Mary Allen
Introduction: Understanding the Issue of Small Dogs and Housebreaking
Housebreaking a dog is an essential part of pet ownership. It involves teaching the dog to eliminate outside or in a designated spot, rather than inside the house. However, many small dog owners find housebreaking to be a challenging task. Small dogs can be difficult to housebreak due to several reasons, including their small bladder capacity, high metabolism, short digestive tracts, and high energy levels.
Reason 1: Small Bladder Capacity in Small Dogs
One of the primary reasons small dogs are challenging to housebreak is their small bladder capacity. Smaller dogs have a smaller bladder, which means they need to urinate more frequently than larger dogs. This can make it difficult for them to hold their bladder for extended periods, and they may need to go out more frequently. Puppies, in particular, have smaller bladders and may need to be taken out every hour or so to avoid accidents inside the house.
To address this issue, pet owners can take their small dogs out more frequently and try to establish a consistent routine. This can help the dog understand when it’s time to go outside and reduce the likelihood of accidents inside the house. It’s also essential to praise the dog when they eliminate outside and avoid punishing them for accidents inside the house. Punishing the dog can create fear and anxiety, making housebreaking even more challenging.