The A - Z of English Bulldog Housebreaking

English Bulldog housebreaking is vital. It is simply impossible to be healthy and hygienic if you have a dog that is not trained to go potty, either outside or in a designated place indoors. Here are some simple tips to help you manage this essential training.

Every living creature needs to dispose of waste products from their bodies. A small puppy, an adult dog or a human being, we're all the same. English Bulldog housebreaking can be a challenge but here are a few simple ground rules to bear in mind:

A to Z Guide

Actions and body language. Watch for indications that your dog wants to go potty. The dog will fidget, go to the door, whine, pace around and perhaps jump up at you.

Baby steps. Remember that puppies are babies. They need to go more frequently than an adult dog. When they wake up in the morning or after a daytime nap, after you've played with them, before you put them into a crate and as soon as you let them out of the crate, after they've eaten a meal and before they go to bed for the night.

Crates. Train your dog to sleep in a crate. Animals in general and dogs in particular will not soil their sleeping area. They will naturally let you know if they need to go outside so that they don't dirty their bed.

Don't be disappointed. If you leave your dog at home on his own for more than 4 hours you may come home to a mess. Some dogs suffer from separation anxiety and will empty their bowels indoors.

Expect the unexpected. Once a dog is house trained they will not normally go against it. However, sometimes a medical problem or an ongoing health issue means they have an accident.

Food. Take the dog outside as soon as he's eaten. You may need to wait a bit but reward him when he goes and he'll soon get the idea.

Gradually train your pet. Don't expect an overnight miracle.

Habits. Just like human babies, puppies are individual and progress at different rates. It takes time but will eventually become a habit for them.

Initiative. For the first few weeks YOU will need to monitor your pet to help them get the hang of what you want them to do.

Joie de vivre. A French expression that literally means to enjoy life. Don't get so bogged down with housebreaking that it spoils your enjoyment of your new dog or their pleasure in being with you.

Keep watch. It you want to maintain your clean house you'll need to pay attention. Don't let the dog that's not house broken run around the house. If you do you'll find unwanted 'parcels' in places you'd rather not.

Litter trays. It's not only cats who can learn to use a litter tray. If you live in an apartment or high-rise building and don't have a yard you can train your pet to use a litter tray. For English Bulldog Housebreaking it works exactly the same as if you had a yard, you train them to always use the same place. I have a friend with two dogs who always use a tray that's on their balcony. This keeps any smells outside of the home but means that the dogs always have access to answer the call of nature.

Marking. Find ways to prevent territory marking indoors. Use a deodorizer to spray areas that the dog has marked with urine.

Necessity. When the dog's gotta go, he's gotta go. Make it easy for him by praising and rewarding when he goes where you want. A firm "no" will help remind him if he tries to go where he shouldn't.

Objective. The purpose of English Bulldog housebreaking is to have a well behaved pet that is clean and able to manage their bodily functions. This makes for a clean and safe environment for both you, your family and your pet.

Praise and reward. English Bulldogs love to please, so every time that he goes to potty praise him. Some owners also give a treat as a reward. It doesn't take long for the dog to associate the praise and the treat with what you want and to learn to use the same place every time.

Quality of life. No one likes to be nagged, so when you're housebreaking your puppy the onus is on you to be watchful and help them to learn.

Rehabilitate. If you have an adult dog, maybe one that's been rescued, you may need to house break them. If that's the case, you'll need to start right from the beginning as if they were a puppy. Apply the same principles, be patient and eventually you'll succeed.

Stability. If you are consistent with your training the dog will feel safe. They will want to please you and you'll both be successful.

Timing. This is a critical part of English Bulldog housebreaking. You'll soon notice that he wants to go at roughly the same times. Try to plan his walks for these times. When you're in the yard, take him to the same place so that he associates that place with what you want him to do.

Unsanitary is unsafe. If you're going to keep a pet indoors then you must keep things clean. Untrained animals are unsafe. Protect the health of your and your loved ones, including your pet, by housebreaking them.

Vocal. Be lavish in your praise when you have a success.

Walkies! Whilst it may be necessary to use a litter tray because of where you live there is no substitute for fresh air and exercise. Take your pet for regular walks.

X marks the spot. With consistent help and praise you can be sure your dog will use the same place. This makes it easier for you to keep things clean.

Young bulldogs. It can take up to 5 months for a puppy to learn to fully control his bladder. Each time he wakes up, finishes eating, has a drink or at the end of playtime take him to the place you want him to use and stay there until he's been. Then put him back into his crate. This will teach him control.

Zoom in. By carefully watching your dog you will learn when he needs to go. Teach him to use the place you want and you'll have a beautifully trained, housebroken dog.