Many experienced dog owners would say that to have a lasting relationship with your pet dog, you have undergo a housebreaking process with your dog. What does housebreaking your dog exactly mean? It simply means that you have to train your pet dog so that he doesn't become a source of problems in your home. Housebreaking your dog means helping your dog get rid of undesirable behavior patterns. If not checked at its early stage, your dog may develop many habits that might prove undesirable to you and your family.

Potty training is one of the areas where you can housebreak your dog. Your dog needs to be trained in this area. Dogs by nature have sanitary instinct. They want to dispose of their waste as far from the place where they eat and sleep. Once they pick a particular place to do their potty, they'll make it a habit to go to that place to take care of their business each time, so to speak. Teaching your dog where to potty can be a relatively easy task. You can do it two or three times and immediately your dog will be able to catch on to it.

After feeding your dog, try to observe the dog for 30 minutes or so. He'll soon become restless, acting like he's trying to find something. Bring your dog to where you want your dog to pee and poop. Wait for a while. It may take your dog some time to actually potty in this spot if it's a new spot. Your dog won't be able to hold it any longer and he'll eventually go potty. The next day, repeat the procedure. After several days, you'll notice that even if you don't take your dog to his potty spot, he'll go there on his own to take care of his business.

How long until your dog is housebroken actually depends on your dog's personality and on how dedicated you are to making sure your dog gets trained. If you're dog is still a puppy, it's very important that you put in more time and effort into the housebreaking process. Remember that your dog will only learn if you provide it with consistent training. Keep in mind too that dogs learn better when you use the reward system. If your dog does something good -- such as pottying at the right spot -- praise him right away. Pat him on the head and say, "Good doggy." Do this each time your dog does something right. He'll associate the task with the praise.

If your dog disobeys you or does something bad during the housebreaking process, let him know right away that what he did was wrong. Issue a strong and firm, "No." Never hit your dog or yell at him. Avoid using harsh treatment on your dog as much as possible. You may be able to get him to follow your commands with a harsh treatment, but it isn't really the right way to earn your dog's obedience.