. Keep him in sight if he is
bold enough to try something in front of you, say "No," get his
attention and take him outdoors quickly so he can finish eliminating in
the appropriate area.
Remember, it is your house. He has to earn his freedom through good
behavior and this is your responsibility.
Start by establishing an elimination spot outdoors. In the morning, clip
his leash to his collar and take the dog outdoors to his spot for
elimination. State commands like "go potty" or "hurry up." After he does
his duty, bring the dog inside for food and water. About 15 to 20
minutes after the meal, take the dog outside again for elimination. Take
your dog to his "spot" at each elimination time. Maintain a regular
feeding, drinking, and elimination schedule.
One of the most commonly made errors in housebreaking is rushing too
quickly ahead of your dog. Too much freedom too quickly can cause some
confusion. If your dog experiences an accident or two, you will have to
back up and slow down. Marking should not be confused with housebreaking
problems because marking is deliberate. This behavior will arise in dogs
who may be trying to vie for the role of the leader in the household;
marking is a way of claiming territory. It is advised that if you should
notice this behavior indoors or out, you strengthen all obedience
commands immediately. This will remove all doubts as to who is in charge
around the house.
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