There’s nothing quite like stepping into a surprise “accident” in the living room—or waking up to find that your puppy has used your rug as a bathroom. At Positive Pets Dog Training in Pocatello, we know how frustrating housebreaking can be for dog owners. But here’s the good news: with the right approach, it is fixable—and it doesn’t require magic, just consistency and structure.
Why Housebreaking Fails at Home
Housebreaking often fails not because the dog is stubborn, but because they’re confused or unsupervised. Puppies (and even adult dogs) don’t automatically know that your carpet isn’t grass. It takes time and repetition for them to understand where they’re supposed to go.
We often see issues when:
- Owners give their dog too much freedom too soon.
- There’s no routine for meals and potty breaks.
- Accidents are punished after the fact, which only teaches dogs to hide their messes—not stop them.
What Trainers Do Differently
At our Pocatello location, we use structured, step-by-step protocols to take the guesswork out of housebreaking:
- Crate Training – We help dogs develop bladder control by using crates as a tool, not a punishment. Dogs naturally avoid soiling their sleeping area, which helps build positive habits.
- Consistent Scheduling – We set regular feeding and potty times. This predictability helps dogs learn when and where to go.
- Supervised Freedom – We gradually increase a dog’s access to the house only after they’ve shown consistent potty behavior in designated areas.
- Immediate Praise – When a dog eliminates outside, we make it a celebration. The goal is to make them want to go in the right place.
Turning Chaos into Calm
Housebreaking doesn’t have to feel like a losing battle. With patience, timing, and the right guidance, we help families in Pocatello turn chaos into clean floors and confident dogs. If you’re dealing with housebreaking struggles, don’t do it alone. Let’s build a routine that sets your dog—and your home—up for success.