Owning a dog is one of the best experiences one will ever have. Considered the most popular pet in the world, dogs have been with humans for some 15,000 years or so. However, bad ownership has led to the thousands of dogs to be left alone on the streets. Dog pounds are full and the lack of resources for nutrition and medicine for these poor, abandoned animals always result to euthanasia or mercy killing. Dog behavioral training is another matter.

Responsible dog ownership boils down to training your dog. Dogs are kept for several reasons: farming, companionship, for the blind, night watch, and etcetera. What ever the purpose of dog ownership is, every owner should be responsible in training the dog to let it serve its purpose. Failure to so will just lead to bad chemistry between dog and owner. Of course, if the owner does not want his dog anymore, chances are he'll put it up for sale or adoption. And the next owner, realizing that the dog has bad habits, will do the same until the dog ends up in the streets.

What I want to address here is dog potty training. Dog housebreaking is essential and should be started while the dog is still young-while a puppy. Old dogs are difficult to teach. Always remember, puppies have the mentality that if they want to do something, they will do it anywhere and anytime. This includes all things that they do: eliminating, peeing, eating, playing, and sleeping. As animals, they do not really have manners. It is us humans who have these requirements, so patience is here is of essence.

First, you as the owner must decide the appropriate place for the dog to eliminate before moving on to the actual dog potty training. Once the owner has decided for the right spot, he may move on to further potty training.

Normally, owners let their dogs eliminate in their own crate. This is fine as long as the crate is big enough for the dog to sleep in one end and eliminate in the other. Often times, dog will not want to eliminate in the same place where they sleep or eat. If you want your dog to eliminate in the garden or backyard, you need a leash to guide your dog. A leash is useful to keep the dog close at hand and controllable. Puppies are inquisitive animals. A simple thing like a rolling dust can take its mind of the business of eliminating. A simple pull of the leash will keep the puppy in place and remind it that it has unfinished business.

Once the puppy has eliminated in the right place, never forget to praise it and offer a reward or a treat. This will let the puppy associate food and praises to its action: eliminating in the right spot.

One last thing: use a word to associate to eliminating. Your dog should be able to associate the words with the action. This means you will have to repeat the words several times. And with several, I mean hundred times until such time your dog gets it. You may say "Go potty" or "Go poopoo." Once the dog does the action, include praising words with your choice of potty command. This way, you dog will understand what "go potty" means.

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