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Dog outside for housetraining?

QUESTION:

Can I leave my dog in the yard until he's housetrained?

answered by Ian Dunbar

ANSWER:

If the dog is left outside by himself, he'll learn to pee or poop wherever and whenever he wants, and will likely do the same when you let him indoors. What's more, dogs who are kept in an outdoor pen are forced to eliminate in their sleeping and living area, which makes housetraining much harder.

Dogs who are left alone outdoors for long periods of time also tend to become indiscriminate barkers, chewers, diggers, and escapists. They get so excited on the few occasions they're invited indoors that eventually they're no longer allowed inside at all.


Dr. Ian Dunbar is a veterinarian, animal behaviorist, and writer. He is founder of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers and Sirius Puppy Training, as well as contributing editor to DogTime.com and DogStarDaily.com.


Read more about Ian Dunbar in the DogTime expert center...

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Comments

Avatari live in an apt complex, and my vet suggest I dont take my 3 mth yorkiepoo outside in the grass or road until his 4th series of shots, that I should let him use the patio for bathroom , is this true, sometimes he waits til he comes back in to go potty” — trishamc820, May 26 2008

1bb_thumbnailAnother point to make is dogs need attention just like people and leaving them alone all the time is not a good idea.” — Bacon Bits, Mar 26 2008

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