Supervised Housetraining for Dogs

Experts suggest giving young dogs, or dogs who are new to your home, "supervised" uncrated time indoors. Crating them for long periods after they have already proven they are Good Dogs causes isolation, loneliness and confusion. But how can you leave your dog out of a crate and still supervise him while cooking, cleaning, working and relaxing while you're at home?

Using a Lead

Our dachshund knows when it's time to go outside because he goes on his big blue leash. It's thick enough to handle a Rottweiler, surely, but this is just for walking outdoors. Especially for elimination.

At other times, he is on a thin, retractable leash inside. We received this as a gift but knew we couldn't use it for walking. These leashes are too dangerous and don't provide enough control for a dog who hasn't already been well-trained to walk on lead. Instead we use it to give him a little freedom around the house, while still being able to know where he is all the time. It keeps him close enough to us, as well, to hear the sniffing and shuffling of a dog considering eliminating inside the house.

As soon as your dog seems anxious, you put on the walking leash, go outside to the designated spot (with a special squeaky toy) and when he does his thing, play for a few minutes. If he doesn't, go back inside for a few minutes and come out again later - usually 10 - 20 minutes.

Using a leash indoors can offer supervision for a dog that isn't fully housetrained. Good luck using yours.