If you have ever wanted to get a dog, but were afraid of the training aspect of it- don’t worry. There are secrets of house training a dog that will make things a lot easier. You just have to be willing to practice three things: patience, diligence and kindness.

One great method is associating a word, such as “potty” or “outside”, with your trips out. If you get the dog used to hearing one particular word and go to the door that you would like for them to use at the same time, they will learn. Every dog loves association and when they can associate a task with a command you’re teaching them.

Some people use the kenneling method to train. This is where you put the dog in a confined area until it is time to go out. The dog will instinctively not want to go in their home so they will be forced to hold it. But be careful with this technique. A dog does not know that you are taking them out soon so you have to start out with frequent trips and slowly increase the time in between trips.

There are some that rely on paper training to teach their canine. This is when you put paper down and teach the dog to go on the paper. Then you shorten the distance to the door with each trip until the dog is at the door. This is not a very reliable method since it involves catching the dog every time they have to go. If you are not there when they are ready they may not associate going on the paper. This method requires more time and attention that most people are willing to give.

Whichever approach you use, just remember that they respond to positive actions. Each time they do right, you need to commend them so that they know it was right. Dogs are going to have some accidents, but remember that it isn’t the end of the world. There are some secrets of house training a dog, but the real secret applies to the humans teaching them. And that is, if you want positive results then be positive towards them, and they will reward you with unconditional love and affection.